VIOXX RECALL

MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCES VIOXX RECALL AFTER CLINICAL STUDY INDICATES PATIENTS ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO SUFFER HEART ATTACK

On September 30, 2004 the manufacturer of Vioxx announced it would voluntarily recall the drug after a clinical study showed that users were at an increased risk of suffering a heart attack.  The popular arthritis drug also was found to elevate the risk of stroke.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Vioxx in preventing colon cancer.  The clinical study was halted prematurely but it became apparent to the manufacturer that participants taking Vioxx were at a greater risk of suffering a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.

Vioxx had already come under scrutiny from medical experts after an article published in JAMA in June 2001 reported that use of Vioxx may cause kidney problems.  JAMA reported later that year that a link between Vioxx and cardiovascular problems may exist.  Some clinical studies have indicated that Vioxx increased the rates of high blood pressure.

In June 2001 Merck & Co. submitted to the FDA a clinical safety study that reported an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.  As a result of the study, the FDA implemented labeling changes in April 2002 that provided information about the increase and risk of cardiovascular problems.

The Food and Drug Administration has recently acknowledged a voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co. The FDA also issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications.

YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

If you have been injured by Vioxx, you may be entitled to compensation.  You should act immediately to contact an attorney experienced in complicated matters involving personal injury.

SAWYER, HALPERN & DEMETRI is prepared to handle legal claims on behalf of those injured by Vioxx.  We invite you to contact us for a free confidential consultation about your legal rights.