Does Vioxx cause death?
Ava White
Published Jun 17, 2026
Does Vioxx cause death?
“The FDA studies had proven that use of Vioxx led to deaths from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, and these were exactly the factors driving the changes in national mortality rates.”… This drop corresponds to roughly 100,000 fewer deaths per year.
When was Vioxx approved by the FDA?
A timeline of Vioxx’s rise and fall: November 1998: Merck asks the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval of Vioxx, having tested the drug on 5,400 subjects in eight studies. January 1999: Merck launches the Vioxx Gastrointestinal Outcomes Research study (VIGOR).
How many lawsuits have been filed against Vioxx?
Some 13,000 lawsuits have been filed against the company on behalf of 23,000 plaintiffs who allege the drug caused heart attacks and strokes. November 2005: NEJM executive editor Dr. Gregory Curfman is deposed in connection with the Vioxx product-liability cases.
What was the timeline of the Vioxx scandal?
Timeline: The Rise and Fall of Vioxx 1 Feb. 7, 2000: Weinblatt fills out a financial disclosure form that says he and his wife own $72,975 of Merck stock. 2 Feb. 15, 2000: Weinblatt agrees to a new consulting contract with Merck. 3 Oct. 13, 2000: Merck tells the FDA about heart attacks 18, 19 and 20. 4 Nov. 5 Aug.
