Vioxx Recall
Vioxx was voluntarily recalled by Merck & Co Inc. on September 30,2004 after a clinical study conducted on Vioxx comes to the conclusion that continuous use of Vioxx enhances the risk of heart attack and strokes.
Merck CEO Rymond Gilmartin while announcing the withdrawl of Vioxx said that company is taking this action in the best interest of patients. Vioxx, which hit the market in the year of 1999 in America, was touted as the best alternative for the treatment of arthritis. As a matter of fact, Vioxx was marketed in 80 countries and used by staggering 84 million people all around the world.
If you have been taking Vioxx, it is recommended that you contact your physician regarding discontinuing use of Vioxx and look out for other treatment option. Although the patient refund program run by Merck has come to an end and you will not get any sort of payment for returning unused Vioxx, still it is advisable that you return it back.
Expectedly, thousands of lawsuits was filed against Merck after the Vioxx recall. Number is increasing with every passing day but legal loopholes are saving Merck. Despite winning their cases, plenty of people are still waiting for compensation because as soon as Merck loose the case they lodge a fresh appeal.
Merck believes that following this route will minimize the number of lawsuits filed against them. Food and Drug administration on their part has started monitoring other NSAAID drugs for identical side effects. According to FDA, NSAAID Drugs should only be used after taking an advice from a health care provider.