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VIOXX LINKED TO HEART ATTACK AND STROKE
Vioxx, a widely used prescription medicine produced by drug manufacturing giant, Merck & Co., was voluntarily withdrawn on September 30, 2004 due to mounting evidence linking it to increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Following a three-year study involving the drug, researchers concluded that withdrawing Vioxx from the market would be in the best interest of the patients. The drug, a popular pain reliever used worldwide by millions of patients, has also been connected with higher incidences of respiratory and liver and kidney dysfunction.
NEWS: 11-10-04 - BEXTRA MORE THAN DOUBLES RISK OF HEART ATTACK - This week, researchers said a preliminary study indicated that Bextra, a painkiller in the same class as Vioxx, more than doubled the risk of heart attack. Bextra has also been linked to strokes, heart disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme. Click Here for more information regarding Bextra.
Vioxx is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor, a type of drug deemed to be safer for the gastrointestinal system than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unfortunately, the cardiovascular safety of this drug family has come under enormous scrutiny of late. Studies have shown that individuals taking Vioxx have between a 17 and 24 percent increase in heart attack risk compared to individuals taking comparable pain relief drugs on the market.[1]
Vioxx is used extensively for the treatment of many types of pain. While most commonly used to treat arthritis-related pain in its various forms, there are a number of other uses for the drug:
- Relief of pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis (arthritis from wear and tear on your bones and your joints)
- Relief of pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis in adults (arthritis caused by a condition where your immune system attacks your joints)
- Management of short-term pain
- Treatment of menstrual pain (pain during women’s monthly periods)
- Treatment of migraine headache attacks with or without aura.[2]
Vioxx has been linked to serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of taking the drug Vioxx, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For a free review of your claim, please fill our Vioxx Free Consultation form. Upon submission, your free consultation form will be sent to the sponsored personal injury lawyer for evaluation. That lawyer will personally evaluate your case, and may contact you to further discuss your situation, and/or attempt to refer you to a qualified lawyer who may be able to assist you. Please be advised that by submitting a free consultation form, you are not entering into an attorney client relationship with the individual firm or lawyer.
[1] www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=518497
[2] Patient Information about Vioxx |
