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New Concerns about Short Term Vioxx Use

May 3, 2006

New Canadian research indicates that seniors who took Vioxx were at the greatest risk of heart attack during the first two weeks of treatment. This new finding supports the argument that Vioxx poses serious cardiovascular risks with use of any duration. Merck, the makers of Vioxx, contend that Vioxx heart attack and stroke risks were only a threat after 18 months of use.

Yesterday, the Canadian Medical Association published the results of a large Quebec-based study of nearly 10,000 Vioxx and Celebrex users over the age of 65.

Of the nearly 4,000 participants who took Vioxx, 239 of them had heart attacks. About one in four of these heart attacks were suffered by first time Vioxx users. The risk of Vioxx heart attacks appeared to be greatest between the sixth and thirteenth day of exposure to the drug.

The risk of heart attacks did not appear to increase with further continued use and the risk of heart attack went back to normal a week after Vioxx use was terminated.

Researchers also found an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients during the first weeks of Celebrex use. Experts say that more research is necessary to determine the extent of this Celebrex risk. Celebrex is a drug similar to Vioxx. It has been allowed to remain on the market despite cardiovascular safety concerns.

A key element of Merck's defense during the first of nearly 10,000 Vioxx lawsuits has been the argument that only long term Vioxx use (18 months or more) increases the risk of cardiovascular side effects.

This new study bolters the claim that Vioxx use at any duration may increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke. The study also might support the argument that promotes blood clots in at-risk patients, thus increasing the risk of heart attack.

Merck says the will continue to challenge Vioxx lawsuits involving people who took the drug for less than 18 months.

Expert plaintiff's attorneys argue that this study will be of significant benefit. According to Vioxx attorney Andy Birchfield, "From the very beginning we said it doesn't take 18 months. This [study] strengthens our hand tremendously."

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

 

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