Vioxx is a brand name used by Merck & Co., Inc. to sell the drug rofecoxib. Vioxx was sold by prescription primarily as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory arthritis drug. Vioxx was first distributed and sold throughout the USA beginning in 1999. Even though post-marketing reports suggested possible hypertension-related adverse health effects, Merck continued to sell Vioxx as safe.
On September 30, 2004, Merck withdrew its drug Vioxx from the market due to an excess risk of myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) and strokes. The hazards associated with the drug, are noted in a New England Journal of Medicine report:
[A] single mechanism, depression of prostaglandin I2 formation, might be expected to elevate blood pressure, accelerate atherogenesis, and predispose patients receiving coxibs to an exaggerated thrombotic response to the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque. The higher a patient's intrinsic risk of cardiovascular disease, the more likely it would be that such a hazard would manifest itself rapidly in the form of a clinical event.
N. Engl.J.Med 351:17 (October 21, 2004). The Journal also reports that:
Our primary conclusion, based on the clear-cut excess number of myocardial infarctions associated with rofecoxib …, was that “it is mandatory to conduct a trial specifically assessing cardiovascular risk and benefit of these agents.” Such a trial needed to be conducted in patients with established coronary artery disease, who frequently have coexisting osteoarthritis requiring medication and have the highest risk of further cardiovascular events. Given the very high coincidence of coronary disease and arthritis, this group may represent the largest segment of the population for whom rofecoxib was prescribed.
See, N. Engl.J.Med 351:18. In light of Mr. Holub's substantial experience in having handled “fen-phen” (diet drug) claims for clients in the past, the firm is available to consult with persons who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other serious blood clotting event while taking Vioxx.
In August 2005, compensatory and punitive damages were awarded by a Texas jury in the first Vioxx-related lawsuit to go to trial in the country.
Please phone if you have questions about Vioxx or other drug claims.