The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) has issued a statement to its 350 members and other interested parties, recommending alternative treatment considerations in the wake of the worldwide recall of Merck's rofecoxib, (Vioxx(R)) last week.
"With millions of Canadians being affected by the Vioxx withdrawal, we believe it is important to provide their health professionals with important considerations when prescribing alternatives," explained CRA President Michel Zummer, MD, FRCPC. The statement has been posted on the CRA web site (www.cra- scr.ca) and has been issued to medical and pharmacy associations across the country.
The CRA statement recommends that all patients taking Vioxx, a cyclooxygenase II selective inhibitor (Coxib), discontinue its use and contact their prescribing physician about an alternative, which may include another coxib or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication. It also urges physicians and pharmacists to make all possible efforts to arrange for their patients to discontinue Vioxx.
While there is no published evidence as to ideal alternative treatments, the CRA urges health professionals to consider the following when making a decision to switch their patient to another analgesic, such as a NSAID or another Coxib: