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In August, an FDA-funded analysis involving Kaiser
Permanente patients found more heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths among
people taking Vioxx than among those on Celebrex or on conventional nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
In November 2000, Merck published a study in the
New England Journal of Medicine that found a higher rate of heart attacks in
patients assigned Vioxx than those assigned to naproxen (an NSAID sold as
Aleve). Because of that finding, the FDA in April 2002 required a new warning on
the Vioxx label.
The implications of the Vioxx withdrawal for
other COX-2 inhibitors aren't yet clear. Merck says new data - from a three-year
study comparing Vioxx with a placebo in 2,600 patients with colon polyps -
showed a higher risk of heart attack and stroke only after 18 months of use.
None of the other COX-2 drugs have data for longer than a year, Galson says.
In 2000, Merck spent $160.8 million on direct
to consumer Vioxx marketing. Many people are familiar with Vioxx television
advertisements featuring famous figure skater Dorothy Hamill. Sid Wolfe, a
physician and director of the Health Research Group of the advocacy group Public
Citizen in Washington, DC said, "Dorothy Hamill doesn't tell people they have a
four times higher risk of a heart attack on Vioxx."
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
News Alert
Jurors award $47.5 million in Vioxx decision
March 13, 2007 (Associated Press) – “Merck & Co.’s painkiller Vioxx contributed
to an Idaho postal worker’s heart attack, a jury in Atlantic City ruled Monday,
reversing the verdict in the man’s first trial and hitting Merck with a total of
$47.5 million in damages."
Forbes: June 29, 2006 - Key Vioxx 18-month Usage Claim
Withdrawn by Jounal, Dealing Significant Potential Blow To Merck
Reuters, April 5, 2006 - Merck Loses Second Vioxx Case;
Jury awards $4.5 million in Vioxx verdict against Merck
Merck may settle some Vioxx cases, NJ trial looms
August 26, 2005 - Reuters - Merck & Co Inc. on Friday signaled it may
consider settling some lawsuits alleging harm from its Vioxx pain drug, as it
gears up for its second Vioxx court battle -- this time in its own backyard.
Merck Found Liable For Man's Death In Vioxx Trial
08-19-05 - Bloomberg -Merck & Co. must pay more than $253 million to the family
of a Texas man who died after taking the company's Vioxx painkiller.
> FDA Drug Safety
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