Study Could Explain Vioxx Side-effects
A group of researchers said they may have unlocked the mystery to the life-threatening side effects that Vioxx and related pain medications can cause. According to the new study, blocking Cox-2 in mice also stimulated the production of a protein called tissue factor, or TF, which initiates blood clotting. As heart attacks and strokes are often triggered by blood clots, it is possible that the production of TF is in part responsible for the drug’s adverse side-effects in humans. With this new data, it is theoretically possible to treat people safely with Vioxx and other Cox-2 inhibitors if existing TF-blocking drugs are given simultaneously.