Ask a Healer Prescription Drug Series

Vioxx Recalled Due to Blood Clot Risks

Prescription Drug Recalls Information - Important facts about the prescription drugs you may have taken
© Neva J Howell, All Rights Reserved

Why was Vioxx recalled by Merck? Because, along with relieving arthritis pain, Vioxx increased potential for blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Amazingly, the FDA issued a health warning on Vioxx but did not demand a recall. Merck recalled Vioxx on their own.

Interestingly enough, the recall seems to have followed the results of a three-year trial called APPROVE, an acronym standing for Ademomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx. It's interesting because the study wasn't even about blood clots, heart attacks or stroke but about the effect of Vioxx on recurrent polyps in the large intestine. However, the study revealed cardiovascular risks deemed unacceptable compared to benefit so Merck issued the recall.

Was there a cover-up by Merck?

Drug Recalls that should be happening but are not

Viagra and Levitra; a good time at what cost?

If you read the information on the FDA website, you will read that it is not known whether or not these products cause a loss of eyesight but that a "small number" of men who took them lost their eyesight. That's a very unscientific number, "a small amount", isn't it?

There have been several sources that reported deaths by viagra in the hundreds, including a report from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center which reported over 500 deaths to the FDA. What is notable is how many of the men dying after taking viagra were young with no prior heart conditions.

I honestly thought Viagra had been recalled but I see that Pfizer, the company that makes Viagra, has just added warnings about vision loss and sudden cardiac death, heart attacks and hypertension.

Oh, is that all?

It's interesting to note that Pfiser is also the manufacturer of the recalled prescription drugs Bextra and the "on the verge of recall" Celebrex. Pfiser has issued a black box warning on celebrex.

Levitra has also not been recalled yet either, although I keep hearing that it has been. Vision loss cases are linked to use of Levitra too.

Do you know the number one cause of staph infections in hospitals?


Taking Herbal Remedies and Prescription Drugs Together

Health Care Disclaimer: This prescription drug recalls information is provided for those who may have taken Vioxx, Viagra or Levitra and who were affected by the recall of those prescription drugs or had their health compromised by taking those drugs.

Please consult with your lawyer regarding recourse for physical damage and please check with your doctor regarding questions you may have about health risks associated with having taken these drugs, as well as the best replacement option.