Merck pulledthe arthritis drug VIOXX off the marked after studies showed itto significantly increase the chance of stroke or heart attack.Merck issued a statement on September 30, 2004 urging all patientscurrently taking VIOXX to contact their doctor or health care providerabout discontinuing treatments of the drug. Merck said patientsshould seek treatments other than VIOXX for their arthritis oracute pain.

Why Was VIOXX Pulled off the Market?

Merck's decision to pull VIOXX off the market was based on datafrom a 3 year clinical trial. In this study of VIOXX, doctors noticedan increased relative risk for "confirmed cardiovascular events"related to the use of VIOXX after 18 months of taking the drug.A confirmed cardiovascular event, in this case, means a strokeor heart attack from taking VIOXX. This is the third study to confirmthat VIOXX causes increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Patients Should Stop Taking VIOXX

Patients who are currently taking VIOXX should contact their healthcare providers to discuss discontinuing use of VIOXX and possiblealternative treatments.

Pharmacists to Stop Dispensing VIOXX

Pharmacies, Pharmacists, Doctors and health care practicioners should stop distribution and no longer prescribe or dispense VIOXX.

VIOXX Class Action Lawsuit Information

Each year in Texas, and throughout the United States, millions of people are injured through the negligence of companies that release unsafe or defective products. This could have been the case with Merck and VIOXX. If you have been taking VIOXX, contact our lawyers to determine if you have a case against the makers of this dangerous drug. There are statutes of limitations involved in Texas class actions that impact your ability to recover for damages caused by VIOXX, so contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights!

VIOXX Clinical Trial Prompts Recall

The three year clinical trial prompting Merck to withdraw VIOXXfrom the market was dubbed the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Preventionon VIOXX) trial. Merck also announced stopping the trial. The VIOXXtrial was for evaluating the efficacy of VIOXX 25 mg in preventingrecurrence of colorectal polyps in patients with a history of them.As mentioned, in the APPROVe study, there was anincreased relative risk for heart attack and stroke, beginningafter 18 months of treatment in the patients taking VIOXX comparedto those taking placebo. The results for the first eighteen monthsof the APPROVe VIOXX study did not show any increased risk of stroke or heart attack. The APPROVeVIOXX study was a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled,double-blind study to determine the effect of threeyears of treatment with VIOXX on the recurrence of neoplasticpolyps of the large bowel in patients with a history of colorectaladenoma. The trial , which enrolled 2,600 patients, comparedVIOXX 25 mg to a placebo. The APPROVe VIOXX trial beganin 2000.

Reason for VIOXX Recall

The reason for the VIOXX recall, according to chairman, presidentand chief executive officer of Merck Raymond V. Gilmartin, is thatit “best serves the interestsof patients”. Gilmartin went on to say he felt "it wouldhave been possible to continue to market VIOXX with labeling thatwould incorporate these new data". However, Merck decided a voluntary withdrawal of VIOXX was the responsible course to take.”

VIOXX Refund

Merck is offering a VIOXX Refund. Patients who were taking VIOXX and have stopped should request a refund for their unused VIOXX.VIOXX patients who want a refund on their unused VIOXX should returnthe unused VIOXX tablets and/or VIOXX oral suspension through theU.S. Postal Service. VIOXX should be mailed to:

NNC Group Merck Returns 2670 Executive Drive Indianapolis, IN 46241

To recieve the VIOXX refund you must includeyour name, address and phone number along with any unusedVIOXX in original pharmacy packaging and a pharmacy receiptcorresponding to the returned VIOXX. When you return any unusedVIOXX tabletsand oral suspension you will receive a fullrefund of the amount paid as shown on your pharmacyreceipt for the VIOXX purchase. You will also recieve a refundof the cost of shipping the VIOXX through U.S. mail.

For more informatin about the VIOXX Refund call 1.800.805.9542.

VIOXX Dosages Being Recalled

All dosage strengths and formulations of VIOXX are affected byMerck's voluntary withdrawal of VIOXX from the market. VIOXX dosages and formulations affected by the recall are:

12.5 mg VIOXX Tablets:

The 12.5 mg VIOXX tablets are cream-off-white, round, shallow cup tablets engraved MRK 74 on one side and VIOXX on the other.

25 mg VIOXX Tablets:

The 25 mg VIOXX tablets are yellow, round tablets engraved MRK 110 on one side and VIOXX on the other.

50 mg VIOXX Tablets:

The 12.5 mg VIOXX tablets are are orange, round tablets engraved MRK 114 on one side and VIOXX on the other.

VIOXX tablets are supplied in the following packages:

• VIOXX unit of use bottles of 30
• VIOXX unit dose packages of 100
• VIOXX bottles of 500
• VIOXX bottles of 1000
• VIOXX bottles of 4000
• VIOXX bottles of 8000

12.5 mg VIOXX Oral Suspension:

The 12.5 mg VIOXX oral suspension is an opaque, white to faint yellow suspension with a strawberry flavor that is easily resuspended upon shaking.

25 mg VIOXX Oral Suspension:

The 25 mg VIOXX oral suspension is an an opaque, white to faint yellow suspension with a strawberry flavor that is easily resuspended upon shaking.

50 mg VIOXX Oral Suspension:

The 12.5 mg VIOXX tablets are are orange, round tablets engraved MRK 114 on one side and VIOXX on the other.

VIOXX suspension is supplied in the following packages:

• VIOXX unit of use bottles containing 150 mL (12.5 mg/5mL)
• VIOXX unit of use bottles containing 150 mL (25 mg/5 mL)

What is VIOXX?

VIOXX (rofecoxib), Merck & Co., Inc., is a NSAID with selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitory properties. It was approved on May 20, 1999, for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, also known as arthritis. VIOXX has seen extensive use and distribution. Worldwide VIOXX sales were two and a half billion dollars in 2003. Since VIOXX hit the market in 1999, over ninety million VIOXX prescriptions have been written just in the United States. VIOXX is is sold in some countries under the name Ceoxx.

VIOXX Withdrawn

Please note VIOXX has been voluntarily withdrawn from the market and patients should contact their doctors forinformation on how to discontinue taking VIOXX and seek alternativetreatment.

VIOXX was used to relieve:

• Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis
• Acute pain in adults
• Painful menstrual cycles.

Other Problem with VIOXX

Serious problemsfrom stomach ulcers, such as bleeding, are well-known complicationsin people treated with NSAIDs. Similar problems have occurredin people treated with VIOXX, although very rarely. The likelihoodof stomach problems increases the longer you take drugs likeVIOXX. However, even short-term treatment is not without risk. These problems can happen without any warning, but in some people may cause symptoms such as gnawing or burning stomachpain, black or tarry stools, or vomiting. If this happens,stop taking VIOXX and call your health care provider rightaway.

Serious problems such as liver damage have occurred in peopletreated with NSAIDs. Some of the warning signs of liver damagecan be nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellowcoloring of skin or eyes, "flu-like" symptoms and darkurine. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

VIOXX can cause your body to retain fluid and swell. Your healthcare provider will decide if VIOXX is right for you, if you:

• retain fluids
• have high blood pressure
• have heart failure

Other Side Effects of VIOXX

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Swelling of the lower legs or feet
• High blood pressure
• ulcers

More VIOXX Information

VIOXX website

CNN Article on VIOXX Recall

FDA VIOXX Withdrawal Announcement

FDA Public Health Adivsory on Safety of VIOXX

VIOXXQuestions and Answers

Report VIOXX Side Effects

Merck VIOXX Press Release

Warning letter from Dept. of Health & Human Services to Merck & Co.,Inc. about misleading promotional campaign and misrepresentationof potential health risks associated with VIOXX. (here)