Alternatives for Vioxx users

Former Vioxx users can now switch to the painkiller, Celebrex which may be safe for some patients who suffer from chronic bone and joint pain. Even though similar drugs come with dangerous side effects, Celebrex is relatively safe.

Vioxx was pulled out from the market over safety concerns but Celebrex, a similar painkiller is still sold. Three researchers at Harvard examined 114 clinical trials of Vioxx and other drugs and found that Vioxx was linked to substantially higher rates of increased blood pressure than was Celebrex.

A study conducted by Australian researchers reveals that Vioxx could raise the risks of cardiovascular problems, particularly heart attack, within one month of use. It also said that celecoxib -- sold as Celebrex by Pfizer Inc. -- was not associated with heart problems at a dose no greater than 200 milligrams a day.

Although the Food and Drug Administration has said that Vioxx, also known as rofecoxib, can return to the market with restrictions, Merck is yet to bring it back. Another analysis showed that the drug increased the risk of suffering renal problems and heart arrhythmia.

About 30,000 people have sued Merck, saying they or members of their families had heart attacks or strokes after taking Vioxx. But Merck maintained that it did not think Vioxx was more dangerous than other painkillers.

The study also raised serious questions about the safety of diclofenac, an older analgesic drug which is sold more in Europe than the United States.

“Diclofenac seems to share this risk and, unlike celecoxib, it appears to be harmful at commonly used doses. We believe there are grounds for reviewing its regulatory status," the report added.

Naproxen, sold as Aleve, is a safe and effective treatment, according to the studies. Doctors also recommend Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) and Acetomenophen (Tylenol) to treat joint pain.