In a newly released study, Merck & Co. has provided data suggesting that patients who have stopped taking Vioxx may still be at a significantly higher risk for up to a year.
As a follow-up to their previous study, Merck tested to see whether a group of patients who had taken the perscription drug for three years would prove more likely to encounter a stroke in the following year. Of the 44 patients who suffered a stroke during this examination, 28 had been on Vioxx while 16 had been given placebos. The results given show that those who had been taking Vioxx were 1.64 more likely to suffer a stroke the following year than the group tested on placebos. After three years of studying, Vioxx patients were found to be 1.92 times as likely to undergo a stroke.
The new data is claimed to have no effect on the litigation strategy being used by Merck as a case-by-case fight against their claims, despite the 11,500 suits piling against them. Of the six cases that have gone to trial so far, Merck lost three and won three. Considering the gravity of the 20 million potential victims, consumers of the drug Vioxx during the 4.5 years of marketed release, the future is certain to look bleak for Merck & Co.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to Vioxx or any other defective product, please contact a personal injury lawyer such as:
