What is Vioxx?

Rofecoxib, the chemical name of the active ingredient in Vioxx, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for the treatment of osteoarthritis, menstrual pain and acute pain in adults. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is in a class of drugs commonly referred to as a "Cox-2 inhibitor".

Used to reduce pain and inflammation (swelling and soreness), Vioxx is available in tablet or liquid form. It is commonly prescribed for:

• relief of osteoarthritis (the arthritis caused by age-related "wear and tear" on bones and joints)
• relief of rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• management of acute pain in adults (like the short-term pain you can get after a dental or surgical operation)
• treatment of menstrual pain (pain during women's monthly periods).