Vioxx Class Action

A Canadian Vioxx Class Action was launched on October 8, 2004, against the drug giant Merck. Class action proceedings were launched against Merck in the United States on September 30, 2004.

Health Canada approved Vioxx in 1999 as a treatment to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, acute pain, and menstrual pain. It had been previously approved by the American Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Vioxx is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children.

Since its introduction, concerns have been raised about the side effects of Vioxx.

In June 2000, the manufacturer of Vioxx submitted a safety study to the FDA entitled "Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research" that found an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, in patients taking Vioxx. As a result, in April 2001 the FDA implemented labelling changes which included information about these increased risks. Dr. David Graham, an FDA investigator, made a report to a public conference in August 2004 about the dangers of Vioxx.

Other studies recently suggested an increased risk of cardiovascular events, and the FDA was in the process of reviewing these studies to determine if further labelling changes were needed.

On September 30, 2004 the manufacturer of Vioxx voluntarily withdrew it from the market after the data safety monitoring board of the FDA, that was performing a study, recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiac events, including heart attack and strokes. The risk was approximately twice that of individuals taking a placebo.

Symtoms of the side effects include an increase in blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, and sudden death. Doctors are being told to take patients off Vioxx. If you have been prescribed Vioxx, you should speak to your doctor about switching to another drug.

WILDER WILDER & LANGTRY has launched the Canadian Class Action. Wilder Wilder & Langtry is a full service legal firm established in 1967. The firm is comprised of ten lawyers and one articling student. The firm is dedicated to excellence, both in terms of the quality of service provided to clients, as well as the timely and efficient delivery thereof. The partners emphasize the absolute necessity of quick and efficient service to clients. The firm attributes its growth in the community in part to its dedication to service and its ability to recognize for clients the urgency of being cost efficient.

If you or a loved one have taken Vioxx please fill out the questionnaire located on this page, or call our Vioxx Hotline at (204) 947-1456.