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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.