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Vioxx Risk

Evidence of cardiovascular Vioxx risk factors has been known by the FDA and the manufacturers of this once-popular pain medication since early 2000. Vioxx is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription drug approved by the FDA in 1999 to treat the pain associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, and other acute and chronic pain conditions.

Vioxx was voluntarily recalled by Merck & Co. in September 2004 after a clinical study revealed a significant cardiovascular Vioxx risk. The clinical trial, named APPROVe, was a three year study designed to test the effects of Vioxx on colon polyps. This study was cut short after evidence indicated that patients taking Vioxx for eighteen months were two times more likely to suffer heart attack or stroke. Because of this serious Vioxx risk, Merck chose to take Vioxx off the shelves.

Many experts believe that Merck and the FDA had knowledge of this Vioxx risk from the results of previous studies. In 2000, clinical trial findings were released from a study comparing the effects of Vioxx and naproxen on the gastrointestinal system. Original NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen, have been associated with adverse gastrointestinal side effects. Newer NSAIDs like Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra were developed to provide effective pain relief without damaging the stomach. The VIGOR study was designed to measure gastrointestinal Vioxx risk.

In a press release issued in March 2000, Merck stated that naproxen patients experienced significantly fewer heart attacks and strokes compared to the Vioxx patients in the VIGOR study. Merck's claim that naproxen was protecting patients against adverse cardiovascular events was not based on any scientific evidence. The FDA ordered Merck to send a letter to doctors in order to set straight the misleading impressions and information. The FDA took no action to evaluate, or order the evaluation of, cardiovascular Vioxx risk.

Since the Vioxx risk factors surfaced again in subsequent clinical trials, there was no side stepping the facts. Merck & Co. recalled their top selling drug in 2004, but not after over 20 million people had taken this drug in the United States alone. In the fifteen days following the recall, Merck was named in over 300 lawsuits filed on behalf of 900 plaintiffs who have suffered serious injuries as a result of cardiovascular Vioxx risk. Analysts estimate that Vioxx litigation may end up costing Merck over $10 billion.

If you are concerned about Vioxx risks or have been injured as a result of Vioxx use, you may wish to speak to your doctor. There are safer alternatives to Vioxx available for patient use. If you would like to learn more about your legal rights and options in a Vioxx lawsuit, please contact us to confer with a skilled and competent legal professional who can help.

For more information on a Vioxx risk, 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.