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South Florida Vioxx Injury Lawyer, Florida Vioxx InjuryAttorneysSouth Florida Vioxx injury lawyer David I. Fuchs has over 17 years of experience in successfully representing victims of negligence on the part of pharmaceutical companies, and their families and friends who have suffered a death in the family or have sustained serious and or catastrophic physical injuries or health problems because of the negligence of a drug company. Thousands of individuals who have suffered serious side effects from the drug Vioxx are currently seeking compensation for their losses through Vioxx litigation in product liability lawsuits. Touted as a super pain reliever, Vioxx was first approved by the FDA in 1999 to treat the pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and other chronic pain conditions. In September 2003, Vioxx was voluntarily pulled off the shelves by its maker, Merck, after research confirmed that Vioxx users were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as the general population. Vioxx information from recent clinical trials indicates that users have an increased risk of cardiac problems. The Vioxx information relating to potential side effects was not fully understood when Vioxx received FDA approval; Vioxx information on common side effects (such as upset stomach) was available, but there was no Vioxx information indicating the serious potential problems such as cardiac arrest or stroke. At the time of approval, Vioxx information indicated that the drug had lower risks for causing gastrointestinal bleeding; based on this Vioxx information, the drug was widely hailed as a breakthrough for arthritis sufferers. Researchers have since released Vioxx information indicating the chances for heart attack was four times greater than with older arthritis pain relievers. Vioxx information also links the drug to angina pectoris, stroke, and clotting. In addition, some startling Vioxx information was reported in 2002, when an FDA report linked several instances of nonbacterial meningitis with Vioxx, information that could prove the life-threatening potential of the drug. All the available Vioxx information indicates that this drug should not be treated lightly. Anyone using Vioxx should review the Vioxx information presented by the FDA and independent investigators, and should fully discuss Vioxx information with their physicians before taking the drug. Current users should consult with their doctors to review Vioxx information and decide if the drug’s benefits outweigh its risks. The Vioxx recall was initiated by the pharmaceutical company voluntarily after self-sponsored studies indicated that their product caused a significant increase in Vioxx stroke and heart attack side effects. In 2000, Merck initiated the APPROVE study, designed to measure the effects of Vioxx on colon polyps. The study came to an abrupt halt after eighteen months. At this time researchers discovered that patients taking Vioxx for at least eighteen months had double the risk of suffering life threatening side effects like a Vioxx stroke or heart attack. In a previous study, Merck had sponsored the VIGOR study comparing the gastrointestinal effects of Vioxx and naproxen, a traditional NSAID. Results from this clinical trial also indicated a significant Vioxx stroke risk. The findings even found that the Vioxx stroke risk for individuals with a history of heart and stroke problems was five times the risk for the trial participants taking naproxen. Instead of looking seriously into the Vioxx stroke risks associated with their medication, Merck decided to spin the research results in a different direction. The pharmaceutical giant argued that naproxen was actually somehow preventing heart attack and stroke in patients. This, Merck posited, was the reason it seemed as if Vioxx stroke risks seemed significant. Somehow this excuse was accepted, despite the fact that naproxen has never been associated with stroke or heart attack prevention properties. Patients were warned about a number of Vioxx contraindications when Vioxx was first introduced to the market. Vioxx contraindications were known for patients who had experienced an allergic reaction to aspirin or any other NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen). Patients who had a history of asthma or urticaria (hives) were also advised of Vioxx contraindications. Vioxx contraindications also rendered Vioxx use unfavorable for patients with a history of gastrointestinal problems. Vioxx studies showed any patient taking Vioxx had the risk of developing gastrointestinal bleeding, ulceration, or damage to the intestines or stomach at any time during Vioxx use. Only 20 percent of people who developed serious gastrointestinal side effects were symptomatic. Vioxx contraindications showed that patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or stomach ulcers were ten times more likely to suffer serious Vioxx-induced gastrointestinal complications. With regards to gastrointestinal problems, Vioxx contraindications also included concurrent anticoagulant drug therapy, use of oral corticosteroids, smoking, alcoholism, poor health, longer duration of NSAID therapy, and older age. Vioxx contraindications information reveals that reports of fatal gastrointestinal side effects were more common in older patients, and was therefore not a good treatment option for this patient population. As a result of these Vioxx contraindications, it was recommended that patients with these risk factors be put on the lowest dose of Vioxx for the shortest period of time, when Vioxx treatment was necessary. Prior to the knowledge that all Vioxx users were at risk for cardiovascular complications, the VIGOR clinical trial showed Vioxx contraindications in patients with a history of c!rdiovascular problems. In 2002, Merck reported that naproxen participants experienced a significantly lower rate of adverse thrombotic cardiovascular events compared to the Vioxx group. Merck originally claimed that naproxen was preventing these adversekevents, though this was later disproved. The VIGOR study found Vioxx contraindications for patients with a history of heart problems. These patients were five times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke compared to patients with no prior cardiovascular health problems. A Vioxx stroke is a serious and potentially fatal side effect of this pain reliever. Many argue that the potential Vioxx stroke risks should have been promptly evaluated after the first study produced evidence of these serious risks. Had Merck taken the appropriate precautions at that point, many Vioxx stroke cases might have been prevented. A Vioxx stroke is an interruption in the brain's blood supply as a result of a hemorrhage or an obstruction. A Vioxx stroke can result in permanent and serious damages and even death. x litigation began to flood civil courts across the nation following the major recall of this popular painkiller. Through Vioxx litigation, injured patients and their families are seeking compensation for devastating personal injury and wrongful death allegedly caused by Vioxx. Many aggrieved plaintiffs are arguing that Merck failed to adequately warn consumers about the serious risks of heart attack and stroke, citing evidence that Merck knew of the Vioxx risks long before the drug recall. Plaintiffs involved in Vioxx litigation are also claiming that Merck deceived consumers into believing that their product was superior to its competition while hiding the drug's dangerous side effects. Vioxx litigation has been steadily on the rise, as more victims are coming forward to seek compensation for their devastating losses. A spokesperson for Merck announced in July 2005 that Vioxx lawsuits currently total 4,100 in the United States. A total of 7,500 plaintiff groups are represented in the current Vioxx litigation. The first Vioxx lawsuit trial is underway in a Texas district court of the wrongful death of a father allegedly caused by Vioxx use. Vioxx litigation is expected to climb even higher in the months to come. In response to the large volume of Vioxx cases filed in the United States, Merck has set aside $675 million in reserve to cover Vioxx litigation costs. Some experts have estimated that the damages sought through Vioxx litigation may total as much as $30 billion. Some financial analysts estimate that the total amount of damages obtained through Vioxx litigation will range from eight to twenty-five billion dollars. Those who have sought Vioxx litigation are families and patients who have suffered damages as a result of Vioxx related injuries and death. In 2003 researchers confirmed that Vioxx use doubles a patient's risk of suffering serious heart attack and stroke side effects. This clinical trial research prompted the recall of this blockbuster painkiller; however, many argue that the recall should have come long before. Legal experts speculate that Merck knew of these serious side effects years before the recall but chose to downplay the risks in the name of corporate profit. There is no doubt that Vioxx litigation will not have a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry, drug regulation, the medical practice, and even the legal profession. If you or a loved one has been injured by Vioxx, please call us to speak with a qualified and experienced attorney who can determine your Vioxx litigation rights and options. South Florida Vioxx injury lawyer David I. Fuchs will also represent you in other personal injury matters for injuries that include, but are not limited to:
If you were prescribed Vioxx it is imperative to seek legal counsel to protect your legal rights. Call Florida Vioxx injury lawyer David I. Fuchs who will take your call and speak with you immediately about your Vioxx injury case. Florida Vioxx injury lawyer David I. Fuchs will then stand ready to fight for you to see that you get compensation for your pain and suffering, any lost wages and medical bills. Call South Florida Vioxx injury attorney David I. Fuchs Toll Free at 800-570-2858 for a free consultation to discuss your Vioxx injury case. You may also write to South Florida Vioxx injury attorney David I. Fuchs by filling out the form on the "Contact Us" page." If you can not come to us South Florida Vioxx injury lawyer David I. Fuchs will send a representative to see you. We speak English and Spanish. Se habla ingles y espanol. Llame David Fuchs Florida abogado de lesión de vioxx. |