[madprof98]

My elderly father has been in agony ever since Vioxx was withdrawn from the market. The doctors recommended operations on his knees, hardly a reasonable option at his advanced age. Fortunately, he saved several months' supply of Vioxx and began taking it again. He feels better than he has in months. Some risks, frankly, are worth taking.

[jimfree]

My elderly father has been in agony ever since Vioxx was withdrawn from the market. The doctors recommended operations on his knees, hardly a reasonable option at his advanced age. Fortunately, he saved several months' supply of Vioxx and began taking it again. He feels better than he has in months. Some risks, frankly, are worth taking.

My 83 y/o dad suffers from arthritis. Vioxx and similar drugs were magic for him. Sadly they have been or are being withdrawn. I suspect another cause for the deaths.

[Orange Krush]

I agree.

Weigh the risks and make the choice.

I was on Vioxx for severe osteoarthritis for about 6 months before it was pulled from the market. It really worked. I was then put on Celebrex which didn't work nearly as well and finally bit the bullet and had my hip replaced.

How long I would have gone on Vioxx is open for debate but had I been a poor candidate for surgery then I would have been stuck with Celebrex.

There is a lot of hype about Vioxx so I don't know that we have the total picture yet.

If this is one settlement for one plaintiff then the drug company is going to get hit really hard and the cost of all drugs is going to go up.

[Sans-Culotte]

I am a back pain sufferer, and vioxx was like a wonder drug for me. I used to make an "ouch" sound every time I sat or stood, or got in and out of a car. After going on vioxx, I realized I was making the "ouch" sound out of habit, and that there was no more (or very little) "ouch" anymore. I was on it for several years, and the orthopedic doc had me take an aspirin with it to minimize any potential heart problems. I, too stashed away about a month's worth.

For some, it's worth the risk to ease the pain. Nothing is w/o side effects. I still think the drug needed to be studies under more controlled circumstances. How many people who died were elderly and suffering from heart problems already?

My doctor now prescribes a different anti-inflammatory drug called mobic. It helps, but not as well as vioxx.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Some risks, frankly, are worth taking.

It is a quality of life thing. My mother suffers from osteoarthritis. Vioxx was the only thing she could take. Now she lives in daily pain.

My problem is more minor as I only needed it occasionally but when I do oh boy do I need it.

I now have the option of the totally useless over the counter stuff or the mind dulling stuff.

Whee! I can either have my brain dulled from pain or from drugs. Oh joy!

[AUsome Joy]

I took Vioxx also for a short time for pain and after the recommended doses, the pain was gone. It was a great drug for me.

[Dont Mention the War]

They still make Celebrex; they just don't advertise it any more.