On November 9, 2007 Merck agreed to a $4.85 million global settlement in the Vioxx® litigation. For details, please visit our News page on this site.
Soon after it’s approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 1999, Vioxx® – Merck & Co.’s blockbuster painkiller commonly used to treat arthritis – was strongly linked with several severe adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Under immense pressure from government officials, Merck eventually removed Vioxx® from store shelves, but unfortunately, much damage had already been done by then. About two million people were taking the prescription drug at the time it was pulled. One study linked Vioxx® to 27,000 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths in the United States up until 2003.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or death that you feel may have resulted from taking Vioxx®, you may be able to recover compensation through a product liability lawsuit. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with a Vioxx® attorney who has extensive experience defending the legal rights of those who have been hurt by dangerous drugs and medical devices.
Vioxx: The Dangers
A thorough, long-term study found that after 18 months of use, Vioxx® doubled the risk of serious cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke. This has been supported by other research that has found that even with as little as two to four weeks of use, Vioxx® can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Some of the Vioxx® dangers noted in the studies include:
· Blood clots
· Stoke
· Heart attack
· Kidney complications
· Death
Vioxx® and the Law
The circumstances surrounding the marketing and FDA approval of Vioxx have been the subject of much criticism and speculation. Some find it puzzling that the drug managed to stay on the market years after its dangerous effects were discovered. However, Merck & Co. downplayed the dangers of Vioxx® in its marketing. As a result of inadequate warnings, the company is now facing more than 11,000 product liability lawsuits.
If you or a loved one is one of the many who has been seriously harmed or killed by Vioxx®, it is important to understand that you have legal rights and options. Please contact Lopez, McHugh today for a complimentary consultation with an experienced product liability attorney who can help you and your family recover the compensation you may be entitled to.