US bans painkiller, docs here don't know

NEW DELHI: The next time your doctor prescribes a painkiller, take a close look at the brand name. A commonly used painkiller was withdrawn on Thursday as it could lead to heart attacks and strokes. A day after, it was still in circulation in India.
Some common brand names under which the drug is sold are Rofib, Roff, Rofibax, Rofiz, Toroxx, Rofixx, Rofibin Forte, Roflam, Rofica and Roflash.At least 62 brands of this drug are sold here. It is primarily prescribed for arthritis patients.
In the US, pharma company Merck took the drug - with the generic name of Rofecoxib - off pharmacy shelves and patients were advised to discontinue its use.
In India, however, senior members of medical associations as well as members of ethical committees were unaware of its side-effects.
A member of Delhi Medical Council, Dr V K Monga, told The Times of India the drug is safe to use. The Delhi Medical Council registers all medical practitioners in Delhi and examines issues concerning medical ethics and conduct.
"It is commonly prescribed. It reduces pain and swelling and safe when compared to previously available painkillers," Monga said.