VIOXX RECALLED - September 30, 2004
Vioxx is a non-sterodial, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is often referred to as a Cox-2 Inhibitor. It is manufactured by Merck & Co. and was offered in a liquid or pill form. Vioxx was most recently approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. The drug was initially approved in 1999 for the relief of osteoarthritis, the management of acute pain in adults, and the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). It reached sales in the billions of dollars annually.
On September 30, 2004 Merck announced it was withdrawing Vioxx from the market after tests showed that users had three times the risk of cardiovascular complications (including heart attacks and strokes) as compared to users in the test who were taking a placebo. Click here to view the press release.
Prior studies had similar results but Merck ignored them and continued to defend its product’s safety.
It is estimated that over 105 million prescriptions had been written and over twenty million people in the United States have ingested Vioxx since its approval in June 1999. It has been estimated that there have been in excess of 27,000 cardiovascular deaths related to Vioxx, but many others are believed to have suffered non-fatal cardiovascular events related to Vioxx. If you or a loved one has suffered heart related side effects while taking Vioxx, you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
We have filed a class action lawsuit against Merck in an effort to protect your rights. Click here to view the complaint in this suit which contains a substantial amount of information on Vioxx and Merck’s actions with reference to testing and marketing.
Call us toll-free today for a free consultation at 1-866-999-VIOXX (8469). Click here to send us an e-mail.
Merck & Co. September 30, 2004 Press Release
FDA – Vioxx Questions and Answers
New Jersey Supreme Court ruling - September 6, 2007
Painkillers Hang in the Balance - USAToday.com, February 10, 2005
Drugmaker Expands Refund Program - IndyChannel.com, February 7, 2005
Study: New Drugs more popular than safer old ones - www.seattlepi.com, January 25, 2005
New Study Criticizes Painkiller Marketing - Washington Post, January 25, 2005
More Evidence Shows Heart Risk of Arthritis Painkillers - Washington Post, January 18, 2005
Public Health Advisory: FDA Recommendations Concerning the Use of NSAIDs - FDA, December 23, 2004
FDA Defends it Handling of Vioxx -Findlaw, November 18, 2004
Congress Probes How FDA Handled Vioxx Case - Findlaw, November 18, 2004
Reviewer: I was pressured to downplay Vioxx Concern - IndyChannel.com, November 18, 2004
FDA, Merck and Vioxx, Putting Patient Safety First? - U.S. Senate Committee on Finance - November 18, 2004
Prescription for Trouble - CBS News, November 14, 2004
After Vioxx Recall, FDA Renews Efforts to Ensure Safety - IndyChannel.com, November 5, 2004
F.D.A. Memo on Vioxx dated September 30, 2004 and released November 2, 2004
Merck Shares Plunge After Report It Knew of Vioxx Risks - USATODAY.COM, November 1, 2004
How Did the Vioxx Debacle Happen? - USATODAY.COM, October 11, 2004
FDA Official Alleges Pressure to Suppress Vioxx Findings - Washington Post, October 8, 2004
Researchers Expand on Dangers of Vioxx, Drugs in Same Class - Washington Post, October 7, 2004
After Vioxx's Withdrawal, Patients Suffer Aftershocks - USATODAY.COM, October 4, 2004
Promise and Peril of Vioxx Cast Harsher Light on New Drugs - Washington Post, October 3, 2004
Vioxx Safety Debated Renewed After FDA Report – Health Central.com, August 27, 2004
Merck Down on Arthritis Study – TheStreet.com, August 26, 2004
More Evidence: Vioxx Increases Heart Risks – WebMD, August 26, 2004
Painkiller Vioxx Often Taken at Too High Dose – WebMD, July 14, 2004
Vioxx Tied to Higher Heart Attack Risk - Health Central.com, April 20, 2004
FDA Warning Letter - September 17, 2001
FDA sends warning letter to Vioxx maker – USA Today, September 25, 2001
Risk of Cardiovascular Events Associated with Selective Cox-2 Inhibitors – JAMA, August 22, 20
Safety of Arthritis Drugs in Question - WebMD, July 10, 2001
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