Information for Vioxx Patients

Merck Voluntarily Withdraws VIOXX

Dear VIOXX Patient:

Merck & Co., Inc. announced today a voluntary withdrawal of VIOXX^®. This decision is based on new data from a three-year clinical study. In this study, there was an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients taking VIOXX 25 mg compared to those taking placebo (sugar pill). While the incidence of CV events was low, there was an increased risk beginning after 18 months of treatment. The cause of the clinical study result is uncertain, but our commitment to our patients is clear.

Patients who are currently taking VIOXX should contact their health care providers to discuss discontinuing use of VIOXX and possible alternative treatments. In addition, patients and health care professionals may obtain information from merck.com and vioxx.com or may call 1-888-368-4699.

Merck will reimburse all patients for their unused VIOXX. All dosage strengths and formulations of VIOXX are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. Information can be found at vioxx.com or at 1-888-368-4699.

Merck is notifying physicians and pharmacists and has informed the Food and Drug Administration of this decision.

We are taking this action because we believe it best serves the interests of patients. That is why we undertook this clinical trial to better understand the safety profile of VIOXX. And it’s why we instituted this voluntary withdrawal upon learning about these data.

Be assured that Merck will continue to do everything we can to maintain the safety of our medicines.

Raymond V. Gilmartin,
Chairman, President & CEO

Click here to read more.

Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

1. Why is Merck withdrawing VIOXX?

   Merck & Co., Inc., is voluntarily withdrawing VIOXX^® (rofecoxib) effective immediately based on new data from a 3-year clinical study. In this study, there was an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, such as heart attack and stroke, in the patients taking VIOXX 25 mg compared to those taking placebo (sugar pill). There was an increased risk beginning after 18 months of treatment.

2. What should I do if I’ve been taking VIOXX?

   Patients who are currently taking VIOXX should contact their healthcare providers to discuss discontinuing use of VIOXX and possible alternative treatments.

3. What should I do with my VIOXX tablets?

   Merck will reimburse patients for unused VIOXX tablets. You should retain your tablets. Reimbursement information is posted on this website.

4. Will the company reimburse me for unused VIOXX?

   Yes. Merck will reimburse patients for unused VIOXX tablets.

5. How do I get reimbursement for unused VIOXX?

   Information on what patients need to do for reimbursement is posted on this website.

6. What do I do if I have more questions about VIOXX?

   Contact your healthcare provider to discuss questions you have about VIOXX and to discuss your medical condition.

Click here to read more.

Instructions for Patients

These instructions are specifically for patients. Other customers, such as Pharmacies and Wholesalers/Distributors, will receive separate instructions on how to return product and receive credit.

This information is also available on www.vioxx.com and www.merck.com

Instructions for patients on how to receive refund for unused VIOXX

Merck will reimburse patients for unused VIOXX^® (rofecoxib).

Patients seeking a refund should return any unused VIOXX tablets and oral suspension via regular US mail to the following address:

Patients must include the following information when returning any unused VIOXX tablets and oral suspension:

1. Name, address, and phone number
2. Unused product in its original pharmacy packaging
3. Pharmacy receipt corresponding to returned product

Patients will receive a full refund of the price paid as reflected on their pharmacy receipt, plus the cost of shipping via regular US mail.

Click here to read more.