N.Y. Plaintiffs Accuse Merck of Misleading Consumers About Vioxx Safety

MINEOLA, N.Y. - Plaintiffs in two new filings in state court in New York accuse Merck & Co. of falsely claiming that Vioxx was as safe as other non-steroid, anti-inflammatory pan drugs. Wright v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 13551/04, N.Y. Supr., Nassau Cty.; Fontanetta v. Merck & Co., No. 13552/04).

In a complaint filed on Oct. 1, Lawrence Wright says he began taking Vioxx in 2001 and as a result 'developed serious and permanent injuries, including cardiac dysfunction, cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular injuries, organ impairment and damage, and pain and suffering.'

Wright contends that Merck promoted Vioxx (rofecoxib) …