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Connecticut Vioxx Lawyer

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Vioxx was created as the first in a new generation of arthritis wonder drugs. The drug was a part of a family of COX-2 inhibitors that worked as an anti-inflammatory drug much like naproxen and ibuprofen. Unlike other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it had no effect on COX-1 regulation. This means that it reduced the number of molecules that cause inflammation and pain in joints while not effecting the number of molecules that protected the stomach lining. Leaving the stomach lining to function regularly, Vioxx accomplished something other painkillers failed to do to date ease pain associated with arthritis while not creating additional stomach-related problems. While originally viewed as a medical breakthrough, Vioxx's fame was short-lived.

In an early Merck clinical trial, Vioxx was proven to cause users to suffer from heart attacks and strokes. These dangerous side effects were brought to the attention of the Food and Drug Administration before Vioxx was approved in 1999. Still, Vioxx was released and used to treat millions of people for arthritis pain, acute pain occurring in adults and painful menstrual cramps. If you are a resident of the state of Connecticut and have taken Vioxx, please contact an attorney immediately, especially if you have suffered from a heart attack or stroke.

Over a period of five years, 80 million people took the prescription drug Vioxx. Unbeknownst to these people were the severe side effects that come with taking the drug. Liver problems have been associated with the chronic use of Vioxx. Symptoms of liver problems include nausea, tiredness, itching and tenderness in the abdomen. Vioxx users have suffered from the worsening of chronic kidney failure and the onset of acute kidney failure. Vioxx users have also reported intestinal and stomach bleeding. These two types of internal bleeding usually occur without any warning signs or symptoms in the patient. Allergic reactions have also been reported that cause Vioxx users to suffer from an uncomfortable swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat. These types of reactions can cause difficulty swallowing and trouble breathing. Some of the other side effects associated with Vioxx use are respiratory inflammation, respiratory infection, high blood pressure, stomach pain, heartburn, swelling in the legs and feet and urinary tract infections.

After the release of the drug, Merck and independent researchers continued to study its effects. In 2000, another Merck clinical trial named VIGOR (Vioxx GI Outcomes Research) found a five-fold increase in heart attack risk with high-dose Vioxx. However, the company maintained that the drug was safe.

In 2002, a large-scale study reported a two-fold increased risk of heart attacks with high-dose Vioxx. In response to the accumulating evidence about the dangers of the drug, the FDA agreed to change its label. A new warning was put on that mentioned an increased risk of heart attacks, but Vioxx was not removed from the market.

Finally, in September, 2004, Merck voluntarily recalled the drug after another study named APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx) showed that people who took the drug for more than 18 months had an increased risk of heart attack, whether they had pre-existing heart disease or not.

An attorney can process your claim and inform you of what monetary compensation you are owed. Vioxx was kept on the pharmaceutical market despite the rising concerns and proven dangers. This was a grave error that had severe side effects. If you are a resident of the state Connecticut and have suffered due to the use of Vioxx, contact an attorney as soon as possible.