Oklahoma County man sues makers of arthritis drug Vioxx

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma County man is suing the maker of the popular arthritis drug Vioxx.<br/><br/>The lawsuit by Paul House against Merck and Company was filed in federal court in Oklahoma

Thursday, September 30th 2004, 3:35 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma County man is suing the maker of the popular arthritis drug Vioxx.

The lawsuit by Paul House against Merck and Company was filed in federal court in Oklahoma City Thursday, the same day Merck pulled the drug off the market.

The lawsuit accuses Merck of failing to warn of the risk of taking Vioxx.

House attorney William Federman says he believes this is the first lawsuit against Merck.

Merck announced earlier Thursday it's recalling Vioxx because tests indicate it could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Federman says the lawsuit had been planned and he says more are likely to be filed during the next few days.

Federman says House took Vioxx for about two years for joint pain and now has heart problems, suffered a series of strokes and has other health problems.

Merck spokesman Tony Plohoros says the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.