Journal's Vioxx Article Correction Suggests Earlier Cardiovascular Risk

BOSTON - The withdrawn painkiller Vioxx may cause cardiovascular problems in patients taking it for less than 18 months, according to a recent correction to an article on a key study in the New England Journal of Medicine that disputes Merck & Co. Inc.'s contention that the drug is safe for short-term use.

The original article outlining the results of the APPROVe clinical study, which was funded by Merck, appeared in the March 17, 2005, issue of NEJM. Early data from the study's statistical analysis showed a two-fold increased risk of heart problems in Vioxx patients after at least 18 …