Arthritis Drug Caused Man to Suffer Fatal Heart Attack, Suit Alleges

ANNISTON, Ala. - Vioxx, one of the nation's best selling arthritis drugs, caused an Alabama man to suffer a fatal heart attack, states a product liability suit filed by the executrix of the man's estate. Carolyn O. Hensley, as Executrix of the Estate of Henry Lee Hensley, deceased, v. Merck & Co., Inc., No. CV-03-BE-0906-E (Ala. Cir. Ct., Calhoun Cty.).

Carolyn Hensley's complaint, which was filed April 3 in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, alleges that Merck, the manufacturer of the drug, has knowingly concealed information regarding the drug's association with adverse cardiovascular events since it was approved by …