News Room

Monday, July 2, 2007

Vioxx Lawyers Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware

The popular painkiller Vioxx was removed from the market after it was linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Removal of the drug by Merck & Co. was announced Sept. 30, 2004 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (See the FDA news release.) The action occurred after a study by Merck of Vioxx/rofecoxib suggested that some Vioxx users face twice the risk of suffering a heart attack. The most recent data, released September 2006, concluded that Vioxx increased heart and kidney risks, in some cases within 30 days after treatment. (Read the article.)

On Aug. 19, 2005, in the first verdict of a Vioxx-related personal injury lawsuit, a Texas jury found Merck liable for the 2001 death of a man who had taken the medication and awarded $253.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages to his widow. News agencies, such as CNN, projected the case “could have a profound effect on thousands of other cases filed against the company.” (See stories, CNN, New York Times)

If you or someone you know suffered illness or death as a result of using Vioxx, you may want to contact a Vioxx lawyer for a free evaluation of your case.

Kline & Specter, P.C., with some 30 experienced attorneys (five of them also highly regarded doctors), is one of the nation's leading law firms with the ability to litigate Vioxx lawsuits. Kline & Specter, based in Philadelphia and with offices in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, is among the handful of law firms spearheading the national litigation against Merck, with our Vioxx attorneys deposing ranking Merck & Co. executives and scientists.

Tom Kline is a member of the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee directing the federal Vioxx litigation and he has deposed key witness in the Vioxx litigation. Specter was selected to take the depositions of Merck CEO Ray Gilmartin, Merck Research Laboratories President Peter Kim, Merck former Senior Vice-President Alan Neis and Merck Senior Biostatistician Deborah Shapiro. Specter's examination of Shapiro was held by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Carol Higbee to be the only evidence sufficient to support a punitive damages verdict against Merck.

Technorati tags:

Friday, June 15, 2007

What Others Won't Tell You About Finding A Vioxx Attorney

Since a south Texas jury awarded more than a quarter billion dollars to the widow of a man who died after using Merck's Vioxx medication, the trial lawyers have been circling the web. Sites pop up every day, looking for new parties whom lawyers can represent. Banding together a large group of plantiffs puts a firm in a powerful position with regard to the court system and makes the company more likely to try to strike a deal.

Some estimates are that over 7,500 suits are pending or have already been filed with Courts throughout the United States. "Merck may be vigorously defending itself, but the blood is in the water," said Consumer Help Web President Joan Bounacos. "It is critical that consumers pick the right attorney if they intend to participate in legal proceedings."

Consumer Help Web, the Internet's leading consumer advocacy organization announced today a checklist to help consumers find the right legal representation if they are considering a Vioxx claim.

1. Ask your physician for a referral. Although every state "certifies" attorneys in different areas of expertise, your physician may know of an attorney whose practice involves healthcare-related cases.

2. Another resource to use is at FindLaw.com, which provides a list of self-reported information from law firms organized by city. That list is located at http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/Products%20Liability%20Law

3. Shop for an attorney based on the attorney's experience, proposed fees (especially any contingency fees in the event of a settlement) and referrals. Do not simply pick the first attorney who approaches you or one who offers a lower contingency fee without first investigating them.

4. Check with your local bar association to ensure there are no pending or previous complaints regarding your attorney. An interactive listing of local bar associations can be found for free on the web at http://www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html

5. Once you have selected a lawyer, read everything carefully before you sign a document. Ask for "plain English" descriptions of any wording you do not understand. Once you are given that description, ask to have the description added to your Agreement as an addendum.

6. Make sure you understand who will be your contact in the attorney's firm. In many cases, the actual client contact will be with paralegals and associate attorneys. If you insist on regular meetings with the attorney signing an agrement with you, be prepared to write that requirement into the agreement. Also be prepared to pay extra for those meetings on a billable hour basis.

7. Understand what rights you are surrendering. In your Agreement, you may be assigning the attorney the opportunity to combine your case with others, sell or trade the case to another attorney or accept a settlement if a combined class votes to do so. That settlement's provisions will often allow for attorney's fees to be deducted from the initial amount. That means the attorneys are paid first.

8. Make sure your Agreement specifies what information or evidence you will need to provide and who will bear the costs of gathering that evidence.

9. Keep a written record of all conversations and correspondence with your attorney before, during and after signing an Agreement.

10. Inform your physician that you are now represented by legal counsel. You are not required to say anything, but doing so will help nurture trust and goodwill in your doctor-patient relationship.



Technorati tags:

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

California Vioxx Attorney

The Brandi Law Firm has extensive experience in drug litigation. Thomas Brandi and John Hornbeck have over 50 years of trial experience successfully taking on defective drug companies on behalf of injured people. They have successfully represented clients injured from numerous drugs and devices including Rezulin, Phen-fen, L Tryptophan, Felbatol, breast implants, and the Dalkon Shield IUD. John Hornbeck has served on the MDL committees establishing liability for Rezulin, Phen-fen, and L-Tryptophan. The Brandi Law Firm has a team of attorneys, investigators, doctors and nurses investigating Vioxx cases.

Currently Mr. Brandi serves on the Plaintiff's Management Committee in the California Vioxx Litigation, and he and John Hornbeck both serve on the MDL Science and Discovery Committee in the national Vioxx litigation.

If we represent you, Mr. Brandi and Mr. Hornbeck will be your trial attorneys. On November 13, 2004 Mr. Brandi was named Trial Lawyer of the Year for the State of California by the Consumers Attorneys of California. He has been a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year for the Trial Lawyers of Public Justice (2004), Consumer Attorneys of California (2002) and San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (1999, 2001). If you consult with any counsel, you should ask who will be working on your case, and if the case goes to trial, the identity of the trial attorneys and their courtroom trial experience.

WHAT IS VIOXX?

The prescription drug Vioxx, manufactured by Merck & Co., is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by the FDA in May 1999 for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. Vioxx was later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. It became a widely prescribed medication for the relief of pain caused by arthritis.

WHY WAS VIOXX WITHDRAWN FROM THE MARKETPLACE?

The FDA was informed by Merck & Co., on September 27, 2004, that the Data Safety Monitoring Board for an ongoing long-term study of Vioxx (APPROVe) had recommended that the study be stopped early for safety reasons. The study was being conducted in patients at risk for developing recurrent colon polyps. The study showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months. Based on this new safety information, Merck and FDA officials met the next day, September 28, 2004, and during that meeting the FDA was informed that Merck was voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the market place.

WHY WOULD I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

If you or your loved one suffered a "cardiovascular event" (including heart attack and stroke) while taking Vioxx, there may be a causal link between the two. If Vioxx caused the event, you are entitled to seek financial relief under personal injury and defective product liability laws.

At The Brandi Law Firm, our defective drug litigation attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of injuries and people who have lost loved ones as a result of defective medication. John Hornbeck was a key member of the MDL Committees establishing product defect in Fen-Phen Rezulin and L-tryptophan. If you think you may have suffered an injury or lost a loved one as a result of taking Vioxx, contact us immediately. We will schedule a FREE CONSULTATION where you will meet with a knowledgeable defective drug lawyer.

We serve clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, including the cities of Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Irvine, and Ventura, as well as San Mateo, Alameda, San Luis Obispo, Mendocino, Solano, Contra Costa, Marin, Orange, and Santa Clara Counties.



Technorati tags:

Vioxx Attorney

Cases involving drugs causing side effects can be extremely difficult to prove. Going up against powerful drug companies and having to prove without a doubt that the drug was responsible for the alleged health effect can be challenging. In the case of Vioxx, the drug was recalled because of the increased risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be suffered due to various reasons.

The Vioxx recall was controversial with accusations that the drug company Merck & Co. could have pulled the drug years be fore after its own study indicated risk of heart attack and stroke. Merck has defended its actions regarding their blockbuster drug Vioxx. Vioxx attorneys were immediately contacted following the removal announcement for side effects now believed to have been the result of taking the drug. An estimated 20 million people in the U.S. alone have used Vioxx. A Vioxx attorney who is experienced in matters like drug recalls understands the complexity of the se cases and has access to the many resources the drug industry is able to retain and must be met with powerful evidence and testimony.

Vioxx attorneys have seized an FDA warning letter dated September 17, 2001 that was sent to Merck Chief Executive Raymond Gilmartin. The Vioxx lawsuits that ensue may focus on the 2001 FDA warning, according to some predictions. Included in the warning letter is the agency saying Merck engaged in “a promotional campaign for Vioxx that minimizes the potentially serious cardiovascular finding that were observed.” The letter was sent after Merck completed its VIGOR study, which it started in January 1999 and made preliminary results available in March 2000.

The Vioxx attorneys arguing cases are expected to use the VIGOR study results and Merck’s reaction to them. The test was designed to see if Vioxx causes fewer gastrointestinal problems than naproxen, a drug that belongs to the same class of drugs as ibuprofen and aspirin. Upon Vioxx approval, the FDA still required Vioxx labeling to include the same digestive warning s that it requires on naproxen , despite claims that Vioxx was associated to a lower risk of the side effect. While VIGOR did show Vioxx had fewer gastrointestinal problems than naproxen, the unexpected discovery was that a person taking Vioxx had a higher risk of heart attack and stroke than someone taking naproxen.

Even though coronary artery blockage is one of the leading killers in the U.S., Vioxx attorneys are sure to argue Merck’s attempts to downplay what the VIGOR study revealed. Merck indicated in a March 2000 press release that the VIGOR study showed there were significantly fewer heart attack and strokes observed in naproxen patients, which the company attributed to naproxen’s ability to protect against them instead of Vioxx’s ability to cause them. The FDA letter seized by Vioxx attorneys accuses Merck of minimizing unfavorable findings , and the agency ordered the company to send doctors a letter in September 2001 “to correct false or misleading impressions and information” the company had made.

In April 2002, the FDA followed its own advisory panel’s recommendations, requiring Merck to implement a Vioxx labeling change warning of the possible link to heart attacks and strokes. Following the Vioxx recall, the Merck president Peter Kim was asked why a Vioxx recall was not made after the VIGOR study four and a half years prior to the actual recall, and Kim claimed the VIGOR study did not allow Merck to make a decision because a placebo was not used. The latest 3-year Merck-sponsored study was cut short after 18 months using a placebo , when the company could no longer deny potentially deadly effects were being risked by taking Vioxx.

After the Vioxx recall announcement, Vioxx attorneys nationwide were contacted. Merck has said it has “strong and meritorious” defenses in the case filed against it, but some analysts predict Vioxx litigation could become very costly for the drugmaker

For more information on the Vioxx recall, please contact us to confer with a Vioxx attorney.



Technorati tags:

Vioxx Lawyers are Still Helping Victims Get Their Due

Vioxx was one of the most widely prescribed pain relievers of our time. It was also a very significant pharmaceutical mistake by a major drug manufacturer. Nearly 20 million people looked to the drug to help deal with their osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other sources of pain. After the Food and Drug Administration reviewed the data accumulated by Merck , the company had to withdraw Vioxx from the market due to the increased risks of heart attacks. Contacting an experienced Vioxx attorney is the only way you’ll see restitution since Merck now insists that it will defend any Vioxx claim in court. It is important that you act quickly since all personal injury suits are subject to a statute of limitations.

The staff at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman are dedicated New York Vioxx lawyers available to fight for your rights. Our experienced Vioxx lawyers understand the feelings that occur when a drug you’re taking to help your pain ends up causing more serious medical problems or even death. Vioxx was taken off the market on September 30, 2004, but the pain afflicted to people who had adverse reactions to Vioxx continues.

If you or a family member suffered a heart attack, stroke or other ailment associated with Vioxx, or if someone in your family suffered a fatality because of it, don’t delay in contacting an experienced New York Vioxx attorney at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman today.

We work on a contingency basis, which means that you don’t pay a cent until you receive compensation, at which point you are charged a percentage of the settlement.

There is no fee for our services unless a recovery is won.

We offer a free initial consultation. If you feel that you, or a family member, had an adverse reaction to Vioxx and wish to bring legal action for compensation, Click here to contact our Vioxx lawyers for legal representation. You may also call toll free at: 1-800-9-LIPSIG for a free consultation.

Technorati tags:

Vioxx Attorney

Securing the expert counsel of a Vioxx attorney is crucial in protecting your interests in a legal claim against Merck, the makers of this once-popular prescription pain medication. In 1999 the FDA approved Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for the treatment of arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. Merck aggressively promoted Vioxx as a safer and more effective means of relieving pain in comparison to over the counter medication such as ibuprofen and naproxen . Vioxx was known for being gentler than traditional NSAIDS, while providing powerful pain relief.

In 2004, Vioxx was pulled off the market after a study showed that using Vioxx for 18 months or longer doubled the risk of serious cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Results also showed that Vioxx patients suffered from seizures and serious liver and kidney problems. At the time of the Vioxx recall, approximately 20 million people had used Vioxx to treat various pain conditions.

There have been over 7,000 lawsuits filed against the makers of Vioxx on behalf of people who have been severely injured by the drug. A qualified Vioxx attorney can provide you with the specific regulations regarding your suit as well as provide a knowledgeable background of the current findings. The advantage of obtaining the counsel of a Vioxx attorney is the experience that they have in dealing with numerous similar Vioxx injury cases. These knowledgeable attorneys can help in discovering what the appropriate path for litigation is for those who have suffered injury and other losses.

If Vioxx has affected you or a loved one, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Vioxx attorney who can inform you of your rights and options. A Vioxx attorney is prepared to help you take the appropriate steps for your legal and personal well being. Please contact us to confer with a Vioxx attorney in your area for a free consultation regarding your case.

Technorati tags:

Durable Power (Vioxx attorney) of Attorney

A of the durable lawyer authorizes calledilprincipale representative [ lawyer-in-fact ] to continuarea tobehave for he or she after that it or it is inabilitante; legalildocumento must contain the words, "this alimentazionedell' lawyerwill not be influenced from my incapacity" or "questaalimentazione ofeffective the lawyer transformer in on the miainabilit " orsomething along lines.

However similar, ilprincipale must besigned the feeding of the durable lawyer firmataprima that it or it isdisabled. Moreover, the document to have ideally as the main one willbe determined for essereinabilitato in fashion from when thelawyer-in-fact it tries to effettuarel' feeding of the durable lawyer,to be able to convince it he or she iterzi that the main one iseffectively disabled.

A chel' feeding of the durable lawyercan limit to the good immobiledell' surplus of authority and vioxx attorney to thefinancial arguments. But if ilprincipale it is authorizing someone totake to the decisions medichesul its favor, he or it can indicate ifthe sustemi of withdrawn sopravvivenzadovrebbero to be thought or offorehead to one malattiaterminale or to main an imminent one ofdeath.

The pu revocare anytime an feeding of the lawyerdurevole.Per to make therefore, he or she she would have to inform thelawyer-in-fact, in the writing, than the feeding of the lawyer it isrevocanda echiede the return of all the copies of the feeding of theavvocato.Il main would have also to inform its bank or thealtraistituzione financial institution in which the lawyer-in-fact shehas usatol' feeding of the lawyer who has been revocato. Finally, itor leidovrebbe to classify a copy of the cancellation with thediContea secretary, if the feeding of the lawyer has beenarchiviatanell' office of the employee. He is in the interests ofprincipaleassumere a lawyer in order to carry out therevocation.



Technorati tags:

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Finding A Vioxx (or any) Attorney

Since a south Texas jury awarded more than a quarter billion dollars to the widow of a man who died after using Merck's Vioxx medication, the trial lawyers have been circling the web. Sites pop up every day, looking for new parties whom lawyers can represent. Banding together a large group of plantiffs puts a firm in a powerful position with regard to the court system and makes the company more likely to try to strike a deal.

Some estimates are that over 7,500 suits are pending or have already been filed with Courts throughout the United States. "Merck may be vigorously defending itself, but the blood is in the water," said Consumer Help Web President Joan Bounacos. "It is critical that consumers pick the right attorney if they intend to participate in legal proceedings."

Consumer Help Web, the Internet's leading consumer advocacy organization announced today a checklist to help consumers find the right legal representation if they are considering a Vioxx claim.

1. Ask your physician for a referral. Although every state "certifies" attorneys in different areas of expertise, your physician may know of an attorney whose practice involves healthcare-related cases.

2. Another resource to use is at FindLaw.com, which provides a list of self-reported information from law firms organized by city. That list is located at http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/practice/Products%20Liability%20Law

3. Shop for an attorney based on the attorney's experience, proposed fees (especially any contingency fees in the event of a settlement) and referrals. Do not simply pick the first attorney who approaches you or one who offers a lower contingency fee without first investigating them.

4. Check with your local bar association to ensure there are no pending or previous complaints regarding your attorney. An interactive listing of local bar associations can be found for free on the web at http://www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html

5. Once you have selected a lawyer, read everything carefully before you sign a document. Ask for "plain English" descriptions of any wording you do not understand. Once you are given that description, ask to have the description added to your Agreement as an addendum.

6. Make sure you understand who will be your contact in the attorney's firm. In many cases, the actual client contact will be with paralegals and associate attorneys. If you insist on regular meetings with the attorney signing an agrement with you, be prepared to write that requirement into the agreement. Also be prepared to pay extra for those meetings on a billable hour basis.

7. Understand what rights you are surrendering. In your Agreement, you may be assigning the attorney the opportunity to combine your case with others, sell or trade the case to another attorney or accept a settlement if a combined class votes to do so. That settlement's provisions will often allow for attorney's fees to be deducted from the initial amount. That means the attorneys are paid first.

8. Make sure your Agreement specifies what information or evidence you will need to provide and who will bear the costs of gathering that evidence.

9. Keep a written record of all conversations and correspondence with your attorney before, during and after signing an Agreement.

10. Inform your physician that you are now represented by legal counsel. You are not required to say anything, but doing so will help nurture trust and goodwill in your doctor-patient relationship.



Technorati tags:

Contact An Experienced Vioxx Lawyer For Injuries From This Drug

Are you looking for an attorney because you feel you are a victim of the once popular drug Vioxx? An experienced Vioxx lawyer can help you file a claim and will fight for your rights to receive compensation for the injuries you received while taking Vioxx.

The FDA approved anti-inflammatory non-steroidal NSAID drug Vioxx, chemically referred to as rofecoxib, was introduced in 1999 for the treatment of menstrual pain as well as pain associated with various forms of arthritis in adults and children. Since the introduction of Vioxx, it was taken by millions of people in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation before the manufacturer, Merck & Company, voluntarily withdrew it from the market due to results of a long-term study.

Studies of FDA approved Vioxx indicated there was an increased risk of serious heart attacks and strokes. Before Vioxx was pulled from the market, over 140,000 people suffered strokes and heart attacks, and as many as 55,000 have died due to the insufficient study of the effects of this drug before it was approved by the FDA. In fact, it is claimed that Merck and Company was fully aware of the increased risk posed to those taking the drug.

If you are considering contacting a Vioxx lawyer, don't hesitate to do so. Contacting a Vioxx lawyer as soon as possible will raise your chances of a successful claim. After considering the circumstances, a Vioxx lawyer can advise clients as to the amount of compensation they stand to gain.

Many Vioxx users who have suffered injury due to the use of Vioxx have already contacted attorneys who specialize in Vioxx lawsuits. It's in the best interest of anyone who has been adversely affected by Vioxx to contact a qualified Vioxx lawyer who can offer advice regarding filing a claim against the manufacturer.

A Vioxx lawyer is well educated in legal aspects regarding Vioxx and the possibilities for recovering damages caused by its use. Don't take your case to just any attorney. An experienced Vioxx lawyer knows the loopholes, and they can offer advice as to the best course of action in your particular case.

Big drug companies such as Merck use the most highly skilled legal teams to stop claims against them. It is for this reason that people who have suffered illness or injury because of Vioxx should also use a highly skilled Vioxx lawyer. A Vioxx lawyer with prior legal experience in dealing with Vioxx claims will match the skills and abilities of legal teams hired by the drug manufacturer Merck.

It could be in your best interest to file a class action lawsuit as opposed to an individual lawsuit. An experienced Vioxx lawyer can advise you as to whether or not filing a class action lawsuit against the maker of Vioxx is in your best interest and the interest of your claim. If it is determined that a class action lawsuit is in your best interest, a Vioxx lawyer will advise you accordingly.

Choose a Vioxx lawyer to fight for your rights and secure the claim you and your family deserve. The overall success of your case against Merck is dependent on the skills of the attorney you choose, and a competent Vioxx lawyer will provide you with the best information and advice that will maximize your Vioxx injury claim.



Technorati tags:

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Vioxx and Bextra Lawsuits Could Tie Up Courts for Years

by Charles Essmeier

In September, 2004, pharmaceutical giant Merck voluntarily withdrew its painkilling medication Vioxx from the market. Studies show that Vioxx increases the risk of heart attack and stroke among patients who have used the drug for longer than 18 months. Vioxx, a drug from a family of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, is one of only a few drugs specifically designed to minimize inflammation while avoiding the stomach disorders long associated with other anti-inflammatory medications. Since its introduction in 1999, Vioxx has been a huge success, and sales of the drug worldwide topped $2.5 billion in 2003. That is certainly a great deal of money, but it pales when compared to the amount that Merck stands to lose through product liability lawsuits, which will soon come to court. As of this writing, several thousand lawsuits have been filed nationally, but attorneys estimate that the total number of lawsuits filed could reach a staggering 100,000.

One hundred thousand lawsuits is certainly a formidable number, but that figure could represent only half of the number of lawsuits related to COX-2 inhibitors. Earlier this year, Pfizer voluntarily withdrew its similar medication Bextra from the market, as studies linked the use of Bextra to increased heart attack risk and to a rare skin disorder known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Bextra, another drug in the family of COX-2 inhibitors, works very similarly to Vioxx, and many patients who formerly took Vioxx switched to Bextra after the former was removed from the market last fall. Given that sales of Bextra rose to near Vioxx levels before it was removed from the market, it seems likely that the number of lawsuits filed by patients who claim to have been harmed by their use of Bextra could eventually equal the number of Vioxx lawsuits.

Two hundred thousand is a staggering number of lawsuits, and unless they are consolidated into just a few class-action suits, they could keep our courts working on little else for the next decade. Patients who believe that they may have been harmed through the use of either Bextra or Vioxx would be well advised to contact an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical lawsuits now. The wait for a resolution in court , particularly for Vioxx lawsuits, could be a very long one. Those who file quickly may get the fastest results.

About the Author

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.



Technorati tags:

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Vioxx, What Is The Truth?

For many people, Vioxx is a drug they have taken for years. Until recently, it was prescribed for many reasons. It worked for so many people that taking it away seems unnatural. But, for others, Vioxx has caused quite a bit of damage within their lives. People who have taken Vioxx may have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or even death as a result. If this is you, you need to know what to do to get the proper compensation for your suffering.

Vioxx is a drug that is used to treat arthritis and acute pain. For many, it never caused a bit of trouble. But, studies have shown and proof is out there that Vioxx does run some high risks that are quite serious. If you have been taking this drug, Vioxx, and have experienced problems or conditions of heart attack, stroke, or worse, you should contact an attorney to find out if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx.

Do you know where to find a Vioxx attorney? Do you know what to ask, how to know if you were affected by Vioxx, and even whether or not you have a Vioxx case? You will want to check websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com to find information regarding Vioxx and its effects on people. Although you may have not known these risks, you may still have been exposed to them. You should seek the advice of your doctor, of course, if you are currently taking Vioxx and ask what you need to do to avoid it. But, then, you may also want to contact a Vioxx knowledgeable lawyer to find out if you have a case.

Again, in order to know if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx, you will need to speak with a qualified attorney. You can find this information at websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com where they offer comprehensive information regarding the specifics of Vioxx. For those taking Vioxx, you will have to first speak to your doctor, then your attorney. Vioxx, what has it caused in you?

Technorati tags:

Choose A Vioxx Attorney Wisely

Prior to 1999, patients who suffered from osteoarthritis were commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help deal with the swelling and pain that they experienced. Unfortunately, these medications also blocked an important enzyme in the body, necessary to protect the lining of the stomach. Patients who were prescribed these drugs were often plagued with gastric discomfort and related problems. Sadly, however, it was considered the lesser of two evils, when compared to the aches and pains of osteoarthritis.

Needless to say, the appearance of Vioxx came as a welcome surprise when it was released on the market in 1999. Offering relief from the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis, but without all of the gastric side-effects, it wasnt long before Vioxx was touted as a super drug and a miracle pain-reliever. Unfortunately, this relief was short-lived and Vioxx would be pulled from the market in September, 2004. Discovered to be related to an increased risk of heart attack, blood clotting, and strokes, controversy arose and it was even suggested that Merck, manufacturers of Vioxx, knew the risks that this drug posed, prior to its ever being released on the market. Needless to say, those who have suffered the side-effects of this super drug are now preparing to and beginning to file legal claims against Merck.

If you or a loved one were prescribed Vioxx, it is highly suggested that you seek the assistance of a specialized Vioxx attorney. Fortunately, like in any other situation where they expect mass claims to be made, specialized attorneys have been popping up, and it is relatively easy to find a Vioxx attorney to handle your needs. You will want a specialized Vioxx attorney to consult your case, as they have most likely been preparing to handle other Vioxx cases and know enough about the current situation to be able to offer a sound consultation.

Getting advice from a knowledgeable Vioxx attorney as soon as possible will help your case by giving your representation ample time to put together a case, thereby increasing your chances of being successful with your claim. Whether you seek to file independently or plan on filing a claim compensation as a part of a Vioxx class action lawsuit, you should still seek out the assistance of a Vioxx attorney. Enabling you to consider all of your legal options, the Vioxx attorney will advise you which legal option will work best for your case, based on your own personal situation. If you seek to discuss your legal options with a specialized Vioxx attorney, you can usually receive a free consultation visit in order to help determine what legal route will best work for you. When the attorney has been given all of the facts regarding your case, the situation can be discussed at length, and you can then be informed of the different options available. Regardless of whether you seek this information for yourself or for a loved one, the assistance of a specialized Vioxx attorney will help you to choose your best route and will prove invaluable when it comes to putting together your case.



Technorati tags:

Contact An Experienced Vioxx Lawyer For Injuries From This Drug

Are you looking for an attorney because you feel you are a victim of the once popular drug Vioxx? An experienced Vioxx lawyer can help you file a claim and will fight for your rights to receive compensation for the injuries you received while taking Vioxx.

The FDA approved anti-inflammatory non-steroidal NSAID drug Vioxx, chemically referred to as rofecoxib, was introduced in 1999 for the treatment of menstrual pain as well as pain associated with various forms of arthritis in adults and children. Since the introduction of Vioxx, it was taken by millions of people in an effort to reduce pain and inflammation before the manufacturer, Merck & Company, voluntarily withdrew it from the market due to results of a long-term study.

Studies of FDA approved Vioxx indicated there was an increased risk of serious heart attacks and strokes. Before Vioxx was pulled from the market, over 140,000 people suffered strokes and heart attacks, and as many as 55,000 have died due to the insufficient study of the effects of this drug before it was approved by the FDA. In fact, it is claimed that Merck and Company was fully aware of the increased risk posed to those taking the drug.

If you are considering contacting a Vioxx lawyer, don't hesitate to do so. Contacting a Vioxx lawyer as soon as possible will raise your chances of a successful claim. After considering the circumstances, a Vioxx lawyer can advise clients as to the amount of compensation they stand to gain.

Many Vioxx users who have suffered injury due to the use of Vioxx have already contacted attorneys who specialize in Vioxx lawsuits. It's in the best interest of anyone who has been adversely affected by Vioxx to contact a qualified Vioxx lawyer who can offer advice regarding filing a claim against the manufacturer.

A Vioxx lawyer is well educated in legal aspects regarding Vioxx and the possibilities for recovering damages caused by its use. Don't take your case to just any attorney. An experienced Vioxx lawyer knows the loopholes, and they can offer advice as to the best course of action in your particular case.

Big drug companies such as Merck use the most highly skilled legal teams to stop claims against them. It is for this reason that people who have suffered illness or injury because of Vioxx should also use a highly skilled Vioxx lawyer. A Vioxx lawyer with prior legal experience in dealing with Vioxx claims will match the skills and abilities of legal teams hired by the drug manufacturer Merck.

It could be in your best interest to file a class action lawsuit as opposed to an individual lawsuit. An experienced Vioxx lawyer can advise you as to whether or not filing a class action lawsuit against the maker of Vioxx is in your best interest and the interest of your claim. If it is determined that a class action lawsuit is in your best interest, a Vioxx lawyer will advise you accordingly.

Choose a Vioxx lawyer to fight for your rights and secure the claim you and your family deserve. The overall success of your case against Merck is dependent on the skills of the attorney you choose, and a competent Vioxx lawyer will provide you with the best information and advice that will maximize your Vioxx injury claim.



Technorati tags:

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Vioxx Attorney and Class Action

Vioxx Class Action Drug Recall Lawsuit and Attorney Information.

Merck said that data from the trial showed the increased risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular complications began 18 months after patients started taking Vioxx. The data comes from a three-year study aimed at showing that Vioxx at a 25 milligram dose prevents recurrence of polyps in the colon and rectum. The trial was stopped after Merck discovered the higher heart risk compared to patients taking dummy pills.

FDA VIOXX STUDY

The FDA was informed by Merck & Co., Inc. on September 27, 2004, that the Data Safety Monitoring Board for an ongoing long-term study of Vioxx (APPROVe) had recommended that the study be stopped early for safety reasons. The study was being conducted in patients at risk for developing recurrent colon polyps. The study showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months. Based on this new safety information, Merck and FDA officials met the next day, September 28, 2004, and during that meeting FDA was informed that Merck was voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the market place.

The risk that an individual patient taking Vioxx will suffer a heart attack or stroke related to the drug is very small. Patients who are currently taking Vioxx should contact their physician for guidance regarding discontinuation and alternative therapies.

FDA NEWS ON VIOXX RECALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P04-95
September 30, 2004

Media Inquiries: 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Vioxx as its Manufacturer Voluntarily Withdraws the Product

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today acknowledged the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx (chemical name rofecoxib), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co. FDA today also issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications.

Merck is withdrawing Vioxx from the market after the data safety monitoring board overseeing a long-term study of the drug recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, among study patients taking Vioxx compared to patients receiving placebo. The study was being done in patients at risk of developing recurrent colon polyps.

"Merck did the right thing by promptly reporting these findings to FDA and voluntarily withdrawing the product from the market," said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Lester M. Crawford. "Although the risk that an individual patient would have a heart attack or stroke related to Vioxx is very small, the study that was halted suggests that, overall, patients taking the drug chronically face twice the risk of a heart attack compared to patients receiving a placebo."

Dr. Crawford added that FDA will closely monitor other drugs in this class for similar side effects. "All of the NSAID drugs have risks when taken chronically, especially of gastrointestinal bleeding, but also liver and kidney toxicity. They should only be used continuously under the supervision of a physician."

FDA approved Vioxx in 1999 for the reduction of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, as well as for acute pain in adults and for the treatment of menstrual pain. It was the second of a new kind of NSAID (Cox-2 selective) approved by FDA. Subsequently, FDA approved Vioxx to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.

At the time that Vioxx and other Cox-2 selective NSAIDs were approved, it was hoped that they would have a lower risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding than other NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen). Vioxx is the only NSAID demonstrated to have a lower rate of these side effects.

Merck contacted FDA on September 27, 2004, to request a meeting and to advise the agency that the long-term study of Vioxx in patients at increased risk of colon polyps had been halted. Merck and FDA officials met the next day, September 28, and during that meeting the company informed FDA of its decision to remove Vioxx from the market voluntarily.

In June 2000, Merck submitted to FDA a safety study called VIGOR (Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) that found an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, in patients taking Vioxx compared to patients taking naproxen. After reviewing the results of the VIGOR study and other available data from controlled clinical trials, FDA consulted with its Arthritis Advisory Committee in February 2001 regarding the clinical interpretation of this new safety information. In April 2002, FDA implemented labeling changes to reflect the findings from the VIGOR study. The labeling changes included information about the increase in risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.

Recently other studies in patients taking Vioxx have also suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular events. FDA was in the process of carefully reviewing these results, to determine whether further labeling changes were warranted, when Merck informed the agency of the results of the new trial and its decision to withdraw Vioxx from the market.



Technorati tags:

Vioxx Attorney

A Vioxx attorney offers clients expertise in the side effects of this common arthritis pain medication. Vioxx attorneys are familiar with the very specific regulations that govern medical products liability; a Vioxx attorney can usually provide more accurate information than a regular attorney.

The advantage to retaining a Vioxx attorney is that the victim will be represented by an attorney who understands their problems. Experienced Vioxx attorneys understand the long-term implications of the side-effects for plaintiffs and their families, which means Vioxx attorneys are prepared to fight to ensure that their clients receive full and proper compensation. Many Vioxx attorneys are able to obtain large settlements from defendant corporations without having to go to trial. Vioxx attorneys can also help victims and their families form reasonable expectations and make sound decisions.

A Vioxx attorney has experience representing victims of Vioxx side effects, such as cardiac arrest. An experienced Vioxx attorney fully understands the implications of this serious problem, and the liability of manufacturers. Consulting a Vioxx attorney early on can help victims receive appropriate medical treatment and legal representation. An experienced Vioxx attorney is likely available in your area, and can discuss the merits of your case at no charge.



Technorati tags:

Contact a Vioxx Attorney To Take Your Case!

If you have taken Vioxx and suffered a heart attack or stroke, call a qualified Vioxx attorney to preserve your legal rights and potential settlement. Vioxx attorneys listed on the right or left panel will be able to help you determine the best course of action in regards to your situation and/or claim, which could potentially include a Vioxx class action lawsuit if enough people in a given area suffer similar damages, or you may be better off filing an individual lawsuit claim. These LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified Vioxx attorneys will be able to provide the legal assistance you need, and can provide quality representation.

As soon as you contact a Vioxx attorney, you will know whether or not your damages will result in a settlement or litigation. While pharmaceutical and defective drug litigation, like Vioxx litigation lawsuits, are governed by federal laws, state statute of limitation laws may still apply. There is only a certain amount of time to evaluate your potential Vioxx class action lawsuit claim, contact Vioxx attorneys to take action now.

Contact Our Vioxx Recall Attorneys



Technorati tags:

Friday, May 4, 2007

Vioxx Lawyer says: There are Many Valid Vioxx Concerns

By Joe Regan

The FDA approved Vioxx in 1999. It was intended to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis as well as menstrual pains. Afterwards, the FDA approved Vioxx for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug, which is a once-daily pill, was considered more effective than traditional pain killers and to cause fewer gastrointestinal side effects.

What is Vioxx?

Vioxx is a COX-2 selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Vioxx is a prescription medicine used to relieve signs and symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults, and painful menstrual cycles.

Minor side effects with the use of Vioxx include upset stomach, dizziness, heartburn, vomiting and constipation. In March, 2002 an FDA report linked Vioxx to five cases of a nonbacterial type of meningitis. In May 2002, a report published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research stated that it may also impede bone repair due to the arthritis drug inhibiting cox-2 (which assists bone-forming cells in the healing process.)

The makers of Vioxx launched a three year study to confirm the relative gastrointestinal benefits of Vioxx when compared to another pain medicine, naproxen. The study did show that patients who took Vioxx had fewer ulcers and other stomach ailments, but the shock of the study proved to be the greater tendency to experience serious cardiovascular events when taking Vioxx.

In September 2004, Merck & Co., Inc., announced a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx from the market due to safety concerns of an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clot. The study found that both high and low levels of the medication increase the risk, but patients taking the highest doses increase their risk of heart attack more than three-fold.

In Vioxx and naproxen test groups with more than 4,000 patients in each, Vioxx users suffered 101 “serious cardiovascular events” and 20 myocardial infarctions. That compared to 46 naproxen users who had cardiovascular events and only four who suffered heart attacks.

If you have concerns about the safety of Vioxx, or if you have experienced serious side effects associated with the drug, consult your doctor. It may also be important to contact an attorney who can help protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.

If you would like to locate a Vioxx Attorney, visit Personal Injury Lawyer page on www.hugesettlements.com

You are welcome to reproduce this article: Vioxx: Valid Concerns as long as a live link to HugeSettlements.com is provided. We can help you find a professional Vioxx Attorney. Visit us today for a Vioxx LawyerContact a Personal Injury Lawyer today.

Should You Hire a Vioxx Lawyer?

by Michael Monheit, Esquire

If you or a beloved family member has suffered a Vioxx related heart attack, other cardiovascular problems, or a Vioxx induced stroke then you may be eligible to be part of a Vioxx class action suit or individual Vioxx litigation case.

The grounds for filing a Vioxx stroke, heart attack, or sudden death litigation case are based on releasing and marketing Vioxx as a safe alternative for chronic pain. Vioxx and other NSAID (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs) were not tested long-term to determine its patient safety factor. A few years passed before the FDA advised Merck to properly post warnings on the label. During that time-frame, thousands of doctors prescribed Vioxx to thousands of patients impervious to the imminent health threat that lay ahead.

How much does a Vioxx lawsuit cost? --------- Most Vioxx law firms will accept clients on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee, unless and until there is a recovery. If nothing is recovered during your Vioxx lawsuit then the client pays nothing. The contingent fee is based on a pre-agreed percentage of the recovery depending on the complexity and risks involved in your Vioxx case.

What's the difference between a Vioxx class action suit, individual litigation, and MDL (multi district litigation)? --------- In a Vioxx class action suit, individuals who have similar cases would be "joined together" in a "class" to prosecute their claims in a "more efficient" manner. This process begins when one person (or more) agrees to serve as the class representative. This "class rep" is then subject to approval by the court. There are a series of requirements that the court reviews -- but most significantly, whether the claims of the "class rep" are typical of the claims of other members of the proposed class. The class representative is proceeding not only on his or her own behalf, but also on behalf of all others who are similarly situated. In this case, there is only ONE lawsuit, the result of which binds all class members. In order to determine if the class will receive fair and adequate representation, the court will generally consider whether the attorney for the class has experience in handling class actions and/or claims similar to those of the proposed class. In addition, the court will determine whether there are any conflicts in the interests of the class members.

In individual Vioxx litigation, each person's lawyer prosecutes their case, apart from any other cases. If a lawyer has multiple clients, each client would receive individual attention and would have their own Vioxx lawsuit.

Even with individual Vioxx litigation, some cases end up in Federal court, due to a diversity of citizenship between the claimant and Merck. In these cases, the individual claim gets temporarily consolidated with other cases in Federal court. But this consolidation is ONLY for the purposes of discovery, and does not impact the right to an individual trial for that person's Vioxx lawsuit. The MDL gives each person the benefit through judicial economy and efficiencies of scale. For example, if Merck is also being sued by 10,000 other Vioxx plaintiffs across the country, just taking depositions in all the various jurisdictions could delay the trial date by years. But when all those individual Vioxx lawsuits are consolidated for discovery, it helps to save time and money for the Vioxx clients. In addition, it places the Vioxx plaintiffs on a more level playing field.



A family member recently had a stroke. He was taking Vioxx for two years. Should we be contacting a Vioxx law firm regarding Vioxx litigation? ---- Yes, at least have a so you know your rights and understand what is at stake. What are the alternatives to Vioxx? Vioxx is a COX-2 selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Other COX-2 selective NSAIDs are Celebrex (celecoxib) and Bextra (valdecoxib). If you are considering taking Celebrex or Bextra, contact your doctor about the risks involved. Bextra has some serious side effects. Click here for more information about Bextra side effects.

Basically, all of the NSAIDs have risks when taken long-term, especially for gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding, but also kidney and liver toxicity. Vioxx is also related to the nonselective NSAIDs -- ibuprofen and naproxen. Now that Vioxx has gone under the microscope perhaps the FDA will require more testing for Celebrex and Bextra.

Are Cox-2 inhibitors more effective than traditional NSAIDs for arthritis pain? ----- Opinions vary. Many doctors feel that Cox-2 inhibitors have never been shown to be more effective than traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. If gastrointestinal safety is an issue, patients are prescribed protective drugs like proton-pump inhibitors to lower their risk even more. Cox-2 inhibitors have bigger and more exorbitantly expensive marketing campaigns. Cox-2 inhibitors also cost much more than traditional NSAIDs.

What is rofecoxib? --- Rofecoxib is the generic scientific term for the compound that is marketed as Vioxx.

Will Vioxx be recalled? --- No, Merck is voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the marketplace; a Vioxx recall is not necessary.

Can my pharmacist continue to refill my prescription for Vioxx? ----- No, Merck has initiated a market withdrawal in the United States at the pharmacy level. This means Vioxx will no longer be available at pharmacies. Talk to your doctor about what medication is right for you.

Can I get a refund on unused Vioxx? ------- Yes. Merck requires patients to mail back the unused Vioxx in the original container, along with a pharmacy receipt to: NNC Group - Merck Returns 2670 Executive Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46241 Include a note with the patient's name, address, and phone number. Merck will reimburse the cost of the full prescription plus regular shipping.

Will there be a Vioxx class action suit? ------ Yes. There will be class actions. However, we will only be representing individual plaintiffs, and NOT filing any class actions.

I'm taking Vioxx now. What should I do? ------- Consult with your doctor for further instructions. He may tell you to stop taking Vioxx. Merck is recommending people stop taking Vioxx.

How much does a Vioxx lawsuit cost? ------- Most Vioxx law firms will accept clients on a contingency basis. That means you do not pay the law firm any money unless you win the case.

Monheit Law handles MDL and individual cases. They can be found at http://www.monheit.com

About the Author
Michael Monheit, Esquire is the managing attorney for Monheit Law. The practice is focuse on plaintiff personal injury cases and Vioxx Lawyers info can be found at Vioxx Lawyer - Monheit Law

Vioxx, What Is The Truth?

by S. A. Baker

For many people, Vioxx is a drug they have taken for years. Until recently, it was prescribed for many reasons. It worked for so many people that taking it away seems unnatural. But, for others, Vioxx has caused quite a bit of damage within their lives. People who have taken Vioxx may have experienced heart attacks, strokes, or even death as a result. If this is you, you need to know what to do to get the proper compensation for your suffering.

Vioxx is a drug that is used to treat arthritis and acute pain. For many, it never caused a bit of trouble. But, studies have shown and proof is out there that Vioxx does run some high risks that are quite serious. If you have been taking this drug, Vioxx, and have experienced problems or conditions of heart attack, stroke, or worse, you should contact an attorney to find out if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx.

Do you know where to find a Vioxx attorney? Do you know what to ask, how to know if you were affected by Vioxx, and even whether or not you have a Vioxx case? You will want to check websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com to find information regarding Vioxx and its effects on people. Although you may have not known these risks, you may still have been exposed to them. You should seek the advice of your doctor, of course, if you are currently taking Vioxx and ask what you need to do to avoid it. But, then, you may also want to contact a Vioxx knowledgeable lawyer to find out if you have a case.

Again, in order to know if you have a case against the makers of Vioxx, you will need to speak with a qualified attorney. You can find this information at websites like www.thesmartattorneys.com where they offer comprehensive information regarding the specifics of Vioxx. For those taking Vioxx, you will have to first speak to your doctor, then your attorney. Vioxx, what has it caused in you?