Vioxx Recall

The Vioxx recall occurred on September 30, 2004, and involved the manufacture of Vioxx (Merck) voluntarily pulling their product off the market after findings indicated serious adverse side effects associated with taking this pain medication. Vioxx is a newer type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) that was once hailed as a "super painkiller." Vioxx was prescribed to over ninety-one million people for the relief of pain associated with arthritis and other severe forms of pain, before the Vioxx recall occurred.
Vioxx and its cohorts were developed after the original group of NSAIDs was found to cause gastrointestinal problems in patients. The second generation of NSAIDs, Vioxx included, was developed in order to reduce the occurrence of harmful side effects associated with pain medications. These new drugs affected only one of the two enzymes that play a key role in pain relief. Cox-1 was thought to be the cause of NSAID side effects, and was therefore left out of new drug formulations. The new NSAIDs were to inhibit only the COX-2 enzyme. The long term effects of drugs that inhibit this enzyme were to be the source of problems in the Vioxx recall.
The Vioxx recall happened as a result of findings from two different internal clinical trials. Merck conducted a study called VIGOR to test the gastrointestinal effects of Vioxx on its users. This study found that Vioxx carried a greater risk for causing heart problems than naproxen (an original NSAID) but a lower risk for gastrointestinal problems. Despite the discovery of potential health risks, these findings alone were not enough to warrant a Vioxx recall.

A second Merck study called APPROVe was conducted in 2000 to test the effects of Vioxx on colon polyps. Eighteen months into the study, researchers discovered an increased rate of heart attack and stroke in those patients taking Vioxx. Researchers immediately discontinued the clinical trial when it was found that taking Vioxx doubles a person's chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Merck claimed that the Vioxx recall was initiated because the risks associated with this medication outweighed its intended benefits.
The Vioxx recall completely pulled Vioxx off the market and it is no longer available for consumer use. Merck is accepting returns of unused portions of Vioxx for a refund. If you have been injured as a result of taking Vioxx, even despite the Vioxx recall, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries in a legal case. If you develop any of the symptoms of serious health complications associated with Vioxx use it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

For more information on the Vioxx recall you may wish to speak to a legal professional who can advise you of your legal rights and options in a Vioxx injury case.