Pharmaceutical Litigation Alert

Vioxx: Q and A: Your legal rights

Q. What action did Merck take?

A. Merck announced a voluntary worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib).

Q. What is Vioxx?

A. Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults, and painful menstrual cycles.

Q. What action did the FDA take?

A. FDA issued a public health advisory concerning the use of Vioxx. This advisory is based on Merck & Co., Inc. voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns.

Q. What should I do if I am currently taking Vioxx?

A. While the risk that an individual patient will suffer a heart attack or stroke related to Vioxx may be small, it is nearly four times greater than those of traditional pain relievers. The FDA encourages people taking Vioxx to contact their physician to discuss discontinuing use of Vioxx and alternative treatments. Any decision about which drug product to take to treat your symptoms should be made in consultation with your physician based on an assessment of your specific treatment needs.

Q. What are the likely long-term health effects, if any, of taking this product?

A. The new study shows that Vioxx may cause an increased risk in cardiovascular events such as heart attack and strokes during chronic use. Vioxx side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and heartburn, but many patients may be unaware that the risk for Vioxx side effects such as heart attacks are nearly four times greater than those of traditional pain relievers. Vioxx side effects, including heart attacks, were discussed in a report recently released by the Cleveland Clinic. The Vioxx side effects were compared to those of patients treated with standard nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with Vioxx side effects relating to heart attacks appearing far more commonly in users of Vioxx.

Q. Where can I get legal assistance regarding injuries linked to the use Vioxx?

A. The law firm of Rossman Baumberger Reboso & Spier is investigating injuries and assisting with claims made by those who have suffered serious health problems as a result of taking Vioxxn. If you have been a victim of Vioxx or have lost a loved one due to the drug, contact our office for a free confidential consultation and evaluation of your legal rights. Protect your rights. Call us at (800) 775-6511 or email your claim to trial-law@rbrlaw.com.