UPDATE 1-U.S. FDA says will watch drugs similar to Vioxx
Thu Sep 30, 2004 09:57 AM ET
(Adds additional FDA comments paragraphs 2, 4-5)
WASHINGTON, Sept 30 (Reuters) - U.S. regulators will closely watch drugs in the same class as Merck & Co. Inc.'s (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Vioxx for any signs they might raise the risk of serious heart problems, the Food and Drug Administration said on Thursday.
Patients taking Vioxx should talk to their doctors about alternatives, the FDA said.
Merck withdrew the painkiller worldwide because of a link to heart attacks and strokes. Vioxx is part of a family of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, which includes Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Celebrex.
"All of the NSAID drugs have risks when taken chronically, especially of gastrointestinal bleeding, but also of liver and kidney toxicity. They should only be used continuously under the supervision of a physician," Acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford said in a statement.
Merck officials told the FDA the company had decided to withdraw Vioxx in a meeting on Tuesday, the agency said.
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