Louisiana Woman Claims Vioxx Caused Heart Problems

NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana woman has sued manufacturers of the drug Vioxx and representatives who sold her the drug claiming she suffered heart problems as a result of taking the drug. Wascom v. Merck & Co., et al., No. 02cv460 (M.D. La.)

The complaint was filed April 24 in the 19th Judicial District for the Parish of East Baton Rouge against Vioxx manufacturer Merck & Co. Merck has since filed a notice of removal in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana citing diversity jurisdiction.

According to the complaint, plaintiff Genevieve Wascom's was prescribed Vioxx for …