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Kentucky Vioxx Lawyer

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Vioxx, a pain reliever manufactured by Merck, has been directly linked to cases of heart attack, stroke or blood clot. Despite early warning signs, Vioxx was allowed to remain on the market for over five years. During this time period, thirty-thousand people died as the result of a medical illness due to the use of Vioxx.

Arthritis is commonly defined as the painful swelling of a specific part of the body. Many times swelling due to arthritis occurs in joints, like the knees or knuckles. Arthritis can become crippling as the pain worsens with age. Vioxx was designed as part of a new series of arthritis medicine that was supposed to alleviate arthritis pain without having any of the side effects associated with the older medicines, such as gastrointestinal problems. Vioxx was categorized as a COX 2 inhibitor or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Examples of other anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and Celebrex. Vioxx was prescribed to over 90 million people in the United States to treat arthritis pain, acute pain in adults and pain associated with menstrual cramps.

However, the reality set in five years after Vioxx was originally put on the market, when Merck voluntarily recalled its product because it caused an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Clinical trials showed that Vioxx may cause a twofold increase in risk for problems like blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Studies suggest that the same mechanism that prohibits inflammation and makes the drug easier on the stomach, also blocks a substance that prevents heart problems. Nevertheless, Vioxx was given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for five long years after that and, as a result, thousands of people have suffered its dangerous and potentially fatal effects and have sued the pharmaceutical giant. When Merck finally and voluntarily pulled Vioxx off of the market, it became the largest drug recall in the history of the pharmaceutical industry.

Through the use of Vioxx, Merck and Company was generating a yearly profit of over two and half billion dollars. Vioxx sales made up for 12 percent of the company's revenue. It is rumored that Vioxx was not pulled from the shelves, despite the warning signals, mainly because of its potential revenue. Vioxx was being used by 80 million people worldwide at the time of the recall. According to testimony offered before the United States Senate, it is estimated that between 88,000 and 139,000 Americans experienced heart attacks due to Vioxx, and between 30-40 percent of those actually died. Therefore, between 27,000 and 55,000 deaths could have been prevented if the truth about Vioxx had been reported.

Obviously, this drug had more harmful potentials than benefits. It is believed that Merck knew about the increased risk of cardiovascular distress. If you or a loved has suffered a heart attack, stroke or blood clot from the use of Vioxx, to contact a lawyer. A lawyer will be more than willing to help you through this troubling time. Hold Merck responsible for the danger that they have placed you and your family in, especially if they understood the dangers and withheld information about them. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal system and fight for the damages that you deserve. Kentucky has many qualified lawyers that can help you during this difficult time. Contact a lawyer today to find out your rights.