Vioxx is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammagory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation, pain, fever, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis stiffness, and menstrual pain. However, Vioxx has been shown to cause blood clots, heart attacks, stroke, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, kidney damage and other dangerous and potentially deadly side effects.

Lawsuits are being filed against Merck, the manufacturer of Vioxx, for product liability. The claim is that Merck knew the dangers of Vioxx and marketed it anyway. In drug product liability lawsuits, the prosecution must prove that Merck didnt provide for the safety of the patient and that they were harmed as a direct result from taking Vioxx and from Mercks negligence. Sometimes drug companies that wish to avoid public scrutiny will settle outside of court, but they will sometimes lengthen the trial to force the plaintiff into agreeing to their settlement.

For patients who have thankfully not yet experienced these dangerous and potentially fatal side effects of Vioxx, you should still be careful in taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately if you notice any of these side effects:
difficulty breathing
swelling of the lips, tongue, gums
abdominal pain
bloody excrement including vomit
nausea
heartburn
unusual weight gain
unusual fatigue
skin rash, blistering, burning, sloughing off
jaundicing (yellowing) of skin or eyes
flu-like symptoms
dizziness
diarrhea
eye stickiness
vision impairment
effects to nail beds
any allergic type reaction