Responding to the Vioxx Withdrawal

As a result of Merck & Co.'s decision to withdraw Vioxx from pharmacies, our pharmacy will no longer be supplying this product to our patients.

Why has Vioxx been withdrawn?

Vioxx is a prescription drug used to relieve acute pain, such as the signs and symptoms of arthritis. The voluntary decision to withdraw Vioxx was based on the evidence of a new clinical trial which showed this medication may cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke in chronic users.

Patients currently taking Vioxx

Prescriptions for Vioxx can no longer be filled, and patients taking Vioxx are advised to discuss alternative drug options, with their physicians.

If you have ordered Vioxx from our pharmacy, do not use it; return it to us and we will credit your account the retail price for the number of pills returned of the medication Vioxx, MINUS the $40 USD for handling of the return. There are NO refunds on shipping fees.

To receive your credit, follow these instructions:

1. Your order is currently being shipped.
   
   If Vioxx is the only item in your order, refuse the shipment. The package will be returned to our pharmacy and your order will be credited.
   
   If Vioxx is not the only item in your order, receive your order, remove the Vioxx prescription and send it to our pharmacy via regular U.S. mail. For customs purposes, identify the Vioxx package as "returned medical supplies" and place a zero monetary value on it.
2. You have already received your order
   
   Send all unused Vioxx (including opened packages) to our pharmacy via regular U.S. mail. For customs purposes, identify the Vioxx package as "returned medical supplies" and place a zero monetary value on it.
   
   Note: All Vioxx packages must be returned by regular U.S. mail. Our pharmacy will not apply a general discount for FEDEX, UPS, or any other expedited courier service.
   
   Our pharmacy will continue to provide the most professional, safe pharmacy service possible, and keep our patients informed of new issues and developments in the pharmaceutical industry.

Further information

For more information on the Vioxx withdrawal, visit our news area. For general information go to www.merck.com and www.vioxx.com, or phone 1-888-36VIOXX (1-888-368-4699). If you have a question for our pharmacy, contact us.

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