Kiwis invited to join Vioxx compo claim

New Zealanders who took the painkiller drug Vioxx, recalled worldwide after it was found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, could join an Australian claim for compensation from its manufacturer.

Michael Quinn, a partner at Brisbane law firm Quinn Scattini, will be in Auckland this week to talk to those who used the drug.

Simon Harrison, head of the firm's personal injury division, said anyone who had taken Vioxx and subsequently suffered a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure was potentially able to make a claim. People who had experienced elevated blood pressure or angina may also be eligible.

"Everybody has to prove first of all that they have been on Vioxx and then they have to prove on the balance of probabilities that the injuries they have was caused by the Vioxx."

In October, drug giant Merck & Co withdrew Vioxx from the market after it was found to double the risk of heart attacks and strokes. (The absolute risk of having a non-fatal heart attack increased from 0.75 per cent to 1.5 per cent.)

Vioxx was marketed in more than 80 countries and believed to be used by about two million people. About 15,000 New Zealanders used the drug, one of a class known as Cox-2 inhibitors, for pain and inflammation.

The Ministry of Health is now reviewing safety data on all Cox-2 drugs but no decision is expected until the second quarter of next year.

Mr Harrison said people wanting to join the claim would be asked to complete a questionnaire and if it was believed they had a case their medical records would be reviewed by a specialist.

About 300,000 Australians had used Vioxx and about 200 had subsequently contacted Quinn Scattini. Some were the relatives of people who had since died.

One was a 30-year-old man, who had suffered a chronic back condition since childhood. A non-smoker, non-drinker and regular gym goer, he was prescribed Vioxx about 18 months ago and within a year suffered a stroke. His right side was now partially damaged, he was legally blind and unable to resume his job as a computer programmer.

Mr Harrison said the claim for his personal injury and future economic loss would be in the millions.

* Anyone wanting to contact Michael Quinn can call 0061 4098-81838 (mobile) or 0061 7 3221-1838.