VIOXX

VIOXX IS DANGEROUS

VIOXX? HEART ATTACK? STROKE?

If you have been taking VIOXX regularly and have had a heart attack or a stroke, you may have a claim for your damages. Experienced attorneys at The Matthews Law Firm can quickly review the facts of your case and give you a free case evaluation.

Since its approval by the FDA and introduction in 1999, 91 million prescriptions of VIOXX have been written worldwide. Merck & Co. had sales of VIOXX of $2.5 billion in 2003. On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co., the manufacturer of VIOXX, withdrew it from the market after a clinical trial found that people taking a low dose of VIOXX for more than 18 months were twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke as those taking a placebo. Earlier research had suggested a possible link between VIOXX and cardiovascular problems.

FDA STUDY INDICATES VIOXX LINKED TO 27,000 HEART ATTACKS

A study by the Food and Drug Administration safety official projects that the widespread use of VIOXX may have lead to more than 27,000 heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths before Merck abruptly withdrew VIOXX on September 30, 2004. The FDA analysis specifically found that from VIOXX's approval in 1999 through 2003, an estimated 27,785 heart attacks and 7 cardiac deaths "would have been avoided" had VIOXX not been used.

There is strong evidence that Merck & Co. knew of these dangers and deliberately failed to warn medical professionals and consumers. Health concerns began to surface concerning VIOXX as early as June, 2001 when a study suggested that the drug might cause kidney damages. Since that time, several other studies have raised concerns about cardiovascular health risks. However, Merck dismissed these studies as inconclusive and continued to aggressively market the drug. During the first 6 months of 2004, Merck spent more than $45 million on advertisements for VIOXX.

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FREE CASE EVALUATION

If you or someone you know has had a heart attack or stroke that you think might be linked to VIOXX and would like to understand your legal rights, please complete the following free legal case evaluation form and the experienced attorneys at The Matthews Law Firm will evaluate the claim:

*First Name:
*Last Name:
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If you are inquiring on behalf of another person, please give their name and answer the following questions on their behalf:
Name of Person:
Date of Birth:
*Have you suffered a heart attack or stroke you think might be linked to your use of VIOXX?	Heart Attack Stroke
When did the heart attack or stroke occur?	Month / Year
What medical condition were you treating with VIOXX?	Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Chronic Pain Other
If other, specify:
How long had you been taking VIOXX before your heart attack or stroke occurred?	Years Months
On what date did you stop taking VIOXX?
Do you have a history of any of the following health problems?	Liver Disease Kidney Disease Heart Attack High Blood Pressure Angina Other Heart Condition Allergy to Aspirin Allergy to Other Arthritis Medications Asthma
What other comments would you like to make about your case?