Vioxx (also known as rofecoxib) was voluntarily recalled on September 30, 2004 by drug giant Merck following a study that showed that people taking the drug Vioxx for more than eighteen months were at twice the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular events than people who take older non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Concern in the medical community began mounting in early 2001 that Vioxx might cause serious cardiovascular events. On April 11, 2002, the FDA required Merck to include new label precautions regarding the cardiovascular risks. Over two years later, Merck removed this prescription medication from the market. By the time Vioxx was removed from the market, it had been used by millions of people worldwide. Its annual sales in 2003 totaled approximately $2.5 billion dollars.

Vioxx is a member of a category of drugs called "Cox-2 Inhibitors." It was used to provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects for arthritis sufferers. The advertised advantage of using Cox-2 Inhibitors such as Vioxx over the traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and Naprosyn is that there are supposedly fewer gastrointestinal (GI) problems occurring during treatment with Cox-2 Inhibitors. However, continuing drug studies revealed GI problems (perforations, ulcerations, and bleeds), as well as serious and potentially deadly cardiovascular side effects. During the study that led to the recall of Vioxx, it was proven that the Cox-2 Inhibitors' process throws off the body's normal chemical balance, and blood clots may develop. These blood clots form in the coronary arteries or in the brain and heart attacks or strokes can result.

The nation's first Vioxx-related trial began during the summer of 2005 in Brazoria County, Texas. On August 19, 2005, a Texas jury awarded Carol Ernst $253.4 million dollars in damages as a result of the death of her husband, Robert, from a heart attack after he took Vioxx. Texas law limits liability and damages, so the verdict is expected to be reduced by 90%. Nevertheless, the jury trial and verdict revealed much about Merck's activities in obtaining FDA approval for Vioxx and marketing the drug to patients and health care providers. Merck now faces thousands of lawsuits from individuals who claim to have suffered serious injuries as a result of taking Vioxx.

If you or someone you know has been injured by taking Vioxx, contact us online or call us toll free at 1-800-320-2384 to set up a FREE consultation.