Rofecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (
NSAID) that has now been withdrawn over safety concerns. It was marketed by
Merck & Co. to treat
osteoarthritis,
acute pain conditions, and
dysmenorrhea. Rofecoxib was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 20, 1999, and was marketed under the
brand names Vioxx,
Ceoxx, and
Ceeoxx.