I wonder if Canadian officials are just as conflicted and blind about drug safety as the FDA, especially after learning a Health Canada advisory committee recommended by a nearly unanimous 12-1 vote to allow Merck's deadly Cox-2 inhibitor Vioxx back on the market there today.
The sole dissenting expert believed Vioxx to be a greater cardiovascular risk -- especially at higher doses -- than Celebrex, which was also allowed to remain on the Canadian market in a unanimous vote. In one odd move, however, the Health Canada advisory committee voted 8-5 to maintain its ban on Bextra.
Believe me, it's no consolation Merck's evil behavior, and that of most other mega-drug companies, knows no boundaries, no borders.
Still, there's plenty of safer, healthier and far less expensive options at your disposal to treat your pain. Here are a few for you to consider:
USA Today July 7, 2005
Canada.com July 7, 2005