Drug Manufacturer Sued by Florida State
Posted: Thursday, September 11th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
The state of Florida is suing the pharmaceutical giant Merck over its controversial arthritis drug Vioxx, which hit the headlines in 2004 after it was found that it significantly increased the risk of serious and even fatal health problems such as strokes and heart attacks. Florida has become the ninth state to join the legal battle against Merck.
Merck is being accused of using deceptive marketing over its arthritis drug, and Florida officials want restitution for all of the money that state health programs spent on vioxx, as well as interest. Between 1999, when the drug was launched, and 2004, tens of millions of dollars have been spent on the drug by state health programs.
According to the lawsuit “Merck’s costly promotional campaign was intended to convince purchasers that the drug was not only safe, but that they should demand it from their healthcare professionals for pain treatment.”
In addition to accusing Merck of using deceptive marketing with regards to vioxx, the lawsuit also goes on to state that: “The company also allegedly tried to intimidate physicians and researchers who questioned the safety of Vioxx.”
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