Arthritis drug fears sparks EU probe
Other drugs that may act in the same way as Vioxx are known as cyclooxygenase-2 or COX-2 Inhibitors, which are more ‘stomach friendly’ alternatives to traditional pain relief drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Following a number of adverse reports after Vioxx became available in Britain in 1999, the European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products examined the safety of COX-2 drugs. In 2003 it concluded the balance of the risks and benefits of the products remained positive but recommended strengthening existing warnings about underlying cardiovascular risks.
