Vioxx - US Court to rule on whether UK citizens can take legal action in US
08/02/2006
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
A Court hearing to decide whether non US residents will be able to take legal action in the US over the drug Vioxx will be held next month.
Merck are challenging the right of UK citizens to take legal action in the US over Vioxx.
On the 31st March a Judge will decide whether UK citizens have the right to take legal action in the US.
This will give the go-ahead to a number of UK law firms, all planning to instruct lawyers in the US to sue the pharmaceutical giant over use of the stroke drug.
Alexander Harris act for over seventy UK citizens harmed as a result of taking the withdrawn drug Vioxx.
We have issued over 20 cases in the US state of New Jersey and have a further 50 waiting in the wings.
Used as a painkiller for conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Vioxx was withdrawn by pharmaceutical giant Merck in September 2004 due to concerns over its safety.
"We took the decision to bring these cases in the States as we believe that this is in the best interests of our clients. We may not be able to pursue the claims to conclusion if we fail on what is known as the forum argument. This decides whether you are allowed to bring a case in a different country to your own. It will be a decision for the Judge as to whether non US residents will be allowed to pursue their claims in the US court," said Ann Alexander.
We have received over 600 enquiries from people who believe they have suffered as a result of taking Vioxx.
Background
Merck pulled Vioxx, a $2.5 billion seller, from the market in September 2004 when a long-term study showed it could double risk of heart attack or stroke if taken for 18 months or longer.
Vioxx inhibits an enzyme known as Cox-2, which thins the blood. That feature allows it and other drugs in its class - Pfizer's Bextra and Celebrex - to relieve acute pain and arthritis without causing stomach bleeds or ulcers, as painkillers such as aspirin can.
An FDA panel concluded in February that Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra all pose heart risks but should be available to consumers. But in April, Pfizer withdrew Bextra from the market at the FDA's request when the agency said it carries risk of serious and sometimes fatal skin reactions in addition to heart attacks and strokes.
The FDA also said that all prescription non steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, not just Cox-2 inhibitors, should carry a so-called ''black box'' warning label about cardiovascular risk.
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