The Hindu Business Line : Ranbaxy asks doctors to prescribe Rofibax only for short-term use

FOLLOWING the withdrawal of painkiller and arthritis drug Vioxx (Rofecoxib) by Merck and Co due to side effects such as heart-attack and stroke, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd has sent out an advisory to physicians urging them to prescribe its version, Rofibax, only for short-term usages.

In a statement, Ranbaxy has pointed out that neither the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) nor any other agency has banned Vioxx and that Merck has voluntarily withdrawn the drug.

"All patients who are currently taking Rofibax should consult their physicians for continuation of their medication," it added.

The company said it recommended physicians to prescribe Rofibax (Rofecoxib) only for short-term usages and to monitor the patients as per the label specifications. Also, it has started studying all available data and would present findings to the relevant Government body with its recommendations.

After long-term evaluation of Vioxx in the treatment of patients with the risk of developing recurrent polyps, Merck had noted, "An increased relative risk for cardiovascular events, beginning after 18 months of treatment in the patients taking Rofecoxib compared to those taking Placebo. The results for the first 18 months of this study did not show any increased risk of confirmed cardiovascular events of Rofecoxib."

As a result of these findings, US-based drugmaker Merck decided to withdraw Rofecoxib, sold under brand Vioxx, on a voluntary basis.

Now, the Drug Controller of General of India (DGCI) would have to take a final decision on the fate of Rofecoxib. There are several generic versions available in the country.

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