Vioxx Often Used Longer Than Recommended

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http://health.yahoo.com/search/healthnews?lb=s&p=id%3A60573

Many people who take Vioxx (rofecoxib) at a dose of 50 milligrams daily seem

to be exceeding the recommended treatment period, new research suggests.

Previous reports have indicated that long-term use of this high dose may

increase the risk of high blood pressure and related problems.

As a treatment for arthritis, Vioxx is approved for long-term use at a dose

of 12.5 or 25 milligrams per day. In contrast, the 50-milligram dose is only

approved for the treatment of acute pain and should not be used for longer

than five days.

Yet, in the current study, 71 percent of high-dose users filled 30-day

prescriptions...