What is Vioxx?Vioxx is a prescription medication known as a Cox-2 inhibitor. Vioxx was approved by the FDA in 1999 for relieving pain associated with arthritis, osteoarthritis, and menstruation. How Does Vioxx Work?Vioxx is an anti-inflammatory drug, which means that it reduces internal inflammation. What are the Side Effects of Vioxx?There are numerous serious side effects associated with Vioxx. These include: - heartburn
- nausea
- diarrhea
- upper respiratory tract infection
- swelling of the lower extremities
- high blood pressure
- itching
- stomach ulcers or bleeding
- fatigue
- vomiting
- dark urine
- black stools
- increased risk of heart attack
- increased risk of stroke
- blood clots
- kidney problems
- cardiovascular problems
- chest pain related to heart disease
- sudden death
Why was Vioxx Recalled?Vioxx was recalled in 2004 after a three year study of 1,300 Vioxx users found that the drug greatly increased the risk of heart attack and stoke, which can lead to serious and permanent injuries and death. Previous clinical trials had linked Vioxx to instances of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, an increase in blood clots, and other cardiovascular problems including heart attach, chest pain related to heart disease, stroke, and sudden death. Vioxx users were more than twice as likely to experience heart problems than patients using the control drug in those trials. Patients should by now have been taken off of Vioxx, and the FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning the drug. How Do I Know if I Have a Legitimate Claim? If you have taken Vioxx and have suffered from cardiac thrombosis, heart complications, liver damage, kidney damage, a heart attack, a stroke, or any other serious side effect, you may have a claim against Merck, the producer of Vioxx. Do I Need a Lawyer if I Have Been Taking Vioxx?If you believe you have been injured by Vioxx side effects you should speak with a good products liability attorney who is experienced in working with victims of unsafe drugs. Your legal rights depend upon your contacting an attorney within a timely manner after the discovery that you are suffering from Vioxx side effects. You may be able to bring suit with the aid of an attorney, or sue with a group of other victims as part of a class action lawsuit. |
