Wrongful Death -Vioxx
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a study on November 2004 that said VIOXX ® may have contributed to an additional 27 |785 heart attacks or deaths from 1999 to 2003.
A new analysis published online by the British journal |The Lancet | could help fuel the lawsuits. Swiss researchers led by Peter Juni of the University of Bern pooled results from 29 studies of VIOXX ® and found that people who took it had more than double the risk of heart attack than those given dummy pills or other painkillers.
Richard Evans | an analyst at Stanford C. Bernstein Research | estimates Merck's legal costs could reach $12 billion.
Experts estimate that Merck will pay between $100 |000 to $300 |000 per settlement.
Wyeth took its drugs off the market in 1997 and has paid out $13.6 billion in legal fees and settlements of its $16.6 billion reserve -- believed to be the biggest amount ever paid by a pharmaceutical company over a problem drug.
Baycol was withdrawn in 2001 and Bayer has paid out $1.09 billion so far.
Only 6 million individuals took Wyeth's diet drugs while 20 million Americans took VIOXX ®. That has led some observers to believe VIOXX's ® payout could be larger.
Merck & Co. | the makers of the 3 billion dollar a year prescription drug Vioxx has issued a worldwide recall because the drug may cause heart attacks and strokes.
If you've taken Vioxx within the last 3 years and suffered a heart attack or stroke | it may be the result of taking the prescription drug Vioxx.
VIOXX® - Study Finds danger in risk of Stroke and Heart Atatck
Vioxx was discovered to increase the risk of stroke and heart attack during an 18 Month clinical trial during which 2 |600 people were given a 25 Milligram dose to prevent polyps in the colon. Once Vioxx was discovered to augment the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems | the clinical trial was halted. The trial indicated that patients who took Vioxx for longer than 18 months had a higher chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke than those who were taking a placebo.
VIOXX® - Who Is At Risk?
- VIOXX® prescriptions have been written for Ninety one million people in the U.S.
- VIOXX® was launched in the United States in 1999 and has been marketed in more than 80 countries.
- Anyone who has used VIOXX® on a regular basis is at risk.
VIOXX® - FDA Response
The FDA issued the following advisory to patients following the announcement by Merck:
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today acknowledged the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx (rofecoxib) | a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co. FDA today also issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications."
VIOXX® - Side Effects
- High risk of heart attacks
- Chest pain
- Stroke
- Sudden death
- Blood clots
- Stomach problems
- Intestinal bleeding
- Upper and/or lower respiratory infection and/or inflammation
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Heartburn | stomach pain | and upset stomach
- Swelling of the legs and/or feet
- High blood pressure
- Back pain
- Tiredness
- Urinary tract infection
- VIOXX® side effects could lead to hospitalization or death.
Allergic reactions including swelling of face | lips | tongue | and/or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing but may require treatment right away
VIOXX® - Know Your Legal Rights!
If you have taken Vioxx and have suffered a heart attack or stroke | or if someone you love has died after taking Vioxx | you may be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer and potentially collect significant financial compensation.
If you or someone you know has suffered a heart attack | stroke | or other cardiovascular event as a result of using the prescription drug VIOXX® you owe it to yourself to make sure that your rights are protected. Your rights vary depending on many factors such as your residence | age | and the frequency of VIOXX® usage.
VIOXX® - Eligibility
If you are a victim of a VIOXX® related injury | your eligibility will depend on several factors:
a) Statute of Limitations
b) Identify Your Exposure
c) Responsible Parties
VIOXX® - Wrongful Death Suit
The law also says that if you are a close family member of a person who died of a VIOXX® related injury | you may also have the right to seek compensation for your loss. This right is called a "wrongful death" suit. The laws of different states vary as to which family members have the legal right to recover for the wrongful death of a family member. We can help decide which state is best for your case | depending upon your individual situation.
VIOXX® - Statute of Limitations
Each state has its own laws and governs the law differently. Each state also has its own deadlines for allowing victims to file legal suits to protect their rights called statutes of limitation and statutes of repose.
While you have the right to sue if you have | or a family member has a VIOXX® related injury | there is a time frame during which you must file your case. This statute of limitations varies from state to state | but if you wait too long | you will be barred from taking legal action. If you are interested in filing a case | it is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
If you would like to talk with an experienced wrongful death lawyer to understand and protect your legal rights, please tell us about your wrongful death Case. Our Wrongful Death lawyers have an extensive record in wrongful death cases and will help you evaluate your case.
