VIOXX®
Vioxx is a brand name used by Merck & Co., Inc. ("Merck") to market and distribute rofecoxib tablets, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription arthritis drug. Merck obtained FDA approval on Vioxx in April of 1999 via a New Drug Application on a fast-track, 6-month approval process. Merck began distributing and selling Vioxx in May of 1999.
Despite numerous clinical trials and post-marketing reports associating Vioxx with hypertension and/or hypertension-related adverse health effects, Merck marketed and promoted Vioxx as safe and effective for persons with hypertension, or persons who had risk factors for stroke or cardiac problems.
After an extensive study showed patients using Vioxx double their risk of having a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular injury, Merck removed Vioxx from the market on September 30, 2004. According to Merck, there are now approximately 2 million people worldwide taking Vioxx and at least 84 million people have been prescribed Vioxx since it became available on the market in 1999.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you or a loved one are currently taking, or have taken, the prescription drug Vioxx, you may be at risk for serious, even fatal health problems. Please seek medical attention to find out if your use of Vioxx has caused physical injury.
If you have suffered as the result of taking Vioxx, please contact a Vioxx injury attorney at Van Laningham & Associates immediately to discuss your case. We are currently investigating these cases and will evaluate your case for free.
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