Vioxx Lawsuits Abound - So Where Does That Leave the Arthritis Sufferer?
Vioxx, a
popular pain medication was fetching it's manufacturer, Merck Pharmaceuticals,
millions of dollars in sales in 2004. Today it has been withdrawn from sale and
is the subject of several Vioxx lawsuits.
It's demise, due to unacceptable risk factors, leaves doctors and patients
confused and wondering how many more "time bombs" there are lurking out there
What is Vioxx?
Vioxx is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) mainly prescribed for
pain relief for people suffering with various forms of arthritis. The product
was launched in 1999 and was available in several countries. Vioxx is one of the family of COX-2 inhibitors. Drugs with this label block
the Cox 2 enzyme while allowing the Cox 1 enzyme intact. The Cox 1 enzyme is
necessary as it protects the stomach lining. Without this protection, patients
are at risk of ulcers, stomach bleeding and intestinal damage.
The main risks from taking Vioxx are an increased risk (4:1) of heart attack
or stroke. While this risks were said only to affect people who have been taking
the drug for 18 months or more, there is some evidence that they may also affect
short term users as well.
Vioxx lawsuits
There are currently over 7000 Vioxx lawsuits, both individual and
class action, pending against Merck. The number of lawsuits are growing by the
day. To be eligible to claim compensation from Merck, a person must have been
taking Vioxx medication and have suffered some ill effects from doing so.
Merck must be shown to have breached their "duty of care" towards their
customers and have acted irresponsibly in information them of the health risks
that Vioxx could cause. Although Merck pulled Vioxx from the shelves voluntarily
in 2004, there is evidence that they knew of risks associated with Vioxx as
early as 2000, but didn’t pass on any warnings to the public.
If you believe that taking Vioxx has caused you to suffer a heart attack or
stroke, it is important to act before the statute of limitations expires. At the
time of writing there have not been any successful Vioxx lawsuits.
Those who have experienced any lost earnings or mental pain and suffering due
to taking Vioxx are also being advised to claim compensation.
What are the alternatives?
There are other COX-2 selective NSAIDS on the market, Celebrex (celecoxib)
and Bextra (valdecoxib).These are now undergoing stringent testing by the FDA to
ensure they are safe alternatives.
The manufacturers of other NSAIDS such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen have been
requested by the FDA to change the labelling on their products to include
warnings about any side effects that may be experienced - for example gastro
intestinal bleeding.
Natural arthritis pain relief is a safe and effective option. The medical
profession is fond of pointing out that natural remedies are not controlled or
tested by the FDA. After the Vioxx debacle you have to wonder it this really
matters!
Since the Vioxx scare, a few natural arthritis "blends" have appeared on the
market.
Amazing Arthritis Relief™ is by far the
most comprehensive. If you've been praying for a miracle, this is about the
closest you'll get!
It's non addictive and extremely effective. An arthritis remedy like this
should make the headlines, but good ol' Big Pharma will make sure it doesn't!
You heard it first here!
Amazing Arthritis
Relief They don't call it amazing for nothing!
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