If you believe you have been harmed by a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
Large drug companies like Merck, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson spend years researching and experimenting with prescription drugs to create a better quality of life for those struggling with health issues. Unfortunately, there are some situations in which these drugs do more harm than good. When a pharmaceutical is defective and has dangerous side effects that have the potential to harm innocent people, personal injuries and possibly even wrongful death may result. Our experienced attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center have handled numerous defective drug claims and lawsuits including those involving Fen-Phen (fenfluramine, phentermine, dexenfluramine) and Baycol (cerivastatin), and we are standing by, ready to help.
Fen Phen Litigation
Fen Phen was prescribed for many years as an appetite suppressant for the management of obesity. Fen Phen is comprised of two drugs – fenfluramine and phentermine – both of which are now considered dangerous. Although these drugs proved to be harmful and ultimately had the potential to cause heart valve damage, similar to the effects of carcinoid syndrome, they were once legal prescription drugs approved by the FDA. It was not until the FDA answered to reports from numerous clinics that patients taking Fen Phen were being diagnosed with heart valve damage that the agency conducted defective drug testing on the medications. Their findings indicated that about 30% of asymptomatic patients had abnormal valve complications and primary aortic regurgitation.
In addition to heart valve damage, possible Fen Phen side effects may include abnormal hearth valves, leakiness of the heart valves, primary aortic regurgitation, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), high blood pressure and heart failure.
Baycol Litigation
Baycol (cerivastatin) was a cholesterol lowering drug produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. On August 8, 2001, Bayer withdrew Baycol from the market amid concerns about potential side effects, including reports of fatal rhabdomyolysis, an acute adverse muscle reaction that releases damaging muscle contents into the bloodstream. In some cases, rhabdomyolysis may result in devastating organ damage, particularly damage affecting the kidneys, and may ultimately lead to wrongful death.
In addition to rhabdomyolysis, possible Baycol side effects may include weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting and abnormally dark urine.
Vioxx Litigation and Settlement Agreement
Merck, the drug company responsible for manufacturing Vioxx (rofecoxib), agreed on November 9, 2007, to a $4.85 billion settlement to resolve 27,000 personal injury lawsuits filed on behalf of patients who have suffered injuries or died after taking Vioxx. In order to be eligible for compensation under the settlement program, plaintiffs were not required to prove that Vioxx caused their heart attacks or strokes, they were only required to provide evidence that they did suffer a heart attack or stroke, that the heart attack or stroke occurred less than 14 days after they last took Vioxx, and that they had taken Vioxx for at least 30 days prior to the adverse event. Under the settlement program, plaintiffs who took Vioxx for longer, who had fewer other risk factors, and who suffered more severe problems received larger payments than those who meet only the minimum criteria. Under the significant settlement, 99.9% of Vioxx claims were resolved by Merck.
Vioxx was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 for the management of acute pain related to arthritis and menstrual symptoms. After extensive studies conducted by Merck & Co. Inc, it was determined that patients using Vioxx showed an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events. On September 28, 2004, the FDA announced the voluntary recall of the COX-2 inhibitor Vioxx by Merck & Co. Inc.