| MedlinePlus Drug Information: Rofecoxib |
 | | Merck & Co., Inc. announced a voluntary withdrawal of rofecoxib (Vioxx) from the U.S. and worldwide market due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on rofecoxib. |
 | | Rofecoxib is used to relieve the pain, tenderness, inflammation (swelling), and stiffness caused by arthritis and to treat painful menstrual periods and pain from other causes. |
 | | Rofecoxib is in a class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) called COX-2 inhibitors. |
| www.nlm.nih.gov /medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a699046.html (752 words) |