Pharmaceutical Litigation

As our society becomes increasingly dependent on drugs and treatment provided by the pharmaceutical industry, discovery of negative side effects from taking prescription drugs is becoming more common. When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures us that a drug is safe, we usually accept that assurance and take the drugs our doctors prescribe. However, when the result of taking certain drugs is harmful, rather than helpful, and debilitating and even deadly side effects occur, our drug litigation attorneys are prepared to hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Our experience includes representing plaintiffs injured by the pain reliever Bextra, developed and manufactured by Pfizer, and the weight-loss drug Fen-Phen.

We are currently evaluating potential litigation for clients injured by the prescription arthritis drug Vioxx, developed, manufactured and recalled by Merck.

What Is Vioxx?

The prescription drug Vioxx, manufactured by Merck & Co., is a prescription COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that was approved by the FDA in May 1999 for the relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, for the management of acute pain in adults, and for the treatment of menstrual symptoms. Vioxx was later approved for the relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. Vioxx became a widely prescribed medication for relief of pain caused by arthritis.

What Did The Study Show?

The study was being conducted in patients at risk for developing recurrent colon polyps. The study showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) in patients on Vioxx compared to placebo, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months. Based on this new safety information, Merck and FDA officials met on September 28, 2004, and during that meeting the FDA was informed that Merck was voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from the marketplace. If you or your loved one suffered a heart attack or stroke while taking prescription Vioxx, contact us. An experienced drug litigation attorney will be happy to meet with you to discuss your options.

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Our offices are conveniently located for clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, Florida. We also serve clients nationwide and regularly travel to our clients’ homes and offices.