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Do I Need a Vioxx Lawyer? What Should I Do If I Have Taken Vioxx?

The Vioxx Recall

Vioxx was recently recalled by Merck after its own study showed that it substantially increased heart attack and stroke risks. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Vioxx was recalled because the study showed: “[a]n increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months.”

The FDA announcement is not surprising. In Merck's own Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research report published in the New England Journal of Medicine (November 23, 2000), Merck compared the effectiveness of Vioxx (rofecoxib) to naproxen. The study shows a statistically significant increase in heart attacks in the rofecoxib group (0.5 percent) compared to the naproxen group (0.1 percent). There were 20 heart attacks suffered by 4,047 Vioxx patients and 4 heart attacks in 4,029 naproxen patients. While the absolute numbers are low, this is a five-fold increase that statistically is highly significant and merited further studies. In addition the study reported increased problems with blood clotting (which results in strokes and leg clots).

Furthermore, a study led by a Food and Drug Administration safety official now projects that the widespread use of Vioxx may have led to more than 27,000 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths before the drug's abrupt withdrawal by Merck, according to an October 6, 2004 Wall Street Journal report.

Based on Merck’s own studies, and statements by the FDA, there appear to be substantial links between the use of Vioxx and serious medical complications.

What Does This Mean To You?

But what does this mean for people who have taken Vioxx, and have had complications, or who are simply concerned about future complications?

According to a recent Time magazine article, “younger patients, or those who are otherwise well . . . can afford to wait until [they] talk to [their] doctor.” But older patients, especially those with a history of heart disease, “should stop taking the drug immediately and consult their doctor about a new treatment.” A Painful Mistake. (2004, October 11). Time, 47-48.

However, knowing when to stop taking Vioxx (and what drug to use in its place) is only half the equation. As stated above, Vioxx may have led to more than 27,000 heart attacks. Furthermore, Merck’s own study also showed that under certain conditions, Vioxx users may have almost double the chance of stroke as compared to non-Vioxx users.

If you have taken Vioxx in the past, and you have suffered a heart attack or stroke (or other serious complication), you have certain legal rights, and you may have a legal case against Merck, the maker of Vioxx. You should thus contact a Vioxx lawyer as soon as possible.

Our law firm is currently investigating potential cases against Merck, and if you think that you may have been harmed by Vioxx, you are strongly encouraged to contact us. There is no charge, and no obligation. If we take your case, there is no fee for our services unless we win your case, or settle it in your favor.

On the other hand, if you fail to protect your legal rights now, you may lose the right to be compensated for your harm. (Persons seeking to preserve any potential legal claims should contact an attorney promptly, since all states have mandatory time periods in which lawsuits must be filed with the courts; otherwise, they may be forever barred).

Our firm has a great deal of experience in representing plaintiffs in “drug” cases, and in fact, is currently pursuing numerous cases against “Metabolife” for very similar injuries.

In addition, we have the resources to handle our own cases. This means that when you call our firm, you talk to your own lawyer who has been assigned to your own case.

Please contact us now (your privacy is assured). The secure form below only takes a couple of minutes to fill out, but if you are uncomfortable sending your information over the internet, please call our toll-free number at 800.921.1776 to speak to an attorney. The call is free, and there is no obligation. Act now, as delays can harm your case.

Contact Our Vioxx Lawyers Now