News-Press
Last updated Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Fort Myers man sues Merck over withdrawn pain reliever Vioxx
Jacksonville.com
The Associated Press
FORT MYERS, Fla. - A furniture mover has sued drug maker Merck & Co., alleging its Vioxx pain reliever caused his heart problems before the medication was yanked from the market because it may increase risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Robert Lane, 38, of Fort Myers, accused Merck of marketing a product it knew could cause deadly damage, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in Lee County state court. He said Tuesday he has a tightness in his chest, and his heart races at times. He took Vioxx for 13 days after injuring his calf on the job Sept. 16.
Merck spokeswoman Anita Larsen said she couldn't comment on pending litigation. However, "the company believes it has meritorious defenses to the Vioxx lawsuits and will vigorously defend against them."
On Sept. 30, the New Jersey-based company said it was withdrawing Vioxx, a popular treatment for arthritis and acute pain, because a study found it increased risk of heart attack and stroke after 18 months of use.
Lane's suit is a class-action complaint. He seeks an unspecified amount in damages in the failure to warn, product liability and negligence suit.
He said he has undergone medical testing, but still doesn't know what's wrong with his heart because no doctor will tell him.
Numerous other Vioxx lawsuits have been filed throughout the country.