According to Dr. Steven Nissen, the interim chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, the risk of heart problems continue on for at least a year after Vioxx is last taken. In fact, the results of a large study suggest that more than increased clotting results from Vioxx use. The drug may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems by doing long-lasting damage to the arteries, perhaps by increasing the buildup of plaque in them.

Risks associated with prescription drugs that purport to alleviate arthritis pain are causing increasing concern, suggesting sufferers should consider safer effective nutraceuticals to fight arthritis .