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Vioxx
Vioxx was voluntarily recalled on September 30, 2004, by drug giant Merck following information that people taking Vioxx are twice as likely to have heart attacks and strokes as people who take older anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen.

The Vioxx recall culminates mounting concern in the medical community beginning in early 2001, that Vioxx might cause serious cardiovascular events. On April 11, 2002, the FDA required Merck to include new label precautions for cardiovascular risks. Over two years later, Merck is finally removing this unsafe prescription medication from the market.

Vioxx, a member of a new category of drugs called "Cox inhibitors", has provided pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects for millions of arthritis suffers. It was also indicated for use in acute menstrual pain. It can be said that Vioxx is the progeny of aspirin. The advertised advantage of this new class of drugs over the traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, is there are supposedly fewer gastrointestinal problems occurring during treatment with Cox inhibitors. However, continuing drug studies reveal GI problems (perforations, ulcerations, and bleeds) as well as serious and potentially deadly, cardiovascular side effects.

The company's decision to recall the drug is based on new three-year data from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted at The Cleveland Clinic. The company stopped the trial which was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Vioxx at a new dosage of 25 mg to specifically prevent recurrence of colorectal polyps in patients with a history of colorectal adenomas. In other words, Vioxx was being tested for a new indication other than arthritis and menstrual pain.

During the study, it was proven that the Cox inhibitor process throws off the bodys normal chemical balance and blood clots may develop. These blood clots form in the coronary arteries or in the brain and heart attacks or strokes result.

Vioxx was much hailed as a wonder drug for those with painful arthritis symptoms when it was launched on the market in the United States following FDA approval on May 21, 1999. It has since been marketed in more than 80 countries; worldwide sales of Vioxx in 2003 alone were $2.5 billion. Vioxx can clearly be classified as a blockbuster drug.

Patients who are currently taking Vioxx should contact their physician to discuss alternative treatments. Patients may obtain additional information regarding the recall at www.merck.com or by calling 1-888-368-4699.

 		The Law Firm of Motley Rice LLC Legal services for people harmed by pharmaceutical products such as Vioxx
Vioxx News
VIOXX® SETTLEMENT ANNOUNCED

The law firms that comprise the Executive Committee of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee of the federal multidistrict VIOXX litigation, as well as representatives of plaintiffs' counsel in state coordinated proceedings, have reached an agreement to resolve U.S. products liability VIOXX claims already filed against the company. Merck has set aside $4.85 billion to pay claims of U.S. plaintiffs who suffered myocardial infarctions or ischemic strokes.

Click here for details.
Merck Failed to Warn of Vioxx Heart Risk, Jury Finds
March 2, 2007 (Bloomberg) -- Merck & Co. defrauded consumers and failed to warn doctors of the risks of Vioxx before a user of the drug had a heart attack, a New Jersey jury ruled in a split verdict on claims of two men.
Merck fourth quarter profits fall 58%
Adds $75 million to Vioxx defense
Merck loses 2 battles in the Vioxx legal war
Setbacks spur stock-price drop, questions on strategy

NEW ORLEANS -- Merck & Co. was stung with two Vioxx setbacks yesterday, calling into question the drug maker's strategy of taking on litigation over the painkiller one case at a time.
If you or someone you know, has been injured by taking Vioxx, you may be entitled to compensation. If you would like to explore your legal rights, please provide the following information and it will be forwarded to a Motley Rice pharmaceutical attorney:
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1. Approximate dates of Vioxx use: From  To 
2. What dosage did you take per day:
3. Was the dosage ever changed? To what?
4. When were you first aware of any medical problems related to Vioxx?
5. Did you experience any of the following conditions related to Vioxx?
Heart Attack
Stroke
Deep Vein Thrombosis
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Pulmonary Embolism
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7. If you had a stroke, was it Ischemic or Hemorrhagic? Ischemic  Hemorrhagic
8. Did your physician provide that your diagnosis could be related to Vioxx? Yes   No
The Law Firm of Motley Rice LLC Legal services for people harmed by pharmaceutical products such as Vioxx Please contact us with any questions or if you'd like to explore your legal rights.