The prescription painkiller Vioxx was recalled from the marketplace by its manufacturer Merck Pharmaceuticals in September 2004.
Vioxx, which is used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, acute pain in adults and painful menstrual cycles, was recalled after data collected from a clinical trial indicated that those taking Vioxx had a 100% greater chance of a severe coronary event such as a heart attack, stroke.
Since its introduction in 1999, upwards of 20 million Americans have taken Vioxx. It is estimated that at least 2 million Americans are currently using the drug.
I’ve never been a big fan of overdone lawsuits but when there are so many lives at risk it seems that a vioxx lawsuit or others similar may be necessary to keep our pharmaceutical companies and the prescribers in check.
Thoughts?
Written March 2006 on Iggert.com
