 Despite
mounting evidence on the negative side effects of high-dose consumption
of the arthritis pain reliever, Vioxx, doctors continue to prescribe
the drug.
Study on Vioxx Users
- Participants of the study were over the age of 49 and taking
a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
- Out of 40,000 participants, 10,000 were prescribed Vioxx
- Over 1,000 of that number were taking high-doses of Vioxx
Experts stated that 25 mgs has been the recommended dosage for
long-term use for Vioxx. Research showed 50 mg dosages were not
any more effective at helping with chronic pain than the lower doses.
Higher doses also contributed to an increased risk of heart attacks.
Since 1992, red flags have been raised over the high dosages and
dangerous side effects associated with Vioxx.
High dose-Vioxx has been linked to a variety of health conditions
such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks, raised blood pressure
and a growing number of cases of edema, a swelling found in the
arms or legs that can weigh heavily on the heart.
Other conditions related to high dose Vioxx include stress on the
kidney, which causes fluid retention, edema and elevated blood pressure.
Some doctors are against prescribing Vioxx to patients who are
in the high-risk category for developing high blood pressure, due
to the likelihood the drug could cause a rise in blood pressure.
On the contrary, other doctors continue to downplay the drug's ability
to induce negative side effects such as edema, hypertension and
heart failure.
EurekAlert
July 13, 2004
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