Name:	Rofecoxib
Other Names:	Vioxx™
Therapy Types:	pharmacological
Mechanisms:	anti-inflammatory
Development Status:	investigational in U.S.
FDA Phase:	Inactive
Primary Medical Role:	Approved by FDA in 1999 for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Also used for the management of acute pain and for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Role in Alzheimer's Disease:	May slow the rate of cognitive deterioration by decreasing inflammation in the brain.
Pharmacological Role:	A selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities in animal models. The mechanism of action of rofecoxib is believed to be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, via inhibition of cyclooxygenase- 2 (COX-2). At therapeutic concentrations in humans, Rofecoxib does not inhibit the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) isoenzyme.
Contraindications:	VIOXX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to rofecoxib or any other component of VIOXX. VIOXX should not be given to patients who have experienced asthma, urticaria, or allergic-type reactions after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs. Severe, rarely fatal, anaphylactic-like reactions to NSAIDs have been reported in such patients.
Side Effects:	Liver damage, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn, swelling of the lower legs or feet, high blood pressure, and others.
Companies:	Merck & Co., Inc.
Notes:	See latest news from the 2002 World Alzheimer Congress. See Medline Plus Drug Information: Rofecoxib [MedMaster] and Rofecoxib (Systemic) [USP DI]. Testing of Rofecoxib for Alzheimer Disease has been discontinued. This record was updated Dec 19, 2008.

References

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