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Vioxx® Recall

The Vioxx® recall occurred on September 30, 2004, and involved the manufacture of Vioxx® (Merck) voluntarily pulling their product off the market after findings indicated serious adverse side effects associated with taking this pain medication. Vioxx® is a newer type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that was once hailed as a "super painkiller." Vioxx® was prescribed to over ninety-one million people for the relief of pain associated with arthritis and other severe forms of pain, before the Vioxx® recall occurred.

Vioxx® and its cohorts were developed after the original group of NSAIDs was found to cause gastrointestinal problems in patients. The second generation of NSAIDs, Vioxx® included, was developed in order to reduce the occurrence of harmful side effects associated with pain medications. These new drugs affected only one of the two enzymes that play a key role in pain relief. Cox-1 was thought to be the cause of NSAID side effects, and was therefore left out of new drug formulations. The new NSAIDs were to inhibit only the COX-2 enzyme. The long term effects of drugs that inhibit this enzyme were to be the source of problems in the Vioxx® recall.

The Vioxx® recall happened as a result of findings from two different internal clinical trials. Merck conducted a study called VIGOR to test the gastrointestinal effects of Vioxx® on its users. This study found that Vioxx® carried a greater risk for causing heart problems than naproxen (an original NSAID) but a lower risk for gastrointestinal problems. Despite the discovery of potential health risks, these findings alone were not enough to warrant a Vioxx® recall.

A second Merck study called APPROVe was conducted in 2000 to test the effects of Vioxx® on colon polyps. Eighteen months into the study, researchers discovered an increased rate of heart attack and stroke in those patients taking Vioxx®. Researchers immediately discontinued the clinical trial when it was found that taking Vioxx® doubles a person's chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Merck claimed that the Vioxx® recall was initiated because the risks associated with this medication outweighed its intended benefits.

The Vioxx® recall completely pulled Vioxx® off the market and it is no longer available for consumer use. Merck is accepting returns of unused portions of Vioxx® for a refund. If you have been injured as a result of taking Vioxx®, even despite the Vioxx® recall, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries in a legal case. If you develop any of the symptoms of serious health complications associated with Vioxx® use it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

For more information on the Vioxx® recall you may wish to speak to a legal professional who can advise you of your legal rights and options in a Vioxx® injury case.

To learn more about the Vioxx® recall, please contact us.

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.