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Vioxx users continue to suffer

January 4, 2006

Many former Vioxx users continue to bring their claims to court, still suffering the disastrous consequences of taking a drug that caused them harm instead of helping to relieve their pain. Vioxx, taken by at least 20 million Americans, was pulled off the shelves in September 2004 after studies linked this anti-inflammatory painkiller to a doubled risk of heart attack and stroke after 18 months of use.

Just one of approximately 9,200 injured consumers to file a Vioxx complaint against its maker Merck & Co. is Texas attorney Cy Jenkins, who currently has a lawsuit pending against the pharmaceutical giant. Mr. Jenkins is required to carry around a bottle of nitroglycerin, in the event that he suffers another heart attack. He suffered his first heart attack while taking Vioxx on and off for back pain for approximately two years. He suffered his second heart attack, while still taking Vioxx, approximately fifteen months later.

"Doctors said there was no evidence when I had the other one of a blockage. I had taken Vioxx before the first heart attack and in-between them. I can't understand why there were no indications of another blockage 15 months before," says Jenkins.

Jenkins, who now lives in fear of his life, is unaware of how exactly Vioxx has damaged his body, but he does know the ramifications on his life. He has spent $130,000 in out-of-pocket expenses to pay medical bills related to Vioxx heart attacks. He is unable to get insurance anymore. He says he and his family will never be the same. "Merck should have disclosed this before," he laments.

In 2000, Merck conducted a study comparing Vioxx to traditional painkiller naproxen. This study showed a two-fold increased risk of heart attack, chest pain, stroke, blood clots, and sudden death in the Vioxx group compared to those taking naproxen. Despite these findings, Merck continued to aggressively market Vioxx, concealing and distorting evidence of serious Vioxx cardiovascular risks.

Jenkins started taking Vioxx in 2001.

According to the FDA, Vioxx may have contributed to at least 27,785 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths during its stay on the market.

"Vioxx has changed my life. I would encourage people to consult with an attorney if they are [or have] taken it, especially if they have had a heart attack," encourages Jenkins to other people who have suffered serious Vioxx side effects.

The Vioxx recall is the largest drug recall in history, report experts.

For more information on the Vioxx trial, please contact us to confer with a Vioxx Recall Lawyer and learn your legal rights and options.

 

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