May 23, 2006
A 104-page Merck report shows that the increased risk of heart attack and stroke begins when Vioxx is taken for four months, not 18 months as the drug maker has consistently maintained.
In September 2004, Vioxx was recalled because the risk of heart attack and stroke doubled in patients taking this drug for 18 months or longer. Merck, the drug’s maker, has consistently argued that Vioxx cannot increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects in patients taking the drug for less than a year and a half.
However, recent analysis of Merck clinical data clearly shows that an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke begins with four months of Vioxx use.
This evidence was found in a follow up report issued by Merck one year after the results of their APPROVe study were initially released. In this report, a graph mapping the frequency of confirmed heart attacks and strokes shows that the number of cardiovascular events in Vioxx patients began to outpace the number in control patients by month four of the study.
Merck has refused to say whether they have submitted this new report to the Food and Drug Administration.
Other recent data shows that the risk of heart attack and stroke do not decrease for at least one year after stopping the use of Vioxx.
For more information on the Vioxx side effects, please contact us to confer with a Vioxx Lawyer and learn your legal rights and options.
