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Up until May 1999, patients with osteoarthritis were prescribed standard non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which although effective also resulted in significant gastric discomfort for many patients. These non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs worked by inhibiting the cox-2 enzyme produced by the body. However, by default these NSAIDs also inhibited the cox-1 enzyme, which was crucial in protecting the stomach lining – hence the gastric problems associated with taking these drugs. When Vioxx came along in 1999, it was therefore welcomes by medics and patients alike. This was a special kind of NSAID – one that managed to inhibit the cox-2 enzyme without affecting the cox-1 enzyme.
If so, you may have a possible legal case against the manufacturer of the potentially dangerous drug or medical product. Simply fill out the short form below and an experienced legal expert will contact you as soon as possible!
It therefore came as a shock to many people when, five years later, test results showed that this drug caused a significantly increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, claims were made that the manufacturer of the Vioxx, Merck, had known about the potentially fatal risks associated with Vioxx for years – before the drug was even approved and marketed. The drug was pulled from the US market in September 2004 by Merck, amidst claims that not only was the drug dangerous but that the manufacturer had marketed it under false pretences as a safe and reliable drug, when it was in fact a dubious and potentially lethal drug.
Prior to the recall, many people that had been taking Vioxx have already started to seek legal advice with a view to filing a claim for compensation. Some of these people have already suffered the effects of Vioxx; others are simply worried about the increased risk of possibly fatal incidents caused by Vioxx. Many legal firms have appointed or delegated specific lawyers to deal with Vioxx cases. These lawyers are well versed in the legal issues surrounding this sort of situation, and are therefore well equipped to advise and act on behalf of those wishing to file a claim.
The possible extent of the damage caused by vioxx means that the Unites States could see a large number of class action vioxx lawsuits arise, as well as many individual vioxx lawsuits and compensation claims. However, those looking to make a claim against Merck are advised to act quickly to enable lawyers to put together a sound vioxx lawsuit. As a giant in the drugs manufacturing field, Merck is likely to have a team of legal advisors to try and minimize on compensation claims, so the more time plaintiffs can give when filing a vioxx lawsuit, the more time the lawyer will have to put together a watertight case.
Before filing a vioxx lawsuit, an experienced and qualified lawyer will be able to discuss your options with you. This could include offering advice on whether you should opt for a class action vioxx lawsuit or file an individual suit. The lawyer may also be able to given an indication of your chances of success as well as offering advice on the sum of money you could expect to get if successful.
As part of a vioxx lawsuit, the lawyer will be looking to prove a number of factors, so the more information you can provide the better. Some of the factors that the lawyer will be aiming to prove include the harm and injury caused to the plaintiff by vioxx; that vioxx was marketed to the public even though its dangers were known; and that the dangers of vioxx were never relayed to the public.
As the number of people looking to file claims against Merck rises, the number of specialist lawyers within this field is also set to increase. Therefore, it will become far easier to find an experience and qualified vioxx lawyer to deal with your vioxx lawsuit. Since these lawyers will have explored all necessary avenues as well as established resources in relation to vioxx legal action, you could increase your chances of success by going through a specialist vioxx lawyer.