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Vioxx Danger

Vioxx danger has been a concern since this drug was first approved for use in the United States in 1999. Vioxx is COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription drug that was FDA approved to treat rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, migraines, and other acute and chronic pain conditions.

Vioxx, and other drugs of its class, were designed to effectively treat pain without the side effects associated with traditional NSAIDs like naproxen and ibuprofen. Original NSAIDs were approved for use in the mid-1970s. They were effective in treating pain but were associated with gastrointestinal problems. Newer NSAIDs were developed to have fewer occurrences of side effects.

A clinical trial called VIGOR was designed to compare the effects of Vioxx and naproxen on the gastrointestinal system. The results of this trial were released in 2000. Though Vioxx did cause fewer instances of gastrointestinal problems, patients taking naproxen had significantly fewer cardiovascular side effects. Merck posited that this was not the result of Vioxx danger, but rather that naproxen actually worked to prevent cardiovascular problems.

Since this claim was not based on any scientific evidence, the FDA ordered Merck to send a letter to doctors nationwide to clear up the misimpressions and misinformation about the lack of Vioxx danger on cardiovascular health. This was as far as the FDA went in their reaction to the VIGOR study results and did not express further concern at the time about cardiovascular Vioxx danger.

Critics state that Merck should have taken immediate steps to further investigate any potential Vioxx danger by developing a study comparing the effects of Vioxx to a placebo group. In 2000, the APPROVe study was developed to test the effects of Vioxx on colon polyps over the course of three years. The study had to be cut short after eighteen months because of Vioxx danger. This study found that patients who had taken Vioxx for eighteen months were two times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke than patients in the trial taking a placebo or Vioxx alternative.

Since Merck could no longer sidestep this clear evidence of cardiovascular Vioxx danger, the company voluntarily pulled Vioxx off the shelves for good. This move not only acknowledged Vioxx danger risks, but it also provoked concern about the safety of all COX-2 selective NSAIDs. Celebrex and Bextra, both manufactured by Pfizer, have both been linked to cardiovascular risks through clinical trials. The FDA has announced that the agency will hold hearings on the safety of all COX-2 selective NSAIDs, discussing Vioxx danger and similar danger with other drugs of its class.

The Vioxx recall and the knowledge that Merck had evidence of Vioxx dangers for years, has prompted hundreds of lawsuits against the negligent pharmaceutical company. If you are concerned about Vioxx danger, you may wish to contact us to speak with an attorney who can discuss with you your legal rights and options.

For more information on a Vioxx danger, please contact us.

Contact a Vioxx Recall Lawyer

More Vioxx Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

Vioxx.com - Official Vioxx Roxecofib site from Merck.

Vioxx Drug Warnings - Vioxx side effects information including lawsuit information and vioxx warnings.