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South Carolina Vioxx Lawyer

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Arthritis is medical condition that affects millions of Americans. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in joints. As cartilage, which cushions the ends of bones and allows for easy movement of the joints, breaks down, the bones rub against each other. This can cause stiffness, pain, and loss of movement in the joint.

Arthritis can be a debilitating condition that limits people's activity and affects their quality of life, depending on the severity of the condition. Arthritis treatment often includes a combination of drugs, rest, physical activity, joint protection, heat or ice, and physical or occupational therapy.

In 1999, pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck released a drug that had been developed to treat arthritis. Vioxx was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use in the reduction of signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. In addition, Vioxx was also marketed for treatment of acute pain in adults, to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (cramping before and during menstruation). Vioxx was the second in a class (COX-2) of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to be released by the FDA.

The FDA approves medications after pharmaceutical manufacturers have tested the medications to determine what the benefits and risks are. Typically, testing is done in clinical trials. A medication is approved for distribution if the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks associated with it. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to identify all possible risks and side effects during clinical trials, particularly because they are performed on a relatively small number of people compared to the amount of people who will use the drug once it has been marketed. Upon wide distribution and use of drugs, it is possible that more side effects will arise. Some may be relatively minor, such as headaches or fatigue, while others are far more serious, and potentially life-threatening.

During clinical trials of Vioxx, there were some signs that Vioxx could potentially have gastrointestinal effects, including stomach ulcers and bleeding, which can lead to bleeding and death. However, these effects were lower than the same effects seen in ibuprofen. In addition, in initial groups of patients, numbering about 5,000 people, there were not signs of increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

In 2004 Merck & Co., Inc. issued a voluntary worldwide recall of Vioxx. Upon further clinical trials after the release of Vioxx, as well as wide distribution and use of the drug, data showed an increase in the risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes. The company determined that the risks associated with the use of Vioxx were greater than the benefits of the medication.

In the event that you or someone you know suffered from the serious side effects associated with Vioxx, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney who is well-versed in South Carolina laws, as well as pharmaceutical litigation. There may be statutes of limitations to bring up a case regarding Vioxx, so it is important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

Due to product liability law, manufacturers are accountable for misleading their customers. As a result, many people have taken Merck to court and won compensation for Vioxx-related health problems. Product liability is unique, so it is important that, if you have experienced serious side effects resulting from a prescription to Vioxx, you consult a lawyer who is well-versed about the drug and its effects. You may be entitled to compensation to recover medical expenses associated with health complications, as well as pain and suffering you may have endured.