Details of the Merck Settlement

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The New York Sun

A glance at the $4.85 billion settlement Merck & Co. made with Vioxx users:

— People who filed claims by November 8, 2007, and can prove they had a heart attack or stroke are eligible. The amount that each victim gets depends the severity and date of the injury, Vioxx usage and whether they had risk factors such as smoking or obesity.

— Some 46,000 people sued Merck after Vioxx was pulled from the market in 2004 after a company study found the painkiller doubled the risk of heart attack or stroke.

— Until today, Merck maintained it would fight every case and made no settlements. Results at trials had been mixed, with Merck prevailing in 10 of 15 verdicts and appealing the losses.

— Merck does not admit any fault, but the deal allows the Whitehouse Station-based company to put a final price on the case and avoid years of litigation.

— Alternatives to Vioxx include naproxen, an older anti-inflammatory drug that is taken by millions of Americans and is available in cheaper generic versions. It can cause stomach irritation, so doctors say some people may also need to take one of the newer acid reflux drugs.


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