Rofecoxib

Rofecoxib is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is no longer available, having been voluntarily withdrawn from the market.

Withdrawn from sale
In 2004, rofecoxib was voluntarily withdrawn from sale by manufacturer Merck because of safety concerns about the increased risk of stroke and heart attack when high doses are used for the long term.

Side effects
Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory precautions is recommended to avoid gastrointestinal side effects. Hepatic and renal dysfunction may occur, and peripheral edema. Central nervous system side effects include "dizziness, headaches, drowsiness and evidence of hypersensitives."

More commonly reported ones are:
 * Gastrointestinal side-effects including bleeding.

More commonly reported ones in children are:

Less commonly reported ones are:

Evidence
Before being withdrawn from the market Rofecoxib was listed as a suggested drug in the Canadian Consensus Criteria for ME/CFS, but it was not highlighted as better in any way in comparison to celecoxib or other NSAIDs.

Dose
A dose of 12.5 to 25 mg daily, if needed, was suggested by the Canadian Consensus Criteria.

Learn more

 * Rofecoxib - DrugBank