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| |  Vioxx (Rofecoxib) Available In Canada In Oral Suspension MONTREAL, QC -- July 17, 2000 -- Vioxx (rofecoxib), a Canadian-discovered drug for arthritis, is the only COX-2 inhibitor medication now available in oral suspension form. This is an important alternative for people with arthritis who have swallowing difficulties. Rofecoxib is approved by Health Canada for the treatment for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) in adults. Swallowing is one of the most complex functions of the body. When muscle movements become slow or uncoordinated, the 'swallow reflex' can become delayed or incomplete. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services, up to 22 per cent of people over the age of 55 have problems swallowing. For some people, tablets can be harder to swallow than liquids which in turn can be a dilemma for physicians in prescribing an appropriate medication. "Physicians now have an additional alternative for those patients who are better off taking their arthritis medicine in liquid form", said Dr. Claire Bombardier, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto and Director, Health Care Research Division, Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Centre, Toronto Hospital. Up to now, naproxen, a traditional NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which is currently one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to relieve the pain and inflammation due to OA, was the only other liquid arthritis medication. The arrival of COX-2 inhibitors, recognized as a better-tolerated type of anti-inflammatory agent,is a significant contribution to the treatment of arthritis. Rofecoxib is the first liquid COX-2 inhibitor developed for people with arthritis. "Merck Frosst made the development of rofecoxib a top priority and we've designed a medication to suit patient needs," said Dr. Elizabeth Vadas, Executive Director, Pharmaceutical Research & Development of Merck Research Laboratories at Merck Frosst Canada & Co. "If a large proportion of patients can't take a medicine, it's not clinically acceptable." Rofecoxib oral suspension is now available by prescription in 12.5 mg/5mL bottles and comes with a convenient, calibrated dosing cup. Rofecoxib is also available in 12.5 mg and 25 mg strength tablet form. Both liquid and tablet forms are bioequivalent (having the same absorption rate means patients will have the same rapid onset of relief regardless of which form they are prescribed). Related links: Vioxx.
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