Drug manufacturer Merck & Co. has pulled its arthritis drug Vioxx off the market worldwide because of data indicating that use of Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems.   

The Wall Street Journal cited a government study, which said Vioxx may have caused close to 28,000 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths.   Now, questions are being raised as to whether the manufacturer may have known about these risks and hid them from the public in the interest of profits.  

What is Vioxx?

Vioxx is in a new category of drugs called “Cox Inhibitors” released into the market in the late 1990’s.  These drugs are related to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen.

However, Vioxx performs differently than the standard NSAIDs. The drug proved highly effective for managing acute forms of pain. In addition, it appeared that Vioxx  would not cause the serious gastrointestinal problems associated with the traditional NSAIDs while it still reduced inflammation and pain.  Millions of arthritis sufferers were prescribed Vioxx worldwide.

The Problem with Vioxx

Research has shown that the mechanism by which Vioxx operates in the body causes a chemical imbalance that can result in blood clots. These blood clots form in the cardiovascular system, particularly in the coronary arteries or the arteries in the brain.

Vioxx Side Effects

As a result of this clot formation, studies have shown that users of Vioxx  are at increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Other side effects from the use of Vioxx can include kidney insufficiency or failure, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, fluid retention in the extremities, intestinal damage, angina, ulcerations and bleeding.

The Recall of Vioxx  

In 2000, a clinical trial was begun to determine if use of Vioxx would assist in   preventing recurring colon polyps. While Vioxx was found to successfully prevent the formation of new polyps, data also revealed a heightened risk of cardiovascular problems that began about 18 months after patients started taking Vioxx.  In fact, twice as many Vioxx recipients suffered strokes, heart attacks or blood clots as those patients who received placebos.  The pharmaceutical company pulled the drug from the market in September 2004.

Have you or someone you care about used Vioxx and suffered a stroke, heart attack or blood clots?  If so, contact us for a free consultation.   

At Montlick and Associates we work hard for our clients and will do whatever it takes to protect your interests.

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