What is the verification status of this claim?

This claim is currently marked as "CONFIRMED". The verification is based on 2 primary sources and 2 total sources reviewed by the They Knew community.

Who originally made this claim?

This claim was made by Dr. David Graham (FDA), FDA Drug Safety Researcher, on or around 2001-01-01.

How many sources support this claim?

There are 2 total sources associated with this claim, of which 2 are primary sources (court documents, FOIA releases, official records).

Merck knew Vioxx caused heart attacks but hid the data for years, contributing to an estimated 60,000 deaths — documented evidence

🟢 CONFIRMED

Merck's blockbuster painkiller Vioxx (rofecoxib) was linked to heart attacks and strokes. FDA whistleblower Dr. David Graham estimated Vioxx caused 88,000-140,000 excess heart attacks in the US, with an estimated 60,000 deaths. Internal emails showed Merck scientists identified the cardiovascular risk years before the 2004 withdrawal but the company minimized and concealed the data. Merck paid $4.85 billion to settle 27,000 lawsuits.

Merck knew Vioxx caused heart attacks but hid the data for years, contributing to an estimated 60,000 deaths

HEALTH·January 1, 2001·By Dr. David Graham (FDA)·3.7K upvotes·91 comments

What They Said Was Crazy

“Vioxx is causing heart attacks and Merck knows it. The data showing cardiovascular risk is being hidden from doctors and patients.”

— Dr. David Graham (FDA)January 1, 2001Source

📄 The Receipts

★

PRIMARYVioxx: An Unequal Partnership Between Safety and Efficacy (The Lancet)

www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140...

ARTICLEOpen

★

PRIMARYMerck to Pay $4.85 Billion in Vioxx Settlement (New York Times)

www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/business/09merck.html

ARTICLEOpen

⚖️ The Record, Side by Side

What they said vs. what the evidence shows

What They Said

“We stand behind the cardiovascular safety of Vioxx. The data does not show an increased risk of heart attacks compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs.”

— Merck CEO Raymond Gilmartin · Jan 2003

What Actually Happened

PrimaryARTICLE

Vioxx: An Unequal Partnership Between Safety and Efficacy (The Lancet)

View

PrimaryARTICLE

Merck to Pay $4.85 Billion in Vioxx Settlement (New York Times)

View

🙈 They Laughed At Us

“We stand behind the cardiovascular safety of Vioxx. The data does not show an increased risk of heart attacks compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs.”

— Merck CEO Raymond Gilmartin, 2003