From 1999 until 2004, Vioxx was one of the most successful prescription drugs in history, at least in terms of financial gain. Merck & Co., the pharmaceutical giant that developed and marketed it, made billions of dollars through millions of prescriptions. Between Vioxx and its chief competitor, Celebrex, millions of people gained relief from pain associated with arthritis and other conditions.

Vioxx was the result of studies done in the early 1990s. Scientists discovered that there were two varieties of the COX enzyme. COX-1, as it came to be called, controls creation of the prostaglandins responsible for protecting the stomach lining. COX-2, on the other hand, helps create prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation. Previously, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, attacked all the COXes, including the helpful COX-1s. As a result, these drugs often caused damage to the stomach lining.

Scientists reasoned that if they could make a drug that would only target COX-2 and leave COX-1 alone, the drug would be effective against the pain and inflammation without damaging the stomach lining in the process. That is what Vioxx and Celebrex were designed to do, and they were largely effective. Some patients still reported stomach problems, but in general those side effects were not nearly as great as with other NSAIDs.

The problem is that COX-2 is not an entirely bad enzyme. Aside from creating pain and inflammation, it also helps prevent blood clotting. Some researchers believe that by taking Vioxx, which targets COX-2, patients are damaging their blood flow. As a result, blood clots, heart disease, strokes, and other complications may come from the usage of Vioxx. Kidney disease and other heart-related problems have also been reported. The Merck company disputed this, saying that when the drug was tested on animals, there was no effect on the blood’s natural anti-clotting agents.

Major investigations were done in the early 2000s, and in 2004, Merck voluntarily took Vioxx off the market. This was after the Food and Drug Administration estimated that Vioxx had caused upwards of 100,000 heart attacks in the previous five years, at least 30 percent of which were probably fatal. Apparently seeking to cut their losses before things got worse, Merck pulled the drug, though still without admitting any wrongdoing.

Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against Merck. People who suffered heart attacks or other complications have filed, as have the families of those who died. However, there is a third class of people: those who took the drug and are now at greater risk for heart disease due to the effects of the drug.

If you took Vioxx, you might fall under that last category. You should have your doctor give you a thorough check-up to see if there is any long-term damage to your heart, kidneys, or other organs. The damage may not be evident to you, and it may not have presented any symptoms. Either way, it is best to have a doctor run tests to see if any damage has been done.

If it has, you should consult with an attorney to see what your options are. People are naturally reluctant to file frivolous lawsuits, but in this case, there is nothing frivolous about it. Many courts are finding that Merck is liable for damage caused by Vioxx, and if you are among the patients who have been victimized, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

At the very least, you should talk to a lawyer to see where you stand. You owe it to yourself and your family to see that you are taken care of if the Merck company has harmed you. You should act sooner rather than later, as the longer you wait, the greater chance you have of suffering heart problems. Swift action is necessary to see that justice is done to all parties.