Plaintiff Testifies in New Jersey Vioxx Trial

By Dave Wilson

Published on September 29, 2005

Humeston, who suffered a heart attack in 2001, alleged that Vioxx was the reason for the traumatic event. He used the prescription painkiller intermittently for two months to relieve discomfort from an old shrapnel wound to his knee. Humeston testified that he took two Vioxx pills on the day of the heart attack.

The former marine, who was a postal worker prior to his health problems, also detailed the decline in his lifestyle following the heart attack, which permanently damaged cardiac muscle tissue. Humeston claimed that he could no longer enjoy his favorite pastimes and that his sex-life had suffered.

Merck contends that Vioxx did not cause Humeston's heart attack. Instead the company's lawyers have pointed to the plaintiff's risk factors, which include his age, weight, and sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, Merck claims that Vioxx research studies only showed an increased risk of heart attack for patients who took the drug for 18 or more consecutive months.

The outcome of the trial could indicate the likelihood of success for thousands of pending Vioxx lawsuits, about half of which were filed in the state of New Jersey.

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