Patients Seeking Alternatives after Vioxx® Recall

On September 30, 2004, pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck voluntarily recalled the arthritis drug Vioxx from the market, after results from a clinical trial indicated patients taking the drug had an increased risk of potentially deadly cardiovascular side effects.Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was being studied for its potential effect on colon polyp recurrence in people who had previously been diagnosed with colon polyps; however, researchers found the risk of a heart attack or stroke doubled in patients taking Vioxx for 18 months.

Vioxx, also marketed in other countries as Ceoxx, is a COX-2 inhibitor-a drug that reduces inflammation by specifically inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme. Inhibition of only the COX-2 enzyme, instead of both COX-1 and COX-2 like most NSAIDs, was thought to suppress inflammation without causing gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding, which often occurs with the use of NSAIDs. Studies indicated Vioxx caused less gastrointestinal problems than NSAIDs, but a 2000 study also noted increased risk of serious cardiovascular events in patients taking Vioxx. Two years later (April 2002), FDA mandated labeling changes reflecting the increased cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, other studies also suggested increased cardiovascular risk.

The recall of Vioxx has left patients who had benefited from the drug searching for alternatives. Many are looking for either another drug or a nutritional supplement with similar attributes.

Research has demonstrated glucosamine sulfate is beneficial to joint structures, most likely by providing the substrate needed for creating joint glycosaminoglycans. MSM supplies sulfur molecules necessary for joint structures, while traditional botanicals such as devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and curcumin (from turmeric - Curcuma longa) inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and have been found to have significant anti-inflammatory activity. Boswellia serrata is a unique botanical, as it inhibits the pro-inflammatory 5-lipoxygenase enzyme.

For more information on natural anti-inflammatories, read the following articles from Alternative Medicine Review:

Parcell S. Sulfur in Human Nutrition

Kelly GS. The Role of Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfates in the Treatment of Degenerative Joint Disease


Gaby A. Alternative Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis