Merck Knew Vioxx Side Effects
Merck and Co. played a major role in the development of COX-2 painkillers with no gastrointestinal side effects, which could have become a great alternative for millions of those taking traditional pain relievers. Indeed, Vioxx was an effective pain killer and demonstrated only half of the stomach and intestinal problems associated with traditional pain relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin and naproxen (Aleve). However, the new pain reliever also increased severe cardiovascular side effects, such as blood clots, heart attacks and strokes in those taking Vioxx.
Recent evidence demonstrates that Merck knew of the potentially deadly side effects of Vioxx as early as 1996, three years before the pain reliever was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for routine clinical use. In a Merck memo dated November 21, 1996, the company researchers expressed concern that "there is a substantial chance that significantly higher rates" of cardiovascular problems result from Vioxx use, reported investigators from The Wall Street Journal. Results of the clinical trials that followed continued to demonstrate the increased occurrence of heart attacks and strokes, raising concern of its safety and clearly calling for in-depth research of cardiovascular side effects of Vioxx.
In March of 2000, the director of Merck's research sent messages to colleagues indicating that the increased cases of severe side effects related to heart attacks, strokes and blood clots "are clearly there" in patients taking Vioxx. However, no action to protect the consumers was taken.
Merck's Responsibility to Physicians
It was Merck's direct responsibility to also ensure that physicians prescribing the drugs were fully aware of the potentially fatal side effects, especially in patients with heart disease or other cardiovascular problems. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Vioxx patients were older persons who were at higher risk of heart attack and stroke due to older age.
Evidence that Merck knew about the significant risk of serious cardiovascular effects in such patients and continued to spend millions of dollars on marketing the drug as safe for all patients is shocking.
Victims Must Seek Legal Advice
The company estimates that 105 million prescriptions were written for Vioxx for 20 million patients in the United States from May 1999 to August 2004.
If you or a loved one have taken Vioxx and have suffered side effects related to heart ailments, stroke or blood clots, you should investigate legal representation. Vioxx attorneys and lawyers can represent you and determine if you are entitled to payments from Merck.
What Is Happening to Merck Now?
As of October 31, 2004, Merck said it was facing 375 suits from "approximately 1,000 plaintiff groups alleging personal injuries resulting from the use of Vioxx." The estimated liability from potential lawsuits that are now forming against Merck is anywhere from $10 to $20 billion.
As of August 30, 2005, Merck received one verdict in excess of $250 Million and it says it is facing at least another 5,000 lawsuits. Furthermore, the House Energy and Commerce Committee is investigating how Vioxx was approved and then taken off the market. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also started an investigation in late 2004 looking into whether Merck misled shareholders about the drug.