According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rofecoxib, commonly referred to as Vioxx, is “a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) [used] for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms.”
Vioxx was supposed to simply relieve pain, and not cause harm of any kind to the digestive tract or any other part of the human body. However, the FDA released the following public health advisory warning in 2004:
“Merck & Co., Inc. today announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx from the U.S. market due to safety concerns.the Agency was informed by Merck & Co., Inc. on September 27, 2004, that the Data Safety Monitoring Board for an ongoing long-term study of Vioxx (APPROVe) had recommended that the study be stopped early for safety reasons. The study was being conducted in patients at risk for developing recurrent colon polyps. The study showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months. Based on this new safety information, Merck and FDA officials met the next day, September 28, 2004, and during that meeting FDA was informed that Merck was voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the market place. The risk that an individual patient taking Vioxx will suffer a heart attack or stroke related to the drug is very small. Patients who are currently taking Vioxx should contact their physician for guidance regarding discontinuation and alternative therapies.”
Dangerous over-the-counter or prescription medication side effects can have debilitating effects on a person’s well-being, and significantly reduce their quality of life in the long run. Adverse effects may be irreversible, and may lead to a host of other problems as well. It is the responsibility of any company that sells a product to ensure that product is safe to use by consumers. It is also that company’s responsibility to assume accountability in the case of unintended harm caused by their product, in this case, Vioxx.
Regardless of whether or not the risk of harm to users is small, Merck & Co. is still negligent. If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of Vioxx usage, please don’t hesitate to contact the Bernard Law Group. Our skilled drug injury lawyers will use their know-how to recover monetary compensation on your behalf, compensation that will help relieve the cost of medical bills and any necessary extended care. Call us for a free consultation, and we will examine every detail of your case, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS SUFFERED AS THE RESULT OF TAKING THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG VIOXX, CALL THE BERNARD LAW GROUP TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
