DRUG LIABILITY - VIOXX
Vioxx Information
On September 30, 2004, Merck announced a worldwide withdrawal
of its anti-inflammatory drug, VIOXX(r), following information
that people taking VIOXX(r) are two times more likely to have
heart attacks and strokes than people who take other inflammatory
drugs, such as Naproxen(r).
Vioxx is one of a class of anti-inflammatory drugs strenuously
marketed as being more effective, with fewer side effects than
other, older drugs, including such over-the-counter medications
as ibuprofen.
Vioxx and other drugs in the class have not proven to be the
breakthrough cure-all for pain as they were advertised. In fact
many physicians prefer ibuprofen for pain relief to Vioxx and
Celebrex combined, and for patients, the cost of the over-the-counter
medication is 10 to 15 times less than that of the prescription
drugs.
Merck & Co., the maker of Vioxx launched the drug in the
U.S. in 1999, and has had nearly $2.5 billion in sales of the
drug in 2003.
What Is VIOXX?
Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID). According to the FDA, Vioxx is also related to
the nonselective NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms
of arthritis, acute pain in adults and painful menstrual cycles,
according to the FDA.
Who Is Affected By VIOXX?
Clinical studies have indicated that patients taking Vioxx
on a regular basis for an extended period of time may be at
risk for injuries such as strokes and heart attack.
What Does VIOXX Do?
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Vioxx
is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID).
Vioxx was approved by the FDA in May of 1999 to relieve to
the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, manage acute pain
in adults and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. It was
later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis in adults and children. Studies have indicated
that chronic use of Vioxx doubles the risk of cardiovascular
disease.
Your Legal Rights
If you or someone you know has suffered serious side effects
or a fatal injury that you believe may be related to your usage
of Vioxx, you may be eligible to file a claim.
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