Last September the nation and the world learned that Merck, the manufacturer of Vioxx, knew that the drug significantly increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes but did everything it could to keep this information from the general public. One study showed an increased risk after eighteen months of continuous treatment with Vioxx. Another study has demonstrated that patients taking Vioxx in doses higher than 25 milligrams per day experience a threefold increase in the risk of heart attack. These are serious findings and require careful consideration.

Shortly after the news came out about Vioxx, and then about Celebrex, a large number of law firms, some without any relevant experience with toxic tort lawsuits, began advertising furiously for clients. Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford is actively investigating claims of stroke and heart attack in patients who were prescribed Vioxx. We are not advertising.

Before you rush to the telephone to call the latest law firm to jump on the Vioxx bandwagon, consider calling Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford. We will gather your medical records and carefully review your individual case. We will ask you the following questions:

  • Why was Vioxx prescribed for you?
  • Do you have a history of heart disease or stroke?
  • Do you have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
  • Did you suffer a recent heart attack or stroke while taking Vioxx?
  • What other medications were you taking?
  • How old were you at the time of your heart attack or stroke?
  • What other risk factors, apart from taking Vioxx, did you have?

Remember that it has been a matter of only several months since the news about Vioxx, Celebrex and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has come to light. We are continually learning more about the situation.

This newsletter does not provide individuals with legal advice because each case is different. In general, it appears that under New York law a person has three years from the date of the attack or stroke in which to file a lawsuit. After that, the claim may be barred. If you had a heart attack or stroke more than two years ago and you had a history of taking Vioxx or another pain reliever similar to Vioxx, your three-year period in which to bring a lawsuit may be running out, and you should not delay seeking legal advice. Even if more than three years have already gone by, however, you may still have a remedy.

If you or a family member has been injured as a result of taking Vioxx, please call us for a free consultation.