by Charles Essmeier

In September, 2004, pharmaceutical giant Merck voluntarily withdrew its painkilling medication Vioxx from the market. Studies show that Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients who have used the drug for longer than 18 months. Vioxx, a drug from a family of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, is one of only a few drugs specifically designed to minimize inflammation while avoiding the stomach disorders long associated with other anti-inflammatory medications. Since its introduction in 1999, Vioxx has been a huge success, and sales of the drug worldwide topped $2.5 billion in 2003. That is certainly a great deal of money, but it pales when compared to the amount that Merck stands to lose through product liability lawsuits, which will soon come to court. As of this writing, several thousand lawsuits have been filed nationally, but attorneys estimate that the total number of lawsuits filed could reach a staggering 100,000.

One hundred thousand lawsuits is certainly a formidable number, but that figure could represent only half of the number of lawsuits related to COX-2 inhibitors. Earlier this year, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew its similar medication Bextra from the market, as studies linked the use of Bextra to increased heart attack risk and to a rare skin disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Bextra, another drug in the family of COX-2 inhibitors, works very similarly to Vioxx, and many patients who formerly took Vioxx switched to Bextra after the former was removed from the market last fall. Given that sales of Bextra rose to near Vioxx levels before it was removed from the market, it seems likely that the number of lawsuits filed by patients who claim to have been harmed by their use of Bextra could eventually equal the number of Vioxx lawsuits.

Two hundred thousand is a staggering number of lawsuits, and unless they are consolidated into just a few class-action suits, they could keep our courts working on little else for the next decade. Patients who believe that they may have been harmed through the use of either Bextra or Vioxx would be well advised to contact an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical lawsuits now. The wait for a resolution in court , particularly for Vioxx lawsuits, could be a very long one. Those who file quickly may get the fastest results.

About the Author

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.

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For many people, Vioxx is a drug they have taken for years. Until recently, it was prescribed for many reasons. It worked for so many people that taking it away seems unnatural. But, for others, Vioxx has caused quite a bit of damage within their lives. People who have taken Vioxx may have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or even death as a result. If this is you, you need to know what to do to get the proper compensation for your suffering.

Vioxx is a drug that is used to treat arthritis and acute pain. For many, it never caused a bit of trouble. But, studies have shown and proof is out there that Vioxx does run some high risks that are quite serious. If you have been taking this drug, Vioxx, and have experienced problems or conditions of heart attack, stroke, or worse, you should contact an attorney to find out if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx.

Do you know where to find a Vioxx attorney? Do you know what to ask, how to know if you were affected by Vioxx, and even whether or not you have a Vioxx case? You will want to check websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com to find information regarding Vioxx and its effects on people. Although you may have not known these risks, you may still have been exposed to them. You should seek the advice of your doctor, of course, if you are currently taking Vioxx and ask what you need to do to avoid it. But, then, you may also want to contact a Vioxx knowledgeable lawyer to find out if you have a case.

Again, in order to know if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx, you will need to speak with a qualified attorney. You can find this information at websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com where they offer comprehensive information regarding the specifics of Vioxx. For those taking Vioxx, you will have to first speak to your doctor, then your attorney. Vioxx, what has it caused in you?

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Prior to 1999, patients who suffered from osteoarthritis were commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help deal with the swelling and pain that they experienced. Unfortunately, these medications also blocked an important enzyme in the body, necessary to protect the lining of the stomach. Patients who were prescribed these drugs were often plagued with gastric discomfort and related problems. Sadly, however, it was considered the lesser of two evils, when compared to the aches and pains of osteoarthritis.

Needless to say, the appearance of Vioxx came as a welcome surprise when it was released on the market in 1999. Offering relief from the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis, but without all of the gastric side-effects, it wasnt long before Vioxx was touted as a super drug and a miracle pain-reliever. Unfortunately, this relief was short-lived and Vioxx would be pulled from the market in September, 2004. Discovered to be related to an increased risk of heart attack, blood clotting, and strokes, controversy arose and it was even suggested that Merck, manufacturers of Vioxx, knew the risks that this drug posed, prior to its ever being released on the market. Needless to say, those who have suffered the side-effects of this super drug are now preparing to and beginning to file legal claims against Merck.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Vioxx, it is highly suggested that you seek the assistance of a specialized Vioxx attorney. Fortunately, like in any other situation where they expect mass claims to be made, specialized attorneys have been popping up, and it is relatively easy to find a Vioxx attorney to handle your needs. You will want a specialized Vioxx attorney to consult your case, as they have most likely been preparing to handle other Vioxx cases and know enough about the current situation to be able to offer a sound consultation.

Getting advice from a knowledgeable Vioxx attorney as soon as possible will help your case by giving your representation ample time to put together a case, thereby increasing your chances of being successful with your claim. Whether you seek to file independently or plan on filing a claim compensation as a part of a Vioxx class action lawsuit, you should still seek out the assistance of a Vioxx attorney. Enabling you to consider all of your legal options, the Vioxx attorney will advise you which legal option will work best for your case, based on your own personal situation. If you seek to discuss your legal options with a specialized Vioxx attorney, you can usually receive a free consultation visit in order to help determine what legal route will best work for you. When the attorney has been given all of the facts regarding your case, the situation can be discussed at length, and you can then be informed of the different options available. Regardless of whether you seek this information for yourself or for a loved one, the assistance of a specialized Vioxx attorney will help you to choose your best route and will prove invaluable when it comes to putting together your case.

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Are you looking for an attorney because you feel you are a victim of the once popular drug Vioxx? An experienced Vioxx lawyer can help you file a claim and will fight for your rights to receive compensation for the injuries you received while taking Vioxx.

The FDA approved anti-inflammatory non-steroidal NSAID drug Vioxx, chemically referred to as rofecoxib, was introduced in 1999 for the treatment of menstrual pain as well as pain associated with various forms of arthritis in adults and children. Since the introduction of Vioxx, it was taken by millions of people in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation before the manufacturer, Merck & Company, voluntarily withdrew it from the market due to results of a long-term study.

Studies of FDA approved Vioxx indicated there was an increased risk of serious heart attacks and strokes. Before Vioxx was pulled from the market, over 140,000 people suffered strokes and heart attacks, and as many as 55,000 have died due to the insufficient study of the effects of this drug before it was approved by the FDA. In fact, it is claimed that Merck and Company was fully aware of the increased risk posed to those taking the drug.

If you are considering contacting a Vioxx lawyer, don’t hesitate to do so. Contacting a Vioxx lawyer as soon as possible will raise your chances of a successful claim. After considering the circumstances, a Vioxx lawyer can advise clients as to the amount of compensation they stand to gain.

Many Vioxx users who have suffered injury due to the use of Vioxx have already contacted attorneys who specialize in Vioxx lawsuits. It’s in the best interest of anyone who has been adversely affected by Vioxx to contact a qualified Vioxx lawyer who can offer advice regarding filing a claim against the manufacturer.

A Vioxx lawyer is well educated in legal aspects regarding Vioxx and the possibilities for recovering damages caused by its use. Don’t take your case to just any attorney. An experienced Vioxx lawyer knows the loopholes, and they can offer advice as to the best course of action in your particular case.

Big drug companies such as Merck use the most highly skilled legal teams to stop claims against them. It is for this reason that people who have suffered illness or injury because of Vioxx should also use a highly skilled Vioxx lawyer. A Vioxx lawyer with prior legal experience in dealing with Vioxx claims will match the skills and abilities of legal teams hired by the drug manufacturer Merck.

It could be in your best interest to file a class action lawsuit as opposed to an individual lawsuit. An experienced Vioxx lawyer can advise you as to whether or not filing a class action lawsuit against the maker of Vioxx is in your best interest and the interest of your claim. If it is determined that a class action lawsuit is in your best interest, a Vioxx lawyer will advise you accordingly.

Choose a Vioxx lawyer to fight for your rights and secure the claim you and your family deserve. The overall success of your case against Merck is dependent on the skills of the attorney you choose, and a competent Vioxx lawyer will provide you with the best information and advice that will maximize your Vioxx injury claim.

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Vioxx Class Action Drug Recall Lawsuit and Attorney Information.

Merck said that data from the trial showed the increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications began 18 months after patients started taking Vioxx. The data comes from a three-year study aimed at showing that Vioxx at a 25 milligram dose prevents recurrence of polyps in the colon and rectum. The trial was stopped after Merck discovered the higher heart risk compared to patients taking dummy pills.

FDA NEWS ON VIOXX RECALL

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Vioxx as its Manufacturer Voluntarily Withdraws the Product

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today acknowledged the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx (chemical name rofecoxib), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co. FDA today also issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications.

Merck is withdrawing Vioxx from the market after the data safety monitoring board overseeing a long-term study of the drug recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, among study patients taking Vioxx compared to patients receiving placebo. The study was being done in patients at risk of developing recurrent colon polyps.

“Merck did the right thing by promptly reporting these findings to FDA and voluntarily withdrawing the product from the market,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford. “Although the risk that an individual patient would have a heart attack or stroke related to Vioxx is very small, the study that was halted suggests that, overall, patients taking the drug chronically face twice the risk of a heart attack compared to patients receiving a placebo.”

Dr. Crawford added that FDA will closely monitor other drugs in this class for similar side effects. “All of the NSAID drugs have risks when taken chronically, especially of gastrointestinal bleeding, but also liver and kidney toxicity. They should only be used continuously under the supervision of a physician.”

FDA approved Vioxx in 1999 for the reduction of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, as well as for acute pain in adults and for the treatment of menstrual pain. It was the second of a new kind of NSAID (Cox-2 selective) approved by FDA. Subsequently, FDA approved Vioxx to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.

At the time that Vioxx and other Cox-2 selective NSAIDs were approved, it was hoped that they would have a lower risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding than other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen). Vioxx is the only NSAID demonstrated to have a lower rate of these side effects.

Merck contacted FDA on September 27, 2004, to request a meeting and to advise the agency that the long-term study of Vioxx in patients at increased risk of colon polyps had been halted. Merck and FDA officials met the next day, September 28, and during that meeting the company informed FDA of its decision to remove Vioxx from the market voluntarily.

In June 2000, Merck submitted to FDA a safety study called VIGOR (Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) that found an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, in patients taking Vioxx compared to patients taking naproxen. After reviewing the results of the VIGOR study and other available data from controlled clinical trials, FDA consulted with its Arthritis Advisory Committee in February 2001 regarding the clinical interpretation of this new safety information. In April 2002, FDA implemented labeling changes to reflect the findings from the VIGOR study. The labeling changes included information about the increase in risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.

Recently other studies in patients taking Vioxx have also suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular events. FDA was in the process of carefully reviewing these results, to determine whether further labeling changes were warranted, when Merck informed the agency of the results of the new trial and its decision to withdraw Vioxx from the market.

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A Vioxx attorney offers clients expertise in the side effects of this common arthritis pain medication. Vioxx attorneys are familiar with the very specific regulations that govern medical products liability; a Vioxx attorney can usually provide more accurate information than a regular attorney.

The advantage to retaining a Vioxx attorney is that the victim will be represented by an attorney who understands their problems. Experienced Vioxx attorneys understand the long-term implications of the side-effects for plaintiffs and their families, which means Vioxx attorneys are prepared to fight to ensure that their clients receive full and proper compensation. Many Vioxx attorneys are able to obtain large settlements from defendant corporations without having to go to trial. Vioxx attorneys can also help victims and their families form reasonable expectations and make sound decisions.

A Vioxx attorney has experience representing victims of Vioxx side effects, such as cardiac arrest. An experienced Vioxx attorney fully understands the implications of this serious problem, and the liability of manufacturers. Consulting a Vioxx attorney early on can help victims receive appropriate medical treatment and legal representation. An experienced Vioxx attorney is likely available in your area, and can discuss the merits of your case at no charge.

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If you have taken Vioxx and suffered a heart attack or stroke, call a qualified Vioxx attorney to preserve your legal rights and potential settlement. Vioxx attorneys listed on the right or left panel will be able to help you determine the best course of action in regards to your situation and/or claim, which could potentially include a Vioxx class action lawsuit if enough people in a given area suffer similar damages, or you may be better off filing an individual lawsuit claim. These LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified Vioxx attorneys will be able to provide the legal assistance you need, and can provide quality representation.

As soon as you contact a Vioxx attorney, you will know whether or not your damages will result in a settlement or litigation. While pharmaceutical and defective drug litigation, like Vioxx litigation lawsuits, are governed by federal laws, state statute of limitation laws may still apply. There is only a certain amount of time to evaluate your potential Vioxx class action lawsuit claim, contact Vioxx attorneys to take action now.

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