The FDA Considered Vioxx Safe and Effective

In 1999 the FDA approved the prescription pain killer Vioxx. In 2004 Vioxx was withdrawn from the market because it dramatically increased the likelihood of a having a heart attack. The Lancet published an article estimating Vioxx caused 88,000 heart attacks and 38,000 deaths. Merck pled guilty to illegal promotional activities and paid a $950 million fine and paid $4.85 billion to settle a class action lawsuit.