How long was vioxx on the market?

How long was Vioxx (rofecoxib) available to the public?

Vioxx was on the market for about 5 years, from its 1999 launch until it was withdrawn in 2004. The drug was pulled after safety concerns emerged, particularly related to cardiovascular risks. [1]

Why did Vioxx leave the market in 2004?

Merck withdrew Vioxx from the market in 2004 following findings and concerns that the medication increased the risk of heart attack and stroke compared with placebo/alternative treatments used at the time. [1]

What counts as “on the market” dates—approval vs. launch vs. withdrawal?

“On the market” is typically described using the period when the product was actively sold (launch to withdrawal). For Vioxx, that sales window is generally reported as 1999–2004. [1]

What replaced Vioxx after it was withdrawn?

After Vioxx’s withdrawal, patients and clinicians shifted toward other pain and inflammation options in the same general class (COX-2 inhibitors and/or other NSAIDs), but the specific alternatives varied by patient and risk profile. The key point is that Vioxx itself was no longer marketed after 2004. [1]

Sources

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vioxx