Vioxx Heart Attack and Stroke FAQs

by Michael Monheit, Esquire, Monheit Law, PC

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What are the grounds for Vioxx stroke or Celebrex litigation?
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Vioxx and Celebrex were billed as safe alternatives for people who suffer from chronic pain. In reality, they are expensive drugs that for most people provide no better treatment than older, less expensive medications. Far from having no side effects, these drugs share many of the same side effects of older NSAID medications. Despite claims to the contrary, new research has shown that patients who use these drugs are at risk of Vioxx heart attacks, stroke problems, liver damage, kidney damage, stomach ulcers, and other serious complications.

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What has been done so far with regard to Vioxx heart attack and Celebrex litigation?
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One class action suit has already been filed. Others are pending.

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What options do I have if I’ve been affected by Vioxx or Celebrex?
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You may qualify for future class action litigation against these drug makers. You may also have grounds for an individual suit for specific damages.

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What are the treatments for the disorders caused by Vioxx and Celebrex?
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Check with your doctor first. You may be able to use another pain relief medication. Older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen work well for some patients. Other patients may not be able to use these medications.

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What are the dangers of Vioxx and Celebrex? Vioxx:Heart Attacks
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Stomach ulcers and intestinal bleeding are the most common dangers. There is also a risk of Vioxx heart attack and stroke.

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Other side effects of these medications include:
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Serious stomach problems, such as stomach and intestinal bleeding, can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death. Although this happens rarely, you should watch for signs that you may have these serious side effects and tell your doctor immediately.
Serious allergic reactions including swelling of face, lips, tongue, and/or throat which may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing occur rarely but may require treatment right away.
Serious kidney problems occur rarely, including acute kidney failure and worsening of chronic kidney failure.
Severe liver problems occur rarely in patients taking NSAIDs. Tell your doctor if you develop symptoms of liver problems. These include nausea, tiredness, itching, tenderness in the right upper abdomen, and flu-like symptoms.

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More common, non-life threatening, side effects include:
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· Upper and/or lower respiratory infection and/or inflammation
· Headache
· Dizziness
· Diarrhea
· Nausea and/or vomiting
· Heartburn, stomach pain, and upset
· Swelling of the legs and/or feet
· High blood pressure
· Back pain
· Tiredness
· Urinary tract infection.

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Which products contain Vioxx and Celebrex?
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There are no generic equivalents for these medications. They are only sold as Vioxx and Celebrex.

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Are there any safer alternatives to Vioxx and Celebrex?
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Older medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or even just an aspirin have been used as alternatives for Vioxx and Celebrex.

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What could have been done to avoid the current Vioxx Heart Attack situation?
Several things:
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Adequate and more accurate testing prior to FDA approval could have revealed the same risks, like Vioxx Heart Attacks, that became known after the products were already on the market.

More extensive research could have been done prior to the approval and release of these drugs.

Advertising campaigns could have included more accurate information about the true effectiveness of these products.

A concerted effort was made to switch patients from less expensive prescriptions to these newer prescriptions which were much more expensive.

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What are Vioxx and Celebrex and what are they used for?
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Vioxx and Celebrex are used to treat the chronic pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, acute short-term pain, and for the treatment of severe menstrual pain. Although the two medications are slightly different in their chemical composition, Vioxx and Celebrex are both classified as COX-2 inhibitors and belong to a larger group of drugs knows as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Other NSAIDs include older medications like ibuprofen and naproxen.

Serious problems, like Vioxx Heart Attacks, have been associated with the long-term use of NSAIDs. Problems include bleeding stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, Vioxx heart attack problems, and damage to the liver and kidneys. These complications can occur with or without warning symptoms. These problems, if severe, could lead to hospitalization or death.

About the Author

Michael Monheit, Esquire is the managing attorney for Monheit Law. The practice is focuses on plaintiff personal injury cases and Vioxx Lawyers info can be found at Vioxx Lawyer - Monheit Law