Latest News on VIOXX Recall
April 27, 2005
Launched by Merck in 1999, VIOXX is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) known as a COX-2 inhibitor. Due to Merck's aggressive promotion, VIOXX quickly became a hugely popular prescription pain reliever for the treatment of osteoarthritis, acute pain, menstrual pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Worldwide sales of VIOXX in 2003 were $2.5 billion. 
The clinical trial leading to the withdrawal of VIOXX was not the first to raise suspicion about the safety of VIOXX. By early 2000, results from the VIGOR (VIOXX Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) study also indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to another painkiller. The FDA sent a warning letter to Merck in 2001 calling Merck's promotional campaign for VIOXX “false and misleading” because it minimized the potentially serious findings in the VIGOR trial. Merck never put the cardiovascular risks associated with taking VIOXX in the Warning sections of the labeling for its multi-billion-dollar-a-year drug.
On September 30, 2004, FDA issued a Public Advisory to inform patients of Merck's actions and to advise them to see their doctors for alternative medications.
If you or your loved one has taken VIOXX and suffered a heart attack or stroke, you may want more information, you may wish to contact us. The attorneys
at Paris & Chaikin, PLLC, are available to answer your questions.
Consultations are free with no obligations. CALL OUR FIRM TODAY
AT 212-742-0476.
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