Rofecoxib (Vioxx) Merck & Co., Inc. announced a voluntary withdrawal of rofecoxib 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 a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by FDA in May 1999 for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. Rofecoxib was later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.    FDA Press Release FDA Public Health Advisory: Safety of Vioxx Vioxx (rofecoxib) Questions and Answers  Source: (C) Copyright FDA - 2004. All rights reserved Find a Vioxx Lawyer Vioxx Resources Merck Merck Clarifies Number of Patients and Prescriptions for VIOXX Merck Announces Voluntary Worldwide Withdrawal of VIOXX Merck Vioxx U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration Vioxx Center FDA Public Health Advisory on Vioxx FDA Vioxx Questions and Answers U.S. Food and Drug Administration