Merck Recalls Vioxx Worldwide Over Safety Concerns

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Merck & Co. said Sept. 30 it has initiated a worldwide voluntary withdrawal of its Vioxx (rofecoxib ) pain medication because of heart attack and stroke risks uncovered in a long-term study.

Merck said three-year data from the company's study of 2,600 patients being treated for colorectal polyps showed evidence of confirmed cardiovascular events in patients taking the drug for longer than 18 months. The same effect was not found for study subjects taking the drug for shorter terms, Merck reported. Merck said it was stopping the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx) trial.

Merck Chairman …