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At this time we are no longer taking Vioxx cases
TRENTON, N.J. - Merck & Co. issued a statement Friday it will pay $4.85 billion to end thousands of state and federal lawsuits over its painkiller Vioxx in one of the largest drug settlements ever.
Merck has estimated that the deal, if it's accepted, would end 45,000 to 50,000 personal injury lawsuits of U.S. Vioxx users who suffered or were injured via heart attack or ischemic stroke.
To qualify for a settlement, plaintiffs must have filed claims by Thursday (11/8/2007) and must meet several criteria, including medical proof that they suffered a heart attack or stroke, that they received at least 30 Vioxx pills.
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Vioxx is a COX-2 Inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to manage pain and discomfort that result from arthritis or injured tissues. COX-2 inhibitors relieve pain without damaging the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to this unique property, Vioxx achieved almost instant and universal acclaim when it was released in 1999, and earned Merck, the company that developed and marketed the drug, almost $2.5 billion in 2003 alone.
Soon after the drug was released, doctors discovered that Vioxx use was beginning to cause a rise in the amount and degree of potentially fatal side effects. Many patients that used Vioxx suffered an increase in blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. In 2004 an in depth study discovered that even moderate Vioxx use for as little as a year and a half could cause twice as many heart attacks and strokes than older, less complicated drugs.
Compounding the troubles for Merck, recently uncovered documents could show that Merck was the potential of Vioxx cause serious circulatory system damage, but rather than making it safer it chose to send it to the market regardless. Furthermore, this same evidence could reveal that Merck may have deliberately mishandled test data to get the approval of the FDA, regardless of the potential for harm it might cause. People were already filing lawsuits against Merck due to damage by Vioxx, and eventually in 2004 Merck recalled the drug in order to prevent further damage.
If you or someone you know was one of the millions of people potentially injured by Vioxx that you consult an attorney right away. You may be entitled to take legal action, but if you hesitate you could miss out on the financial compensation you deserve. Let a dedicated and experienced lawyer help you discover your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact one today.
