Health and Healthcare

Merck (MRK): More Trouble With Vioxx

R218533_855025A lot of people believe that Merck (MRK) knew a lot more about the dangers of its arthritis drug Vioxx than the company ever let on. Heart problems were apparently a by-product of using the treatment.

An affirmation of Merck’s possible guilt was the $4.85 billion that it paid to settle a number of Vioxx suits. But, the fun may not be over.

According to Reuters, "A long-term analysis of people who took the arthritis drug Vioxx confirms it doubles the risk of strokes and heart attacks." Merck will probably say it did not know much about that, but presumably it does road test its own drugs.

The suits over Vioxx seemed to be dying down. That is not going to continue.

Douglas A. McIntyre

Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts

Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.

It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.

We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today.  Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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