What's The Latest In Vioxx
By BLUR LOTERIÑA, Fri Dec 9th

Are you a Vioxx victim? Here’s something you have to know.

Many people from all over the world were victimized by thisdrug. The Vioxx was produced by Merck and Pharmacia. It comes inliquid and pill form. It is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatorydrug (NSAID) that is used to relieve osteoarthritis, rheumaticarthritis and acute pain. NSAID is referred to as drug withanalgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects. It reducespain, fever and inflammation, such as muscle strain or sprain.NSAID is sometimes called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agentor NSAIA. Aspirin and ibuprofen belongs to this class.

The Vioxx also contains cyclooxygenase, an enzyme that controlsinflammation. It belongs to the COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 has beengood cure for pain, which afflicts tens of millions ofpeople in the world. The Vioxx works by blocking COX-2 enzymesin the body that trigger pain and inflammation.

However, very relieving as it may sound, this drugrofecoxib was proven to cause and doubled the risk of heartattack and stroke.

Class action suits filed against Merck begun in 2002. Doctorstold their patients about the bad effects this drug cause. InOctober 5, 2004, a worldwide class action

lawsuit against Merckand Co. was filed.

In September 30, 2004, Merck officially announced of voluntaryrecall of Vioxx from all markets worldwide. A warning was issuedto prevent people from taking the Vioxx and to return all unusedpills. It also causes other life-threatening diseases, such as,blood clots, angina and nonbacterial meningitis, severeintestinal damage, ulcerations and bleeding, and kidney damage.Other minor side effects include flu symptoms, weakness, loss ofappetite, rash or pail skin, swelling of hand feet and otherextremities.

Many blamed the Food and Drug Administration or the FDA, becauseit is its duty to assure people of harmless foods and drugs.Also, the FDA was blamed for giving Merck a fast-track, 6-monthapproval process. Vioxx was distributed in the United States in1999. They want FDA to push drug companies to conduct longertests before they can sell it so that people are given the rightwarning.

In January 27, 2005, the consolidation of all Vioxx cases wasargued in front of federal judges in Florida by the attorneys. Apreliminary hearing will be held before the judge after thedecision is made public. Now, there are web sites that offerfree consultations for Vioxx victims.

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