Vioxx Lawsuit
Vioxx (Rofecoxib) is a prescription COX-2 selective inhibitor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 for the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), menstrual pain and for the management of acute pain in adults, and later approved for the relief of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in adults and children. Serious concerns have been raised in recent times regarding the use of Vioxx, its serious side effects, and most recently, the greatly increased risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious cardiovascular events.
Merck & Co., Inc. voluntarily pulled Vioxx off the shelves worldwide on September 30th after a clinical study confirmed concerns that it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems which can lead to serious and permanent injuries and possibly sudden death. More than 2 million people in over 80 countries worldwide are using Vioxx.
Complications typically begin approximately 18 months after patients start taking prescribed Vioxx dosages. Previous clinical trials had linked Vioxx to an increased risk of blood clots and other cardiovascular events, including heart attack, chest pain related to heart disease, stroke and sudden death. But, new studies have indicated that Vioxx users are about four times as likely to experience heart problems as patients using traditional, non-selective NSAIDs like Aspirin or Naproxen.
The results of clinical studies with one drug in a given class do not necessarily apply to other drugs in the same class. All NSAIDs have some risks, such as gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding, and liver and kidney (renal) toxicity, when taken chronically. Consult with your doctor regarding any possible Vioxx alternatives like Celebrex, Bextra or any of the traditional, non-selective NSAIDs like Aspirin, Naproxen or others. Be sure to be thoroughly checked for any symptoms of Vioxx side effects.
If you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, stroke, other cardiovascular event or has been otherwise potentially injured by other Vioxx side effects, contact an experienced Vioxx attorney today.
Do not take the risk of having your claim rejected because you waited too long to see an attorney. Click on the panels to find a Vioxx lawyer now.