Missouri Drugs Side Effects Attorneys
- VIOXX® AND VYTORIN®
- VIOXX®
- VYTORIN®
- HOW THE ROBERTS LAW FIRM HELPED OUR CLIENTS WITH VIOXX® AND VYTORIN® CLAIMS
VIOXX® AND VYTORIN®
Mass tort litigation was initiated against Merck & Co, the manufacturer of Vioxx®, and Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp., the manufacturers of Vytorin®. These cases were resolved in favor of plaintiffs suffering physical and financial damages resulting from their use of these medications. The Roberts Law Firm, P.C. participated in each of these matters, securing settlements for our clients.
VIOXX®
Vioxx® was a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat symptoms of osteoarthritis, acute pain, and painful menstrual cycles. The use of NSAID's is associated in some patients with serious problems from stomach ulcers, including bleeding. NSAID medications are also associated with liver damage in some patients. There were also assertions that Merck was aware of problems experienced by patients taking Vioxx® , including the previously mentioned problems with stomach ulcers and liver damage, but also including heart problems and kidney damage. They allege that Merck deliberately suppressed information about these side effects from patients and physicians.
In September, 2004, Merck announced that it was voluntarily recalling Vioxx® from the market. This decision followed a test intended to show that Vioxx® could help prevent colon polyps, but which indicated that Vioxx® users were more likely to suffer heart attacks or strokes as compared to subjects receiving a placebo.
On Nov. 9, 2007 Merck & Co., Inc. entered into an agreement with representatives of the law firms that comprised the executive committee of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee of the federal multidistrict Vioxx® litigation, as well as representatives of plaintiffs' counsel in state coordinated proceedings, to resolve state and federal myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke claims already filed against the Company in the United States. The Company paid a fixed amount of $4.85 billion into a settlement fund for qualifying claims that entered into the resolution process. This was not a class-action settlement and Claims were evaluated on an individual basis. At the time registration of claims was complete in January, 2008 over 58,000 claims had been registered.
VYTORIN®
Vytorin® is a medicine that combines two drugs, Zetia® and Zocor®, in one tablet that is prescribed to lower cholesterol levels. This drug is commonly prescribed to patients who are unable to control their cholesterol levels through diet and exercise. Several reports published conclusions that for some people taking Vytorin® there was an increased possibility that liver problems might develop including Hepatitis, Cirrhosis and even liver failure. The companies also represented that Vytorin® was more effective that a cheaper generic form of the medication.
The lawsuit involving Vytorin® was based upon allegations that Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. marketed these medications as being more effective than other anti-cholesterol drugs, and were sold at higher prices, when they were no more effective than less expensive anti-cholesterol drugs. It came to light that an internal clinical study completed by the companies in 2006 showed that Vytorin® wasn't more effective than the much cheaper generic form of Zocor® in reducing plaque buildup in arteries. The companies didn't release the study results until 2008, after Congress began investigating the delay. The defendants denied any wrongdoing, but in October, 2009 publicly announced that they were settling the lawsuit to avoid the costs and expenses of further litigation.
The settlement provided $41.5 million to benefit consumers and insurance companies and other entities that paid for or provided reimbursement for either Zetia® or Vytorin® from November 1, 2002 through September 17, 2009 to be allocated between consumers and insurers who suffered financial injury. Claims had to be postmarked no later than April 1, 2010 in order to qualify for a claim.
HOW THE ROBERTS LAW FIRM HELPED OUR CLIENTS WITH VIOXX® AND VYTORIN® CLAIMS
We believe that if you or someone you love has suffered from a side effect or been financially injured by drugs such as Vioxx® and Vytorin® you should be fairly compensated for your damages. Damages in these types of cases can include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Permanent injuries
- Medical bills
- Loss in the Quality of Life
- Potential Risk of Future Medical Complications
- Increased Health Insurance Costs
- Lost Wages
Due to both the alleged acts and failure to act on the part of the large drug companies that manufacture drugs such as Vioxx® and Vytorin®, many people who suffered side effects were unaware that there were risks and unaware of the financial injury they were enduring. The Roberts Law Firm, P. C. was proud of the opportunity to represent clients for medical injuries as well as financial injury in the Vioxx® and Vytorin® limitation. The Roberts Law Firm, P.C. represented clients in the Vioxx® and Vytorin® litigation on a contingent fee basis which means that there were no legal fees owed unless an award of compensation was received. For a free, no obligation case review involving a drug or medical appliance please call 866-585-3690 toll free or fill out our online contact form and we will contact you to answer any of your questions.
