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Vioxx is an anti-inflammatory medication introduced to the U.S.
market in 1999. Vioxx, whose generic name is rofecoxib, is one of
a class of drugs known as Cox 2 inhibitors, and was designed to
treat conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis and bursitis without
causing gastrointestinal side effects often associated with nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDS are commonly used medications
for the inflammation of arthritis and other body tissues. Some examples
of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen (Alleve).
Cox-2 inhibitors selectively block Cox-2, an enzyme involved in
tissue inflammation. Blocking this enzyme reduces the pain and swelling
associated with arthritis.
Cox-2 inhibitors do not affect another
enzyme known as Cox-1. When blocked, Cox-1 reduces tissue inflammation
but can also affect protective lining of the stomach. This can cause
stomach upset, ulceration and bleeding from the stomach and intestines.
NSAIDS like ibuprofen and aspirin
can block both the Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. This reduces inflammation
but can also cause the gastro intestinal side effects associated
with blocking the Cox-1 enzyme.
Cox-2 inhibitors like Vioxx were designed
to selectively inhibit Cox- 2 while not affecting Cox-1. This can
prevent some of the gastrointestinal side effects described above.
The exact mechanism is not known but one theory is that Vioxx may
upset the balance between blood flow and blood clotting. Heart attacks
and strokes are often caused when blood cannot get through to blood
vessels feeding the heart muscle or the brain. The balance between
blood flow and blood clotting is critical to maintaining normal
cardio health.
By the time Vioxx was withdrawn from the market in 2004, it is estimated
that nearly 80 million people may have taken the drug. Sales of
the drug in 2003 were valued at approximately $2.5 billion. (Juni
et. al.,Lancet, 2004: 364, 2021-2029.; Topol et. al., New England
Journal of Medicine, 2004; 351, 1707-1709.)
Even a fraction of a percent increase
in the rate of serious cardiovascular events would translate into
thousands of affected people (Topol et. al., New England Journal
of Medicine, 2004; 351, 1707-1711.).
Every case is different; however, patients who were prescribed Vioxx
and experienced serious health conditions (such as a heart attack
and stroke) may have a chance to recover compensation for the losses
that they have incurred. These may include pain and suffering, mental
anguish, physical impairment, medical expenses and loss of earnings
or earning capacity.
Key factors may include the person's
individual health history, pre-existing conditions, the amount of
Vioxx regularly ingested, the frequency of use and whether the heart
attack or stroke occurred iclose to the time Vioxx was taken.
Bergman & Frockt will evaluate your health history and use of
Vioxx to determine whether or not there is a viable claim. Bergman
& Frockt will then find the best venue for prosecuting a claim
against the manufacturer of Vioxx. Depending upon the circumstances
of each case, that venue may be in federal district court or in
a state court.
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