Vioxx
| Excerpt from an FDA letter to Merck about Vioxx in 2001 |
 |
| -Source: FDA warning to Raymond Gilmartin of Merck, September 17, 2001 |
Reuters New York reports today, September 30th, 2004 that "The arthritis
drug Vioxx, used by two million people around the world, is being pulled off
the market after a study confirmed long-standing concerns that it raises the
risk of heart attack and stroke." The manufacturer, Merck & Co., made this
statement on Thursday. If you are currently taking Vioxx, you should contact
your health care provider to discuss discontinuing the use of Vioxx and
possible alternative treatments. Read more below about this drug and why
you should contact the lawyers at 1-800-RESULTS (1-800-737-8587) if you feel this drug has
caused you injuries.
Vioxx® (Rofecoxib) is a popular and heavily advertised arthritis drug commonly referred to as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. Since then, millions of Americans have used the drug for treatment of osteoarthritis, as well as acute and menstrual pain.
Based on an analysis of data from previous clinical trials, physicians/researchers from the Cleveland Clinic identified an increase in the risk of what the study refers to as "serious thrombotic cardiovascular adverse events," including heart attack, stroke and sudden and unexplained death with the use of this drug. The product of the study's analysis was published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The Cleveland Clinic physicians that conducted the study state that they have tried unsuccessfully to have the manufacturers of these drugs look into these concerns further. Meanwhile, consumers remain at risk for heart attack and stroke.
Vioxx® is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor. COX-2 inhibitors, like older NSAID drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work to decrease swelling in affected joints. However, unlike older NSAIDs that also caused irritation to the lining of the stomach by inhibiting the Cox-1 enzyme, it is theorized that COX-2 inhibitors only block the COX-2 enzyme, leaving the stomach protecting COX-1 alone, reducing the occurrences of gastrointestinal problems. Recently published data calls the beneficial advantages of these drugs into question as well, and raises new questions of "serious cardiovascular events" related to this class of drugs. There are also studies that have shown that Vioxx could increase the risk of kidney and other cardiovascular problems as well.
Our firm is currently accepting cases involving serious injury and death related to Vioxx®. If you or a loved one has been taking Vioxx and feel the drug has caused you injuries, our personal injury lawyers may be able to help you.
We Can Help!
Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC is a national law firm covering all fifty states as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and all American possessions. No matter where you live, we will have an experienced personal injury attorney represent you.
If you or someone you love has been injured or died while taking Vioxx, you may be entitled to a large compensatory award. Call us now at 1-800-RESULTS (1-800-737-8587). Or Email us for more information.
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We know most people can't afford high, hourly legal fees. That's why we work on a contingency basis. This means you won't pay anything, unless we recover money for you.
Email us or call us today at 1-800-RESULTS.
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