Merck to Settle Canada Vioxx Suits For Up to $37-Million

Drugmaker Merck & Co. has reached a deal to  settle all lawsuits in Canada over its recalled painkiller Vioxx, for up to 36.9 million Canadian dollars ($36.5 million).

Merck and attorneys representing hundreds of Vioxx users in Canada say the final payment will be at least $21.6 million and could go as high as $36.5 million.

Merck pulled Vioxx off the market in September 2004 after its own research showed the drug doubled risk of heart attack and stroke. The company has spent several billion dollars on lawyers and a huge settlement with most Vioxx claimants in the U.S.

The Canadian settlement must be approved by a court. Individual plaintiffs will get payments based on the injuries claimed, how long they took Vioxx and other factors.

Merck denies any liability.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)