Glossary of Terms:

Biometric Passport - contains a computer chip containing holder's photograph and personal information on current passport, including name and date of birth, and a set of measurable personal features such as an iris image scan or fingerprints as identification markers.

Machine Readable Passport - contains two lines of printed OCR-B machine-readable data. The size of passport, arrangement of data fields and photograph meet standard of International Civil Aviation Organization.

US-VISIT Program - requires that most foreign visitors traveling to U.S. on a visa have their two index fingers scanned, and a digital photograph taken to verify their identity at port of entry. Visas are required for most students, some business travelers and millions of other visitors, regardless of where they live. A departure confirmation program using automated kiosks is being tested at Baltimore-Washington International Airport and at select Miami Seaport cruise line terminals. Travelers leaving from either of these ports are required to confirm their departure at kiosk by checking out, which involves scanning their passport or visa, and repeating scanning of two index fingers. Currently officials are evaluating automated kiosk tests and considering alternatives for departure confirmation throughout 2004.

A family member recently had a stroke. He was taking Vioxx for two years. Should we be contacting a Vioxx law firm regarding Vioxx litigation? ---- Yes, at least have a so you know your rights and understand what is at stake. What are alternatives to Vioxx? Vioxx is a COX-2 selective, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Other COX-2 selective NSAIDs are Celebrex (celecoxib) and Bextra (valdecoxib). If you are considering taking Celebrex or Bextra, contact your doctor about risks involved. Bextra has some serious side effects. Click here for more information about Bextra side effects.

Basically, all of NSAIDs have risks when taken long-term, especially for gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding, but also kidney and liver toxicity. Vioxx is also related to nonselective NSAIDs -- ibuprofen and naproxen. Now that Vioxx has gone under microscope perhaps FDA will require more testing for Celebrex and Bextra.

Are Cox-2 inhibitors more effective than traditional NSAIDs for arthritis pain? ----- Opinions vary. Many doctors feel that Cox-2 inhibitors have never been shown to be more effective than traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. If gastrointestinal safety is an issue, patients are prescribed protective drugs like proton-pump inhibitors to lower their risk even more. Cox-2 inhibitors have bigger and more exorbitantly expensive marketing campaigns. Cox-2 inhibitors also cost much more than traditional NSAIDs.

What is rofecoxib? --- Rofecoxib is generic scientific term for compound that is marketed as Vioxx.

Will Vioxx be recalled? --- No, Merck is voluntarily withdrawing Vioxx from marketplace; a Vioxx recall is not necessary.

Can my pharmacist continue to refill my prescription for Vioxx? ----- No, Merck has initiated a market withdrawal in United States at pharmacy level. This means Vioxx will no longer be available at pharmacies. Talk to your doctor about what medication is right for you.

Can I get a refund on unused Vioxx? ------- Yes. Merck requires patients to mail back unused Vioxx in original container, along with a pharmacy receipt to: NNC Group – Merck Returns 2670 Executive Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46241 Include a note with patient's name, address, and phone number. Merck will reimburse cost of full prescription plus regular shipping.

Will there be a Vioxx class action suit? ------ Yes. There will be class actions. However, we will only be representing individual plaintiffs, and NOT filing any class actions.

I’m taking Vioxx now. What should I do? ------- Consult with your doctor for further instructions. He may tell you to stop taking Vioxx. Merck is recommending people stop taking Vioxx.

How much does a Vioxx lawsuit cost? ------- Most Vioxx law firms will accept clients on a contingency basis. That means you do not pay law firm any money unless you win case.

Monheit Law handles MDL and individual cases. They can be found at http://www.monheit.com