Vioxx, a brand name for rofecoxib, is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis. Vioxx manufacturer Merck and Co. withdrew the drug from the market in 2004, due to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events in patients taking the dangerous drug. Although the drug is no longer for sale, lawsuits for injuries caused by the medication are still in progress.
A recent study by McGill University Health Centre has revealed that very short term use of Vioxx can cause heart attacks. In fact the risk is greatest during the first few weeks of taking the drug and then begins to decrease. Merck has always claimed that the risks of heart attack and stroke do not develop until after 18 months of use.
This may be the breakthrough needed for those pursuing lawsuits against Merck after being harmed by short-term use of the drug.
For more information on Vioxx injury litigation, feel free to browse the websites of these dangerous drug injury attorneys.
