Fed: Hundreds seek compensation for athritis drug

AAP General News (Australia)
12-15-2005
Fed: Hundreds seek compensation for athritis drug

A class action's been launched on behalf of hundreds of Australians who suffered heart
attacks and strokes .. after taking the anti-arthritis drug Vioxx.

Lawyers Slater and Gordon have filed a writ in the Supreme Court of Victoria .. seeking
damages for at least 400 victims .. including relatives of up to 50 people who died using
the drug.

They're seeking compensation from US drug manufacturer Merck and Company .. and its
Australian subsidiary Merck Sharp and Dohme Australia.

Vioxx was withdrawn from sale under a global recall on September the 30th .. 2004 ..

after being used by an estimated 250 thousand Australians.







It's alleged Merck failed to warn health professionals and users that Vioxx contained
ROFECOXIB .. an ingredient that more than doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Merck Sharp and Dohme Australia says it'll fight the claims on a case-by-case basis.

In August .. a US jury awarded a widow more than 336 million dollars in a landmark
victory .. after her husband died suddenly after using Vioxx.

AAP RTV cb/gfr/ce/tm/rt

KEYWORD: VIOXX (MELBOURNE)

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.