How can an arthritis drug lead to heart attack and stroke?
Scientists say they are not sure. However, several studies have indicated that Vioxx and other COX-2 inhibitors are known to raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack. Drugs such as Vioxx and Pfizer’s Celebrex inhibit Cox-2, an enzyme that triggers pain and inflammation. Vioxx has also been associated with several other life-threatening side effects, including blood clots, angina and nonbacterial meningitis, severe intestinal damage, ulcerations and bleeding, and kidney damage. Back to Vioxx FAQs What are the side effects of Vioxx? Vioxx side effects may include, but are not limited to, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, swelling of the lower extremities (legs and/or feet), high blood pressure, itching, stomach ulcers or bleeding, fatigue, vomiting, dark urine, and black stools. In addition to increasing risk of heart attack and stroke, patients taking Vioxx were found to be four times more likely to suffer from heart attack than those taki
