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West Virginia Vioxx Lawyer

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Vioxx was hailed as a miracle drug when it was introduced to the market in 1999. The drug alleviated frustrating aches and pains without causing the side effects that so many other drugs of its kind were accompanied by. Vioxx was a COX-2 specific inhibitor, and unlike other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it had no effect on COX-1 regulation. This means that it reduced the number of molecules that cause inflammation and pain in joints while not effecting the number of molecules that protected the stomach lining. So, Vioxx did not lead to stomach problems as other painkillers did, and yet eased the pain that resulted from arthritis and menstruation.

As a consequence, doctors were more than happy to fill out Vioxx prescriptions for their patients. From 1999 to 2005, the period that Vioxx sat on the shelves at drugstores across the globe, 80 million individuals were prescribed the drug. In one year alone the year before Vioxx was recalled the drug earned $2.5 billion in sales.

In 2001, clinical studies were conducted and the findings were alarming: those who took Vioxx were significantly more likely to have cardiovascular problems like blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes than those who took a placebo. It wasn't until 2005 that Merck officially responded to the studies and voluntarily recalled Vioxx. But by this point, tens of thousands of people were estimated to have been harmed by the drug's potentially fatal side effects.

There are still questions about why it took Merck so long to face up to the implications that Vioxx was more than just unsafe, but potentially deadly. Did the company take part in a massive cover up, or was it simply negligent? Either way, by promoting a product especially a drug intended to help people without informing the public about its serious health risks, Merck was committing an unlawful action. According to product liability law, Merck is accountable for these actions.

This is why if you used Vioxx over a long period of time and you suspect that you endured unanticipated side effects as a result, you should contact a personal injury attorney that specializes in medical cases right away. First, of course, schedule an appointment with a medical professional to discuss your issues, but if Vioxx has harmed you, then you deserve to hold Merck responsible in court.

An attorney will most likely understand the complicated ins and outs of product liability law and will also be up to date on everything Vioxx-related. As investigations into Merck's deceptive advertising continue, it's crucial that you have a qualified and experienced lawyer on your side to help you navigate the legal system and obtain the justice you deserve.

If you were injured by your use of Vioxx, it is not your fault. You are not alone, either: thousands just like you have filed lawsuits against the pharmaceutical giant since 2005, and many have been successful. The right attorney can help you determine if your cardiovascular problems are indeed a result of your prescription to Vioxx and, if so, can give you the tools and resources to fight back.

Thanks to the courts, everyday citizens can fight back against even the most powerful businesses. Merck may have profited off of Vioxx sales for five long years, but now it's time for those whose lives were put at risk because of Vioxx to have their say. Talk to a qualified lawyer today about how you can file an individual lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit already in motion.