A class action lawsuit filed in October against Merck & Company alleges that the approval of its now recalled arthritis drug Vioxx by the FDA in April 1999, may have been based solely on information provided by the drugmaker, the law firm Viles & Beckman said in a press release.

The firm contends that Merck failed to reveal the potential dangers of Vioxx in its marketing.

“The pills were on a fast-track, 6-month approval process in order to remain competitive with other anti-inflammatory drugs just entering the market,” Viles & Beckman said. “Not long after Vioxx was released, Merck started getting warning letters from the FDA.”

The lawsuit asks Merck for free ongoing health monitoring and care for those have taken Vioxx. In addition, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical bills, punitive damages, and pain and suffering.

(via PR Newswire)