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.

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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?

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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.

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