Vioxx

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In September of 2004 Merck voluntarily removed VIOXX from the market over two years after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed Merck, the makers of Vioxx, of the drug’s cardiovascular (heart failure) risks. Since then studies have shown that patients taking Vioxx have more than four times the risk of having a heart attack. More than 51 million Americans have taken Vioxx since it was introduced in 1999. If you have taken Vioxx, you may have a claim, and it is important that you protect your health as well as your rights. If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered a heart attack, stroke or blood clots as a result of taking Vioxx, you may want to speak with an attorney. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Vioxx may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions and if needed can file a Vioxx lawsuit on your behalf.

What is Vioxx?
Vioxx is one of a new class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors, used to relieve acute pain in adult patients. It treats the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (common arthritis). Vioxx is also used to treat painful menstrual cycles. Vioxx works by inhibiting enzymes known as COX-2 enzymes. COX-2 enzymes are produced by the body and are involved in the pain and inflammation of arthritis and other body pain sufferers. When these enzymes are inhibited, the patients tend to feel less pain and suffer from less inflammation.

What are the dangers of Vioxx?
The risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack, stroke, sudden death and blood clots, is believed by researchers to be more than four times higher in people who used Vioxx (rofecoxib group drugs) than in the traditional, arthritis pain treatment nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are part of the naproxen group. This was concluded by a study that involved 8,000 patients and compared the COX-2 inhibitor rofecoxib (Vioxx) with the traditional NSAID naproxen (Aleve).

Other serious side effects associated with Vioxx usage are:

• Stomach bleeding
• Intestinal bleeding
• These can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death. Although this happens rarely, you should watch for signs that you may have this serious side effect and tell your doctor right away.

More common, non-life threatening, side effects associated with VIOXX include:

• Upper and/or lower respiratory infection and/or inflammation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Heartburn, stomach pain and upset stomach
• Swelling of the legs and/or feet
• High blood pressure
• Back pain
• Tiredness
• Urinary tract infection

Your Rights
If you are taking Vioxx now, or have taken Vioxx in the past, and have been hurt, you have a right to be compensated for your suffering. Claims against the makers of Vioxx include money for:

• Past and future medical and hospital expenses
• Other expenses caused by your use of Vioxx
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Permanent physical damage
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of future earnings and earning capacity

If you believe that you have a claim, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Like any other claim, there is a mandatory time, called statute of limitations, in which lawsuits must be filed. If you don’t file claim before the time expires, your claim may not be allowed at all. Protect your rights; call the offices of d’Oliveira & Associates, P.C., now.

We hope that this brief discussion has given you some insight into some of the dangers of Vioxx. Most importantly, if you or a loved one has taken Vioxx, and has sustained injury you need a law firm that has the experience and resources to handle these cases and if needed to file a Vioxx lawsuit. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

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