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Vioxx Recalled for Suspected Link to Heart Conditions

On September 30, 2004, Merck Pharmaceuticals voluntarily withdrew the drug Vioxx from the market. The withdrawal came at the conclusion of a long clinical study to test the effectiveness of the drug on the reduction of colon polyps. During that study, it became clear that people on the drug for more than eighteen months were at twice the risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious cardiovascular events.

Released in 1999, Vioxx is part of a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID). Specifically, Vioxx inhibits proteins called cyclo-oxygenase 1 and 2 (COX 1 & 2). Inhibiting these proteins help control pain and inflammation it the body. However, in some instances the inhibition of these proteins causes the platelets in the blood to become sticky. The platelets collect together and in turn cause blood clots, seriously disrupting the cardiovascular system. Merck’s recent studies have confirmed this type of negative side effect in Vioxx.

During Merck’s VIGOR (Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research) study in 1999, they discovered that risk of death and cardiovascular events with Vioxx was considerably higher than other drugs in the same group. The APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on VIOXX) study in 2004 confirmed the deleterious effects Vioxx had on those who took the drug for more than eighteen (18) months.

Merck, however, downplayed the studies and continued to market the drug. Not until the most recent study did Merck decide to withdraw the drug. Sales of Vioxx worldwide reached $2.5 billion last year alone. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a Vioxx related injury , contact an attorney for a consultation.

Celebrex Might Substantially Increase Risk of Heart Attack

Relief from aches and pains might not be worth the risk for users of Celebrex®. In a mid-December announcement, Pfizer—the manufacturer of the COX-2 inhibitor anti-inflammatory drug—said that certain users of Celebrex® might be at a substantially increased risk for heart attacks.

The use of the drug was suspended in a study for Pfizer conducted by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The NCI was researching the use of Celebrex® to prevent polyps that lead to colon cancer. Patients taking between 400-milligram and 800-milligram doses of Celebrex® were found to be at 2.5 times the risk of cardiovascular events than those taking a placebo.

Celebrex® is part of a family of new, popular anti-inflammatory painkillers called COX-2 inhibitors. The drug is prescribed in doses of between 100 milligrams and 400 milligrams for those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Touted superior to traditional painkillers because they work without the side effect of an upset stomach, COX-2 inhibitors—including recently recalled Vioxx®—have been found to cause more severe side effects. Ranging from blood clots and stomach ulcers, to heart attacks and possible death, these side effects far outstrip the benefits of the drugs.

Patients taking Celebrex® should continue with their prescription and contact their physicians for further direction. If you would like more information on the recent developments of the risks and dangers of Celebrex®, please contact our firm as soon as possible.

 
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last updated February, 2006