PATIENTS TAKING VIOXX® ENCOURAGED TO CONTACT THEIR DOCTOR

(Toronto, Ontario) – September 30, 2004 – The Arthritis Society encourages patients who are currently taking VIOXX® to contact their doctor to discuss discontinuing the use of VIOXX,® and possible alternative medications.
 
The Arthritis Society continues to focus on the health and well being of the four million Canadians who live with arthritis. The announcement by Merck & Co., Inc. to voluntarily withdraw VIOXX® will certainly be of concern to those patients who are currently taking this particular medication to relieve the symptoms of their arthritis.

The side effects of VIOXX®, as is the case with many other medications, need to be considered by patients, and their doctors, based on individual needs – and risk factors – of each patient. Fortunately, there are other medications, ones that are not affected by the decision today, that are still available to people living with arthritis. 

“Merck Frosst deserves credit for making what must have been a very difficult decision corporately,” said John Fleming, the CEO of the Arthritis Society. “This is a decision that has clearly been made with the best interests of patients in mind.” Fleming went on to say that, “Merck Frosst has been a strong supporter of the work of The Arthritis Society, particularly with regards to increasing awareness about this painful and debilitating disease.
 
Merck Frosst Canada has advised The Arthritis Society that it will reimburse patients for unused VIOXX® tablets. More information will be posted on their Website in the next few days. Patients may obtain information from Merck Frosst Canada by calling 1-800-567-2594 or going to www.merckfrosst.ca 

The Arthritis Society Website (www.arthritis.ca ) and the Arthritis Information Line (1 800 321 1433) will continue to be a reliable source of information for people living with arthritis. 

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For more information, please contact:

Vicky Henderson, Director
National Communications and Public Relations
The Arthritis Society
Tel: 905.979.3353 ext 353
E-mail:vhenderson@arthritis.ca

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 12/20/2007