Widower in Ill. Vioxx Trial Says Merck Failed to Warn of Drug's Risks

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - An Illinois woman who suffered a fatal heart attack her husband blames on Vioxx would never have used the drug if Merck & Co. Inc. had adequately warned her doctor about the painkiller's potential cardiovascular risks, the husband alleges in the first Vioxx case to go to trial in the Midwest. Schwaller v. Merck & Co. Inc., No. 05-L-687 (Ill. 3rd Jud. Cir., Madison Cty.).

Frank Schwaller says his wife, Patricia Schwaller, despite other risk factors, died on Aug. 8, 2003, at age 52 as a result of ingesting Vioxx for approximately 20 months. He contends that …