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Vioxx® stroke

On September 30, 2004 Merck pulled its blockbuster pain reliever, Vioxx®, off the market after studies indicated that those taking the medication were twice as likely as the general population to suffer a Vioxx® stroke or heart attack. Vioxx®, a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), was first approved by the FDA in 1999 to treat the chronic pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and menstrual cramps.

The Vioxx® recall was initiated by the pharmaceutical company voluntarily after self-sponsored studies indicated that their product caused a significant increase in Vioxx® stroke and heart attack side effects. In 2000, Merck initiated the APPROVe study, designed to measure the effects of Vioxx® on colon polyps. The study came to an abrupt halt after eighteen months. At this time researchers discovered that patients taking Vioxx® for at least eighteen months had double the risk of suffering life threatening side effects like a Vioxx® stroke or heart attack.

In a previous study, Merck had sponsored the VIGOR study comparing the gastrointestinal effects of Vioxx® and naproxen, a traditional NSAID. Results from this clinical trial also indicated a significant Vioxx® stroke risk. The findings even found that the Vioxx® stroke risk for individuals with a history of heart and stroke problems was five times the risk for the trial participants taking naproxen.

Instead of looking seriously into the Vioxx® stroke risks associated with their medication, Merck decided to spin the research results in a different direction. The pharmaceutical giant argued that naproxen was actually somehow preventing heart attack and stroke in patients. This, Merck posited, was the reason it seemed as if Vioxx® stroke risks seemed significant. Somehow this excuse was accepted, despite the fact that naproxen has never been associated with stroke or heart attack prevention properties.

A Vioxx® stroke is a serious and potentially fatal side effect of this pain reliever. Many argue that the potential Vioxx® stroke risks should have been promptly evaluated after the first study produced evidence of these serious risks. Had Merck taken the appropriate precautions at that point, many Vioxx® stroke cases might have been prevented. A Vioxx® stroke is an interruption in the brain's blood supply as a result of a hemorrhage or an obstruction. A Vioxx® stroke can result in permanent and serious damages and even death.

While Vioxx® is no longer on the market, posing the threat of Vioxx® stroke and other risks, many individuals in our nation are still suffering the devastating aftermath of a Vioxx® stroke or other serious injury. If you or a loved one has suffered a Vioxx® stroke, our experienced attorneys would like the opportunity to evaluate your case. You may be eligible to obtain compensation for your losses and suffering through a Vioxx® stroke lawsuit. If you would like to learn more about Vioxx® stroke and other serious side effects, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can help you.

For more information on a Vioxx® danger, 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.