Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease in which the body's immune system attacks the joints, ultimately destroying them and rendering them immobile. The disease affects approximately one percent of the world's population, and occurs more often in men than in women.

About Rofecoxib and MSD
Rofecoxib has been approved by regulatory agencies in more than 60 countries for treating the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, pain and inflammation, based on efficacy and safety studies involving nearly 4,000 patients during the clinical development of this important new therapy. To date, more than 33 million prescriptions have been written for rofecoxib in the United States alone.

Common side effects reported in osteoarthritis clinical trials with rofecoxib included upper-respiratory infection, diarrhea, and nausea. People who have had an allergic reaction to rofecoxib, aspirin or NSAIDs should not take rofecoxib. Safety and effectiveness in children below the age of 18 have not been studied.

In the Philippines, rofecoxib has been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drug for the treatment of the acute and chronic signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arrthritis, the relief of pain, and the treatment of menstrual pain. Rofecoxib is a prescription medicine. Patients are encouraged to always consult their doctor.

Merck and & Co., Inc. which operates in many countries as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), is a global, research-driven pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of human health products.