65 plaintiffs in Arizona filed lawsuits this week claiming the manufacturer of Vioxx, Merck and Co., defrauded consumers and doctors by failing to warn them about dangerous complications, such as ulcers, swelling, heart attacks, liver failure and high blood pressure. Two of the plaintiffs, claim that a relative died after taking Vioxx. The Arizona lawsuit joins others in two states by plaintiffs who have or plan to sue Merck and Co. One firm representing plaintiffs in the other suits expects to file more lawsuits in Canada and in 20 other states. Questions regarding Vioxx’s safety is not only limited in the United States. Concerns over Vioxx have also reached the United Kingdom, where officials have cited 11 deaths and more than 1,000 cases of adverse reactions related to the drug, according to a September Reuters news story.
In light of the increase scrutiny Vioxx is receiving, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also criticizing Merck regarding its promotion of Vioxx. In September, the FDA told the company that some of its promotional products materials are “false, lacking in fair balance or otherwise misleading” by understating the risk of cardiovascular complications and falsely claiming that Vioxx can be effective against cancer, The FDA has also ordered the company to write a “Dear Health Care Provider” letter to correct false impressions. To date, Merck denies that Vioxx is unsafe.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of taking any drug or supplement, call The Law Offices of Chuck Ervin now at 916-447-4357 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to review your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don’t delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
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