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Vioxx Class Action Lawsuits Information
Vioxx was FDA approved as a pain relief drug for arthritis
and experienced immediate success, distributed to more than 30,000 pharmacies
just eleven days after approval. Vioxx manufacturer has found itself in the
middle of lawsuits for the life threatening side effects that have occurred.
Vioxx manufacturer, Merck has been warned by the FDA to change their advertising
regarding the company's misrepresentation of safety information, unsubstantiated
comparative claims, the lack of fair balance, and the misrepresentation of
efficacy information.
Vioxx and competitor Celebrex used marketing strategies to try to differentiate
themselves from one another, emphasizing small differences until the advantages
became extensive and the flaws appeared minimal. The FDA attributed the
competition between Vioxx and Celebrex to insufficient warning to doctors and
patients of the serious risks and adverse effects of Vioxx. Arthritis affects 40
million people in the U.S. with millions of these people relying on medications
like Vioxx for relief.
Vioxx Side Effects
Vioxx side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn,
but many patients may be unaware that the risk for Vioxx side effects such as
heart attacks are nearly four times greater than those of traditional pain
relievers. Vioxx side effects, including heart attacks, were discussed in a
report recently released by the Cleveland Clinic. The Vioxx side effects were
compared to those of patients treated with standard nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with Vioxx side effects relating to heart
attacks appearing far more commonly in users of Vioxx.
The potential Vioxx side effects, especially those relating to heart trouble,
may be related to the attempt to avoid any Vioxx side effects having to do with
gastrointestinal problems. NSAIDs inhibit both Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes—while
Vioxx side effects relating to stomach problems are lower, because VIOXX is only
a Cox-2 inhibitor. Potential Vioxx side effects like ulcers are lower, because
VIOXX does not affect Cox-1 enzymes that protect the stomach. Vioxx side effects
relating to heart problems may result from the inhibiting Cox-2 enzymes, which
may prevent clotting.
Vioxx side effects continue to be studied, and the FDA claims it is too early to
draw conclusions. Vioxx side effects relating to heart attacks are especially
high for patients already at risk for heart problems; Vioxx side effects should
be thoroughly discussed with a physician, and anyone taking Vioxx who is
experiencing Vioxx side effects should immediately consult a doctor. If you or a
loved one has suffered from Vioxx side effects, you may wish to contact an
attorney who has experience specifically with persons experiencing Vioxx side
effects. A qualified lawyer may be able to help you make the right decision to
protect yourself and your family.
More Vioxx Information
Vioxx information from recent clinical trials indicates that
users have an increased risk of cardiac problems. The Vioxx information relating
to potential side effects was not fully understood when Vioxx received FDA
approval; Vioxx information on common side effects (such as upset stomach) was
available, but there was no Vioxx information indicating the serious potential
problems such as cardiac arrest or stroke. At the time of approval, Vioxx
information indicated that the drug had lower risks for causing gastrointestinal
bleeding; based on this Vioxx information, the drug was widely hailed as a
breakthrough for arthritis sufferers.
Researchers have since released Vioxx information indicating the chances for
heart attack was four times greater than with older arthritis pain relievers.
Vioxx information also links the drug to angina pectoris, stroke, and clotting.
In addition, some startling Vioxx information was reported in 2002, when an FDA
report linked several instances of nonbacterial meningitis with Vioxx,
information that could prove the life-threatening potential of the drug.
All the available Vioxx information indicates that this drug should not be
treated lightly. Anyone using Vioxx should review the Vioxx information
presented by the FDA and independent investigators, and should fully discuss
Vioxx information with their physicians before taking the drug. Current users
should consult with their doctors to review Vioxx information and decide if the
drug’s benefits outweigh its risks.
More on Vioxx (Rofecoxib):
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