Vioxx Lawsuits ?

According to the U.S. FDA, the risk that a patient taking Vioxx will suffer a heart attack or stroke related to the drug is very small. But this begs the question…why would Merck voluntarily withdraw Vioxx from the market if it believed the risk to be small? Wouldn't it just adopt tougher labeling guidelines and advise doctors and patients of the increased risks of long-term Vioxx use? After all, this drug was generating literally billions of dollars in annual revenues for the pharmaceutical giant. Has corporate America suddenly developed a conscience, putting caution ahead of sales and profits? Well, maybe… Merck indicated that it felt the withdrawal was prudent given the data from the study and the fact that several alternative therapies were available. or….. has Merck recognized the enormous potential legal liability that could be associated with the drug and is trying preempt lawsuits by contingency-fee lawyers on behalf of patience and families of Vioxx patients who died or where injured by heart attacks or strokes believed to be caused by the drug? After, all the effects of lawsuits related to the findings that diet drug Phen Phen caused adverse effects in patients cost its manufacturer hundreds of millions of dollars in lawsuits and settlements, not to mention the massive impact on its credibility as a drug-maker. Some reporters and industry watches are even suggesting that the legal liability related to Vioxx will not only dwarf lawsuits related to Phen Phen, but they could rival the tobacco lawsuits! Regardless of why Merck really withdrew the drug, there will be lawsuits…lots of lawsuits, before the dust settles. In fact, lawyers and large legal firms are already actively recruiting plaintiffs in a bid to go after Merck for damages. Numerous lawsuits have already been filed against Merck.

What is even more interesting is that the lawsuits may not stop there. The withdrawal of Vioxx has also prompted more scrutiny of the whole drug approval process in the U.S. and of the practices of the FDA. In fact, the FDA has taken significant public criticism over Vioxx. It certainly would not be surprising to see lawyers name the FDA in any Vioxx lawsuits.