VIOXX/BEXTRA/CELEBREX HEART AND STROKE RISK
On September 30th, 2004, Merck Pharmaceuticals announced a withdrawal of its best-selling drug, Vioxx, because of its potential role in causing heart attacks and strokes. Bextra and Celebrex are similar drugs with similar risk profiles.
About 2 million people are currently taking Vioxx (rofecoxib) to treat arthritis and pain and a total of 105 million have taken it since it was released in 1999.
In June 2001, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that Vioxx may cause kidney problems. Later that year, JAMA reported a possible link between Vioxx and high blood pressure and heart problems. Some studies indicated that Vioxx increased the rates of high blood pressure.
As a result of related studies, the FDA implemented labeling changes in April 2002 that provided information about the increase in risk of cardiovascular problems.
Recent studies have shown that a second similar drug, Bextra, may have similar side effects to Vioxx with relation to blood clot problems. Both Bextra and Vioxx contain are called a Cox-2 inhibitors.
Eventually the evidence became too great. On September 30th, 2004, Merck issued a voluntary recall and issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications.
Vioxx tampers causes problems with the cardiovascular system and with the kidneys.
The most common related problems with Vioxx are:
- heart attacks
- strokes
- angina
- blood clots
- severe intestinal damage
- ulcerations and bleeding
- kidney damage
If you or a member of your family has any of these conditions above and has taken Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex, then you may qualify for a lawsuit claim. Thousands of people have already filed claims.
Because pharmaceutical companies are marketing a dangerous product, they have liability, similar to how Ford had liability for selling a dangerous car like the Pinto. This means that Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex victims and their families have the right to file a claim for compensation for these illnesses.
In America today there are thousands of lawsuits and billions of dollars in unclaimed monies available for victims. If you have been wronged by a major corporation, you may be entitled to compensation. |