Merck Minimized Risks in Vioxx Study
A second look at the APPROVe study, which indicated an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes after 18 months of Vioxx use, shows an actual risk increase after only 4 months of use. Researchers reviewing the APPROVe data show an increase in the amount of reported heart attacks after only 4 months of Vioxx use.
Of course this strikes at the very core of Merck's key defense: that the increased risk of cardiovascular events only arises after 18 months of Vioxx use.
The papers lead author, Dr. Bresalier, stood by the articles main results, but said that researchers did not find the 18-month threshold critical. Only Merck thought this to be especially significant. "Of course they (Merck) want to minimize their liability," was Dr. Bresalier comment in reponse to Merck's playing up the 18-month data.