Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd will continue to market its brand Rofibax (rofecoxib) in the country although Merck decided to withdraw its brand Vioxx voluntarily last week following results of a study showing "an increased relative risk for cardiovascular events beginning after 18 months of treatment in patients taking the drug".

A press release, issued by Ranbaxy said, that the company is currently marketing Rofibax for the treatment of arthritis and acute pain. Ranbaxy has carried out a number of short term clinical studies in India, which showed the drug to be effective without any clinically significant cardio-vascular side effects.

"Ranbaxy would be recommending to all physicians to prescribe Rofibax only for short-term usage and to monitor the patients as per the label specifications. In parallel with this, Ranbaxy has undertaken the commitment to study all available data from all sources and would present these findings to the relevant government body with our recommendations", the release said.

All patients who are currently taking Rofibax (rofecoxib) should consult their physicians for continuation of their medication, the release added.