Vioxx Personal Injury Lawsuits (by Matthew Keegan)

Personal injury attorneys representing clients who have allegedly been harmed by the prescription drug Vioxx are congratulating themselves over a historic judgment rendered recently. On August 19, 2005, a judge awarded the family of Bob Ernst $253.4 million due to his death from the drug. Vioxx, which had been prescribed most often for arthritis pain, was withdrawn globally by its maker, Merck, after research trials showed it increased patients' chances of a heart attack. Although Merck pulled the drug off the market in September 2004, legal action against this leading pharmaceutical giant will continue and expand. Let’s take a look at why Vioxx has become a litigation lightning rod.

In 1998 as Merck was running clinical trials for Vioxx, company reports to the FDA stated that there were no cardiovascular signals apparent. This meant that there were no telltale signs that the drug could cause heart problems for users. Later, however, it was revealed that an internal study conducted by Merck around the same time – Study 090 – revealed serious cardiovascular problems as compared to patients not taking Vioxx. The study was never published by Merck as the company insisted that it was not large enough to provide definitive data.

The following year the FDA gave Vioxx its approval and the drug became the second nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication [or COX-2 inhibitor] to hit the market. Celebrex, another problem drug, was the first.

Merck widely and thoroughly launched a marketing campaign upon the introduction of Vioxx to the marketplace. Indeed, by 2003 the drug had entered 80 nations with sales exceeding $2.5 billion. Still, there were problems looming as ongoing tests conducted by Merck hinted of potential deadly side effects.

As early as 2001, the FDA recommended label warnings be put on prescriptions warning users of potential side effects. In addition, Merck was warned by the FDA to quit misleading physicians about potential side effects.

As potential problems began to surface, they served as red flags to industry watchdogs, to the FDA, as well as to personal injury attorneys who began to gather evidence to show that Merck was negligent. Indeed, web sites and advertising campaigns – meant to inform and attract patients harmed by the drug – were launched and fairly soon the internet, radio, television, and print media were flooded with advertisements asking those suspecting harm from Vioxx to come forward.

With the September 2004 announcement that Merck was withdrawing Vioxx, personal injury litigation was well on its way to being established. By early 2005, the first cases were filed and the Ernst case became the first Vioxx lawsuit to be settled.

Wrongful death lawsuits against Vioxx’s maker, Merck, are expected to increase as the result of the Ernst decision. Personal injury attorneys insist that thousands of former Vioxx users and/or their families are due compensation for Merck’s neglect. It remains to be seen if juries will render judgments as large as the Ernst judgment and whether courts will uphold these amounts. Nevertheless, it is certain that Merck is in for a long battle that will reach well beyond its US base.

Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on just about any and every issue imaginable. You can preview samples from his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com

Vioxx, What Is The Truth? (by S. A. Baker )

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? There are many resources available to help you 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.

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

S A Baker is staff writer at http://www.thesmartattorneys.com

Vioxx Lawyer says: There are Many Valid Vioxx Concerns (By Joe Regan)

The FDA approved Vioxx in 1999. It was intended to reduce the pain and
inflammation caused by osteoarthritis as well as menstrual pains. Afterwards,
the FDA approved Vioxx for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug,
which is a once-daily pill, was considered more effective than traditional pain
killers and to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

What is Vioxx?

Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults, and painful menstrual cycles.
Minor side effects with the use of Vioxx include upset stomach, dizziness,
heartburn, vomiting and constipation. In March, 2002 an FDA report linked Vioxx
to five cases of a nonbacterial type of meningitis. In May 2002, a report
published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research stated that it may also
impede bone repair due to the arthritis drug inhibiting cox-2 (which assists
bone-forming cells in the healing process.)

The makers of Vioxx launched a three year study to confirm the relative
gastrointestinal benefits of Vioxx when compared to another pain medicine,
naproxen. The study did show that patients who took Vioxx had fewer ulcers and
other stomach ailments, but the shock of the study proved to be the greater
tendency to experience serious cardiovascular events when taking Vioxx.

In September 2004, Merck & Co., Inc., announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx
from the market due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular
problems such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clot. The study found that both
high and low levels of the medication increase the risk, but patients taking the
highest doses increase their risk of heart attack more than three-fold.

In Vioxx and naproxen test groups with more than 4,000 patients in each, Vioxx
users suffered 101 “serious cardiovascular events” and 20 myocardial
infarctions. That compared to 46 naproxen users who had cardiovascular events
and only four who suffered heart attacks.

If you have concerns about the safety of Vioxx, or if you have experienced
serious side effects associated with the drug, consult your doctor. It may also
be important to contact an attorney who can help protect your legal rights.
Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence
suit.

If you would like to locate a Vioxx Attorney,
visit Personal Injury Lawyer page on www.hugesettlements.com

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