The drug was licensed in June 1999. Since then, more than 20 million Americans have taken Vioxx. In September 2001, the FDA sent Merck an eight-page warning letter about the company’s promotional campaign for Vioxx. The letter indicated that the campaign minimized “the potentially serious cardiovascular findings that were observed” in a trial that compared the drug to naproxen, a less-expensive painkiller. The FDA charged that Merck discounted the fact that "patients on Vioxx were observed to have a four- to five-fold increase" in heart attacks, compared with patients on naproxen.

Vioxx – a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) – is in a class of drugs commonly referred to as "Cox-2 Inhibitors". It comes in liquid or pill form, and is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can also be used to treat acute pain in adults such as those patients who experience severe pain associated with menstruation. Vioxx works by blocking COX-2 enzymes in the body that trigger pain and inflammation.

In previous years, Merck consistently denied any possible links between Vioxx and cardiovascular problems. However, a 2004 clinical trial sponsored by Merck itself found that people taking a low dose of Vioxx for more than 18 months were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those taking a placebo. Merck now faces a flood of lawsuits.

Merck lost the first trial over Vioxx in August 2005 when a Texas jury awarded $253 million in damages to the widow of a Vioxx user. Under Texas law, that will be cut to no more than $26 million, and Merck plans to appeal. In November, Merck won its first major victory when a New Jersey state jury found that the drug maker properly warned consumers about the risks of the medication. The finding means Merck won’t be held liable for the 2001 heart attack suffered by a man taking Vioxx.

In addition to increasing risk of heart attack and stroke, patients taking Vioxx were found to be four times more likely to suffer from heart attack than those taking naproxen (such as Aleve). Vioxx is more likely to cause severe intestinal damage, ulcerations and bleeding, blood clots and toxic epidermal necrolysis (a fatal skin disease), than other arthritis pain relievers.

Other health problems include:

• Serious kidney problems that could lead to acute kidney failure.
• Serious liver problems.
• Allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• The FDA reports that Vioxx has also been linked to at least five cases of a non-bacterial type of meningitis, a rare but serious side effect.

These conditions may come about suddenly with few or no symptoms. If left untreated, hospitalization or even death can occur. Contact the Louisiana lawyers at the Babcock Law Firm immediately if you are experiencing any of the above-listed side effects of Vioxx. Drug litigation can be extremely complex. It is best to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney with experience in this field of law. The Babcock Law Firm has a sophisticated litigation and appellate practice, but we use an insightful, common-sense approach to solving our clients’ problems.

We have offices in Baton Rouge and Ruston, and represent clients in New Orleans, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport, Monroe, Houma, Bossier City and nearly every place in between. In Baton Rouge, call us at (252) 344-0911; in Ruston, (318) 255-0911, or call us toll-free at 1-866-309-0911. You may also contact us through our online evaluation form.

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