Michele
09-30-2004, 09:02 AM
After 2 billion in sales, a massive advertising campaign and many lawsuits, Vioxx takes it drug off the shelf. Reason? It significantly raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Calif. Vioxx Lawsuit Claims 'Life-Threatening' Side Effects
Source: Reuters
Carolyn Baker has filed a lawsuit against Merck & Company claiming she suffered serious side effects after taking the drug maker's arthritis painkiller, Vioxx. Baker is seeking unspecified damages and compensation to enabler her "to treat and monitor the dangerous, severe and life-threatening side effects" caused by Vioxx, the court papers said.
The side effects are describes as "edema, changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events and death."
"Merck stands behind the efficacy and safety profiles of Vioxx and will vigorously defend the lawsuit," Chris Loder, Merck spokesman, said. "Merck considers patient safety to be of the utmost importance."
Reuters reported that, "Baker's lawsuit blames Merck for playing down the results of a 2000 study that linked Vioxx and drugs of its class, called COX-2 inhibitors, to "several severe and life threatening medical disorders" similar to the ones she experienced."
This was in 2003. Research found that this drug caused life threatening side effects. Vioxx is just NOW pulling the drug. Should these pharmaceutical companies be held liable? Or is it a take this drug at your own risk kinda of thing?
Calif. Vioxx Lawsuit Claims 'Life-Threatening' Side Effects
Source: Reuters
Carolyn Baker has filed a lawsuit against Merck & Company claiming she suffered serious side effects after taking the drug maker's arthritis painkiller, Vioxx. Baker is seeking unspecified damages and compensation to enabler her "to treat and monitor the dangerous, severe and life-threatening side effects" caused by Vioxx, the court papers said.
The side effects are describes as "edema, changes in blood pressure, cardiovascular events, cerebrovascular events and death."
"Merck stands behind the efficacy and safety profiles of Vioxx and will vigorously defend the lawsuit," Chris Loder, Merck spokesman, said. "Merck considers patient safety to be of the utmost importance."
Reuters reported that, "Baker's lawsuit blames Merck for playing down the results of a 2000 study that linked Vioxx and drugs of its class, called COX-2 inhibitors, to "several severe and life threatening medical disorders" similar to the ones she experienced."
This was in 2003. Research found that this drug caused life threatening side effects. Vioxx is just NOW pulling the drug. Should these pharmaceutical companies be held liable? Or is it a take this drug at your own risk kinda of thing?