Vioxx Attorneys at The Shein Law Center
The worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx raised health concerns amongst patients and physicians alike, and those who used Vioxx are now searching for answers. The Shein Law Center is renowned for a comprehensive understanding of what constitutes a dangerous drug, as well as a successful record of recouping damages for victims of these medications. Our Vioxx attorneys work from two convenient locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Voorhees, New Jersey. With offices near Merck & Co., manufacturer of Vioxx, we are afforded the extra edge to stay at the forefront of newsworthy medical and legal events involving Vioxx itself, as well as those responsible for allowing the distribution of the unsafe medication. The Shein Law Center has followed Vioxx from its introduction to its sudden disappearance, and our Vioxx attorneys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey will help you process what exactly happened, and why.
Below is some information to better help you understand the threats posed by Vioxx and some steps you can take to protect yourself from additional pain and suffering.
What is Vioxx?
Vioxx is a prescription medication, used until very recently to treat osteoarthritis and other forms of acute pain. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Vioxx belongs to a class of NSAID drugs known as Cox-2 inhibitors. Cox-2 inhibitors work by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation and pain. Vioxx gained popularity because it was considered less likely to cause stomach problems than other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.
Evidence of the Vioxx Threat
VIGOR (VIOXX Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) clinical study
In November of 2000, alarming results of the VIGOR (VIOXX Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) clinical study, were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. VIGOR compared the gastrointestinal health of patients taking Vioxx and those taking Aleve (naproxen) found that Vioxx users were four times more likely to suffer a heart attack. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened the warnings, precautions, and clinical studies sections of Vioxx's label. Nonetheless, Merck & Co, New Jersey-based Vioxx manufacturer, maintained the safety of Vioxx and continued to tout it as a safer alternative to other NSAIDs, in terms of gastrointestinal health.
APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX) clinical trial
The safety of Vioxx came into question again in September of 2004 during the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX) clinical trial following its ability to prevent colon polyps. While Vioxx did indeed appear to prevent recurring colon polyps, two years into the study, Vioxx was found to cause an alarming number of cardiovascular events. Subjects taking the drug for at least 18 months suffered double the number of strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots as their counterparts who received placebos. Residents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey who used Vioxx are urged to contact the Vioxx attorneys in Philadelphia or Voorhees at Shein Law Center in either Philadelphia or Voorhees to review their medical history and assess their legal rights.
Merck Voluntarily Removes Vioxx From The Market
This frightening results of the APPROVe study struck home at last, and Merck decided to halt the trial immediately and enact a worldwide voluntary withdrawal of the medication. Since the drug was released in May of 1999, Vioxx has been marketed in more than 80 countries. The withdrawal is considered one of the largest in history. While doctors and patients have eagerly turned to other Cox-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex and Bextra, as the logical alternative to using Vioxx, concern has been raised regarding the safety of these drugs, as well. If you are suffering cardiovascular disorders from taking Vioxx or another Cox-2 inhibitor, contact Shein Law at our offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Voorhees, New Jersey.
What Should I Do If I used Vioxx?
If you or a loved one took Vioxx, the most important thing you can do is stay aware. In addition to researching Vioxx attorneys, be sure to check the FDA website (http://www.fda.gov) and Merck website (http://www.merck.com) often to check for additional health issues that could arise. The FDA recommends that you report any cardiovascular difficulties to Merck by calling 1-888-36VIOXX (1-888-368-4699) or visiting http://www.vioxx.com and by reporting your ailments to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Shein Law Vioxx Attorneys Will Review Your New Jersey Or Pennsylvania Vioxx Case
If you or a loved one suffered a stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular illness as a result of using Vioxx, the attorneys at Shein Law Center in Philadelphia or Voorhees can help. We will fight to ensure that you receive compensation for your medical bills and for your suffering. To have your case reviewed immediately, contact our Vioxx attorneys in the New Jersey or Pennsylvania vicinity.
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