What is "rofecoxib"

rofecoxib \rofecoxib\ (Chem. & Med.) A chemical substance ( C17H14O4S, molecular weight 314.36) used in medicine as an analgesic to alleviate pain and inflammation; it is a synthetic compound, and is marketed by Merck & Co. under the trade name Vioxx, in tablets giving dosages of 12.5 or 25 milligrams. It is classed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Chemically, it is 4-[4-(methylsulfony)phenyl]-3-phenyl-2(5H) furanone. Its chemical structure contains two phenyl rings and a furanone ring. It is believed to act by inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis, through inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2); unlike aspirin, it does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-

n. A particular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

n. a Cox-2 inhibitor (trade name Vioxx) that relieves pain without harming the digestive tract [syn: Vioxx]

Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) that has now been withdrawn over safety concerns. It was marketed by Merck & Co. to treat osteoarthritis, acute pain conditions, and dysmenorrhea. Rofecoxib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 20, 1999, and was marketed under the brand names Vioxx, Ceoxx, and Ceeoxx.

Rofecoxib gained widespread acceptance among physicians treating patients with arthritis and other conditions causing chronic or acute pain. Worldwide, over 80 million people were prescribed rofecoxib at some time.

On September 30, 2004, Merck withdrew rofecoxib from the market because of concerns about increased risk of heart attack and stroke associated with long-term, high-dosage use. Merck withdrew the drug after disclosures that it withheld information about rofecoxib's risks from doctors and patients for over five years, resulting in between 88,000 and 140,000 cases of serious heart disease. Rofecoxib was one of the most widely used drugs ever to be withdrawn from the market. In the year before withdrawal, Merck had sales revenue of US$2.5 billion from Vioxx. Merck reserved $970 million to pay for its Vioxx-related legal expenses through 2007, and has set aside $4.85bn for legal claims from US citizens.

Rofecoxib was available on prescription in both tablet-form and as an oral suspension. It was available by injection for hospital use.