German Vioxx users mull joining Merck & Co U.S. class action suit

---

German users of discredited arthritis painkiller Vioxx are considering joining a US class action suit against manufacturer Merck & Co Inc, a lawyer for the complainants said.

Berlin-based Andreas Schulz made the comment on yesterday's ARD's news programme Tagesschau.

Schulz is representing several Vioxx users as well as relatives of a former user who allege his death was linked to the drug.

The manufacturer withdrew the drug on Oct 1 after research indicated an increased risk of heart attack and strokes for users. A class action suit on behalf of US users was announced two days later.

According to news magazine Der Spiegel, Germany had an estimated 340,000 patients taking Vioxx.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.