Quarter billion dollars awarded to Vioxx victim

A company that has denied any wrongdoing whatsoever for causing the deaths of as many as 50,000 Americans suffered its first defeat today. A jury in Texas found that Merck was responsible for the death of Robert Ernst - a healthy man, addicted to fitness and good health, who also happend to be a trainer for marathon races. Carol Ernst, the widow, will receive over $250 million, though as expected, Merck will appeal the case.

Vioxx, Celebrex, and Bextra are painkillers that belong to the COX-2 inhibitor category and are supposed to minimize bleeding in the digestive system. However, they were suspected of raising the risks of heart attacks on strokes. Despite knowing this, Merck and Pfizer continued to aggressively market the drugs resulting in deaths and injuries worldwide. As many as 80 million people worldwide have taken these drugs. Both Vioxx and Bextra were recalled but Celebrex continues to be on the market (though with a black box warning) despite repeated requests from consumer rights groups and doctors that the drug be banned.

Since this drama began last year, all painkillers including NSAIDs have come under scrutiny. Now the latest research says that almost all painkillers (including over the counter pills like ibuprofen) have serious side effects and should not be taken without consulting a doctor and definitely not for extended periods of time.

In the coming months, the Vioxx and Bextra lawsuit trials will continue. Next month, Merck faces Michael Humeston in Atltantic City, New Jersey. His attorney is Chris Seeger says that while Humeston survived the side effects of Vioxx and a heart attack, he is not longer the same man. Then after Thanksgiving, the case of Richard Irvin will be heard in the federal trial in New Orleans.

If you have taken Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra or any other painkillers, you may want to speak to a doctor and a lawyer to make sure that you are OK.

Recommended article: How to find a Vioxx attorney?