Vioxx and NSAID Internal Bleeding Internal bleeding can sometimes occur without the person noticing it. This type of bleeding is called occult or hidden and the chances of a person suffering from internal bleeding are greatly increased if they are on Vioxx or other forms of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs.  Internal bleeding if not properly treated or diagnosed can be fatal.  Vioxx, a drug produced by Merick & Co., has been recently pulled from the shelf due to a study that has shown Vioxx to increase the chance of a heart attack by 27 percent, and can double the chance of internal bleeding in users.  Provided below are the parts of the body where internal bleeding most commonly occurs due to the use of NSAIDs and Vioxx: NSAIDs and Vioxx can cause enlarged veins (varices) and the lower end of the esophagus may rupture and bleed massively. The most common cause of these enlarged veins is cirrhosis of the liver or liver damage that was caused by the NSIADs.  Aspirin, aspirin-containing medicines, and various other medicines (particularly those used for arthritis) can cause stomach ulcers or inflammation (gastritis) that can lead to internal bleeding in the stomach and intestine.  Common source of bleeding from the upper digestive tract is ulcers in the duodenum (the upper small intestine). Duodenal ulcers are most commonly caused by drugs such as aspirin or NSAIDs (Vioxx) 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