Significant increased risk of heart attack and stroke triggers Zelnorm national class action

"A national class action was launched November 3 against Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., seeking damages on behalf of all Canadians who ingested the prescription medication Zelnorm. The class action was commenced by the Toronto firms Rochon Genova LLP and Himelfarb Proszanski LLP. Zelnorm was used for the symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and was marketed in Canada between March, 2002 and March, 2007 when sales were suspended at the request of Health Canada. The basis for this request was stated by the defendant to be the results of a retrospective analysis of pooled clinical data that reflected a significant increased incidence of cardiovascular events in persons taking Zelnorm. The claim alleges the defendant had knowledge of increased cardiovascular risk long before the market withdrawal, yet failed to inform Canadian consumers or physicians" - Earth Times