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

The Importation Alternative To Cabotage Compliance

An option for removing cabotage restraints on international operations is importation of a U.S. registered aircraft into foreign country (e.g. Canada, a European Union country etc.) in which corporate aircraft owner wishes to operate. Importation then makes aircraft an aircraft of country into which it is imported (e.g. an aircraft of Canada or a European Union aircraft). The aircraft can usually be imported on a temporary or permanent basis and does not usually require that aircraft be re-registered.

For importation into most countries, corporate aircraft owner will be required to pay “Value-Added Tax” (VAT) on value of aircraft. Two exceptions are European Union countries of United Kingdom and Denmark. Both countries have a zero valuation of aircraft weighing over 24,000 pounds and are frequently used to import corporate aircraft into European Union. Once aircraft is imported into foreign country, for purposes of regulation it becomes an aircraft of that country and is no longer subject to cabotage restrictions.

Locating Cabotage Regulations

If importation is not an option, a corporate aircraft operator will need to research cabotage restrictions and regulations for particular country of intended travel. The first place to consult is Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) published by country to which operator wishes to travel. How do you get AIP for a particular country? Well, best place to start is International Flight Information Manual (IFIM). The IFIM is published by FAA and has information regarding civil aviation authority for each country and respective contact information and addresses to which you can direct your request for country’s AIP.

However, you should be aware that many countries’ AIP’s may not contain all of applicable rules and regulations relating to cabotage and its enforcement. Often times a country’s customs and/or revenue officials responsible for enforcement are not always on proverbial same page and may interpret regulations inconsistently.

Fortunately for corporate aircraft operators, IFIM contains a section for each country titled “Corporate Aircraft Constraints” that includes information prepared by U.S. Department of State. This section specifically addresses cabotage and similar regulations as they may apply to operation of corporate aircraft within foreign country.

Conclusion

At end of day, pilot in command is responsible for operation of flight in compliance with all applicable regulations. However, in context of a corporate operation, corporation is also responsible for operation of its aircraft. Violations of cabotage regulations can subject both pilot and corporation to some nasty consequences.

To avoid these consequences, as a corporate aircraft operator you should find out about applicable regulations before you fly. Consult AIP for country in which you wish to travel. Review corporate restraints for that country in IFIM. If you are a member of National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), review feedback for country in NBAA’s International Operators Bulletin or on NBAA’s website. Also, check with your point of entry handler/FBO/flight planning organization. Finally, for final, “official” confirmation, contact applicable governing authority within country to obtain current regulations and interpretations.

Proper planning and current information are essential for international operations by corporate aircraft. Don’t leave home without them.