Vioxx was originally pulled from the market on September 30, 2004. Finally, after three years, Merck has reached one of the largest drug company settlements in history for 45,000 – 50,000 eligible claimants who suffered heart attacks or strokes after taking Vioxx.
In order to be eligible for the settlement, Vioxx had to be taken for at least 30 days. The person who used Vioxx must have had a heart attack or ischemic stroke within 14 days of usage. The payouts will be less for persons with prior cardiovascular risks such a smoking, obesity and diabetes. Settlement documents must be submitted to the Claims Administrator by March 1, 2008.
Vioxx Settlement's Next Big Question: How To Split It Up?
Jury finds Merck liable for Vioxx Death
The jury in the nation's first Vioxx trial found pharmaceutical company Merck, liable for the death of a man who took the once-popular painkiller Vioxx. They awarded his widow $253.4 million in damages in the first of thousands of lawsuits pending across the country.
The seven-man, five-woman jury deliberated for more than ten hours before returning their decision. The verdict comes as a major blow to the pharmaceuticals giant. Plaintiff attorney, Mark Lanier, finished the trial by asking the jurors to punish Merck with a large award for punitive damages that would encourage the entire drug industry to be more honest about drug risks. "There are times and opportunities, and this was one of them, when you have a chance to make a statement," Mark Lanier said.
Experts are predicting that the other 4,300 Vioxx lawsuits still pending may cost Merck more than $50 billion to resolve. Investors are also showing skepticism about Merck's financial outlook as the company's shares dropped in value 8% following the verdict. Merck lawyers immediately stated their intention to appeal the verdict.
Biggest Recall in History: Vioxx
- Heart Attacks
- Strokes
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
COX-2 Selective Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID)
COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) include the following:
- Vioxx
- Celebrex
- Bextra
- And Others
These prescription drugs have been used to treat chronic pain conditions like arthritis and menstrual cramps since the late 1990s.
RECALLED
- Merck voluntarily recalled Vioxx on September 30, 2004 after studies conducted that taking this NSAID doubled the patient's risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
- The FDA ordered Pfizer to issue a Bextra recall on April 7, 2005 due to significant concerns about the safety of their painkiller.
| Vioxx (rofecoxib) Side Effects |
| | Diarrhea |
| | Nausea |
| | Heartburn |
| | Stevens-Johnson Syndrome |
| | Heart Attacks |
| | Strokes |
| | Death |
Heart attacks are nearly four times greater in patients using Vioxx than those of traditional pain relievers.
| Bextra (valdecoxib) Side Effects |
| | Anaphylaxis |
| | Angioedema |
| | Serious Skin Reactions including Erythema Multiforme, Exfoliative Dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis |
At the time of approval, the FDA acknowledged at least twenty cases of Bextra side effects that resulted in serious skin problems.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is the most severe form of erythema multiforme and is characterized by ulcerated lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. It is a serious, sometimes fatal inflammatory disease. It is also known as erythema multiforme major.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Symptoms
Typically, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome affects the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nostril, eyes, and both the anal and genital regions. It may or may not be associated with skin lesions elsewhere on the body. Oropharyngeal (mouth) lesions may be so intolerable as to prevent eating, and there may be recurring oral ulcers. Often, the skin lesions may look like a target-lesion (3 concentric zones of color change) or as bullae (bubble-like).
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the top layer of skin. This disorder can be caused by a drug reaction -- most often penicillin -- or another disease. About one-third of all diagnosed cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis are a result of unknown causes.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Symptoms
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can cause the skin to peel off in sheets, leaving large areas that look scalded. The loss of skin causes fluids and salts to ooze from the raw, damaged areas, which can cause infections easily.
Your time may be short to collect compensatory or punitive damages for your serious injuries. If you, your family or someone you know has been injured, email us now for a free, private consultation. Knowledge is power- we'd like to help you!
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