VIOXX QUESTIONS
What is Vioxx?
Vioxx is a rofecoxib-based drug that is administered orally. Vioxx is used as treatment for Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute pain, and dysmenorrhea. Those taking Vioxx may experience heightened risk of conditions to include gastrointestinal toxicity, cardiovascular complications including fatal heart attacks, renal toxicity or injury, anemia, complications with existing asthma and other complications.
What does Vioxx treat, and what are the symptoms of those conditions?
Vioxx has been shown to help patients suffering from Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-dental surgery pain and primary dysmenorrhea. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, and the most common type of arthritis seen in patients today. Symptoms include morning stiffness, trouble with a few joints and tenderness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition involving joint inflammation and possible degeneration. Symptoms include tenderness in the joints—particularly in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows and ankles. Stiffness in the morning and afternoon fatigue may come with the early stages of the syndrome. Deformities, cysts and carpal tunnel-like symptoms are other signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Primary Dysmenorrhea is pain with ovulation when lesions are not present. The discomfort may be the result of abnormally induced uterine contractions. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, aches in the lower back or legs, expelling of clots or similar matter, headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, urinary tract infection and typically premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
What are the dangers and side effects associated with using Vioxx?
The most severe side effect of Vioxx is a heart attack or other severe cardiovascular event. Vioxx should not be taken by those with known hypersensitivity to rofecoxib. Those who suffer from asthma, urticaria or aspirin allergies should not be prescribed Vioxx. Vioxx has been known to induce gastrointestinal side effects like ulcers, bleeding and perforation. Vioxx should not be considered a replacement for aspirin since the drug does not affect platelets. Vioxx may also adversely affect the renal system, the liver, and it may also precipitate anemia.
What are the Lawsuits and Claims of these dangers?
As Vioxx became widely used, patient problems became more prevalent, including serious heart ailments. One source for the discovery was a study sponsored by Merck & Co., the manufacturer of Vioxx. For details, click on Vioxx Lawsuits and Claims.
Kline & Specter, PC is no longer accepting Vioxx claims.