Vioxx® is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is indicated for the following; relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; managing acute pain in adults; and treating dysmenorrheal and acute migraines.

Global sales of Vioxx® totaled $2.55 billion in 2003.

Side effects associated with Vioxx® include heart attack and other heart-related problems like angina (chest pains), stroke or mini-stroke (TIAs), blood clotting and kidney disease.

On September 30, 2004, the drug manufacturer, Merck & Company, Inc., withdrew Vioxx from the market based on the results of a new study which plainly revealed the negative cardiovascular effects caused by Vioxx. There is significant evidence that the company knew of these adverse effects long before it withdrew the drug from the market.