Vioxx Removed from Market

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On September 30, 2004, Merck announced it would voluntarily recall its arthritis medication Vioxx after a clinical study showed that users have an increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. While these side effects were a surprise to some, studies showing a link between Vioxx usage and heart attacks were released as early as 2001.

In June 2001, Merck submitted a clinical safety study to the FDA that reported an increased risk of cardiovascular events, which included heart attacks and strokes. As a result of this study, the FDA implemented labeling changes in April 2002 that provided information about the increase in risk of cardiovascular problems.

Since then, several other studies have raised concerns about Vioxx and cardiovascular health risks. However, Merck continued to state that these studies were inconclusive, and the company continued aggressively marketing the drug. In 2000, Merck spent $160.8 million on direct to consumer Vioxx marketing, and during the first six months of 2004, Merck spent more than $45 million advertising the drug.

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