CHICAGO -- Illinois residents who used the arthritis drug Vioxx have filed a class-action lawsuit against the drug's maker.

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Fact Sheet: More On Vioxx

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The complaint against Merck and Co. includes about 300,000 people.

Merck pulled Vioxx from store shelves last week after studies found the drug may increase a person's risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Attorneys who filed the lawsuit allege Merck has known about Vioxx's harmful side effects for years.

The lawsuit seeks reimbursement for the cost of doctor visits and diagnostic procedures related to Vioxx use. It also seeks a refund of the money patients spent to buy the drug.

Meanwhile, another class-action lawsuit was filed Friday by Caroline Nevels of Lexington, Mo. She is suing Merck over the 2002 death of her daughter. Nevels said her 34-year-old daughter took Vioxx for 2½ years before dying of a heart attack in November 2002. She also claims that Merck knew of the risks of Vioxx long before its announcement Thursday.

A Merck spokesman said the company will vigorously defend against any personal-injury lawsuits.

Patients who are currently taking Vioxx should contact their health care providers to discuss discontinuing use of the drug and possible alternative treatments. For more information, visit merck.com, vioxx.com, or the Food and Drug Administration's Vioxx page. Patients and health care professionals with questions can also call (888) 36-VIOXX (1-888-368-4699).

Patients can get a refund on unused Vioxx by mailing back the remaining drug in the original container, along with a pharmacy receipt, to:

NNC Group
Merck Returns
2670 Executive Dr.
Indianapolis, IN 46241

A note with the patient's name, address and phone number should be included. The company will reimburse the cost of the full prescription plus regular shipping.