VIOXX CLAIM - AUSTRALIAN CLASS ACTION

What is a vioxx claim?

This type of legal action is a lawsuit commenced by individuals who have been injured as a result of taking this prescription drug. If you have been injured, you may be able to make a claim for thousands of dollars in compensation.

This drug is a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medication that was originally approved by the FDA in 1999 to treat the severe pain associated with arthritis and severe menstrual cramps.

A couple of clinical trials conducted by Merck (the manufacturer) have revealed that use of the drug increased a patient's risk of suffering a serious thromobembolic (heart attack or stroke) event. There are numerous other serious life-threatening side-effects associated with taking this medication all of which can give rise to a Vioxx claim.

The “APPROVe” study, for example, showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) compared to placebo usage, particularly those who had been taking the drug for longer than 18 months. Patients taking the drug chronically face twice the risk of a heart attack compared to patients receiving a placebo.

In September 2004 Merck voluntarily withdrew this medication from the market in light of serious health risks and The Australian Therapeutic Goods Association issued recall notices on 1st October 2004.

It is alleged that Merck was aware of the potential risks associated with their high-selling pain prescription medication which also known as rofecoxib for a couple of years before they took action to protect patients from the serious side effects associated with their product.

People who have been injured can commence legal action by filing a Vioxx claim to recover compensation associated with their injuries and disabilities including compensation for all related medical expenses, pain and suffering, past and future loss of income. If a family member has died you may be entitled to make an application for damages for loss of dependency.

If you are interested in finding out whether you are eligible to claim damages you should speak to a lawyer who is experienced in the area of product liability law and class actions. If you would like free advice with no obligation just complete the contact form and a specialist lawyer will review your claim and phone you immediately.

Australian Class Action - Multi Pary Action

On 9 November 2007 a class action agreement was reached for VIOXX victims resident in the United States. VIOXX victims from Australia are not entitled to make a claim for compensation under this scheme as a result of which the class action currently running in the Federal Court of Australia will continue to final resolution.

An individual qualifies as a group member of this class action if they were prescribed and took VIOXX in Australia after 30 July 1999 and were diagnosed with heart attack, stroke, angina, ischemic attack or peripheral vascular disease within 30 weeks of completing the course.

Those who qualify are automatically group members unless they opted out on or before 27 October 2006 and will be bound by any subsequent judgment and will not be able to commence a separate legal proceedings in Australia.