What Should I Know About Vioxx?
When pharmaceutical giant Merck developed Vioxx, it conducted studies to determine its effectiveness. According to Merck’s own data, an increased risk for heart attack and blood clotting was evident in groups given Vioxx (or rofecoxib, as it is known by its chemical name). Despite its own research and data indicating the existence of certain risks, Merck decided to market this dangerous drug, Vioxx. However, after mounting concerns related to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, Merck voluntarily recalled Vioxx in September of 2004. FDA Office of Drug Safety associate director Dr. David Graham evaluated member records from a large California based HMO to determine if there were any links. Although exact numbers are unknown, based on the incidence of heart attacks among the study’s member population, it was concluded that as many as 27,000 heart attacks due to Vioxx may have occurred nationwide between 1999 and 2000.
