POWHATAN POINT, OH -- A Powhatan Point man has filed a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of Vioxx.

In a complaint filed with the Belmont County Common Pleas, Thomas Bell alleges the drug may have led to a massive heart attack that killed his wife, Denise, last June. The lawsuit also claims Vioxx may have caused Bell to suffer a stroke that caused permanent physical injury.

The popular arthritis drug was pulled from the shelves when research showed the drug could cause an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Both Thomas Bell and his wife used Vioxx for more than a year to treat pain.

The lawsuit claims they would not have used prescription Vioxx had the manufacturer been forthcoming about dangerous side effects.

The plaintiff is asking for compensation for his injuries, the death of his wife and medical expenses.

The lawsuit has been moved to federal court.