PATIENTS who suffered heart attacks after they took a banned painkiller are being urged to contact lawyers.

More than 60 people in the North-East who may have grounds for compensation have contacted Newcastle solicitors Browell, Smith and Company.

The company is looking for more people who may have suffered adverse side-effects from the drug.

The painkiller Vioxx was withdrawn from the UK market in September last year after a study suggested that taking the drug for more than 18 months could double the risk of heart attacks.

Browell, Smith and Company has linked up with a US law firm that is pursuing legal action against Vioxx maker Merck.

Although British patients are finding it difficult to get financial backing to mount claims in this country, US lawyers believe they could secure compensation in US courts. About ten North-East patients have had their details passed to US lawyers.

Dr Nick Wilkes, a medical negligence lawyer with Browell, Smith and Company, said: "There are a lot of people who are affected in America. Litigation is ongoing.

"We are agents for a law firm in America and we will act as intermediaries."

Details from about 70 North-East patients have been looked at by Browell, Smith and Company, and about half are expected to be forwarded to the US with a view to possible litigation.

Dr Wilkes said: "If you have had a stroke or heart attack while taking Vioxx or within three days of taking the drug, you would meet the criteria."

Cliff Dalton, 77, from Marton, Middlesbrough, was put on Vioxx in May 2001 to combat severe rheumatoid arthritis. Seven months later, he suffered a heart attack which almost proved fatal, leaving him needing a pacemaker.

In December 2003, his consultant contacted him and told him to stop taking Vioxx.

Mr Dalton, a retired building contracts manager, said: "My heart attack frightened me. It was like somebody had hit you in the chest. It was touch and go."

Merck has insisted that the drug was thoroughly tested before it was introduced and said it will fight every case brought against it.

l Browell, Smith and Company can be contacted on 0800 107 3000.