Merck Makes a Killing with Vioxx, but Has to Pay Back for Killing with Vioxx
The FDA Approves Deadly Drugs, But Why?
Deadly Revolving Door - Government and Pharmaceuticals
The FDA is most to blame for allowing American doctors to prescribe $7 billion worth of Vioxx.
Merck & Co. said Friday it will pay a $4.85 billion settlement to end thousands of lawsuits over its painkiller Vioxx in what some are saying is the largest drug settlement ever.
Merck faced personal injury lawsuits representing 47,000 plaintiffs, and about 265 potential class action cases, filed by people or family members who claimed the drug proved fatal or injured its users. The agreement, says Linda Johnson of the AP, covers cases filed in both federal and state courts.
Merck pulled Vioxx from the market Sept. 30, 2004 after they milked the drug for all the money they could get first while consenting to 140,000 heart attacks and 60,000 deaths. Merck's researchers determined the then-blockbuster painkiller doubled risk of heart attacks and strokes long before that, but business as usual continued unhindered as long as possible to maximize profits.
Some of the key points needing to be further discussed and questions the American people need to demand are answered:
1. What did plaintiffs have to do to qualify for a settlement?
2. How difficult can it be to prove you suffered a heart attack or stroke?
3. What presumption were plaintiffs required to support?
4. Why is Merck coughing up the cash but still not admitting to fault?
5. How can Merck simultaneously lose billions in a lawsuit and see stock prices jump higher?
6. Is the Merck / Vioxx settlement a casebook study of how to deal with a problematic product?
7. Why is the FDA approving deadly drugs?
8. What is the inside info on the revolving door between the FDA, Pharma, and Governmental Officials?
9. What really motivates the FDA?
10. Who pays the FDA and who are they indebted to anyhow monetarily?
Contact Paul F. Davis, author of United States of Arrogance to discuss this topic further.
Media are welcomed to interview Mr. Davis, who is also taking a select few invitations to speak in various cities on this crucial topic effecting America.
Paul's book United States of Arrogance is a 461 page book that donates an entire chapter to discuss FDA negligence, health carelessness, and Pharma malfeasance. It is a must read for anyone wanting to keep the powerful accountable, the people healthy, and ensure just democracy.
Paul can be contacted at - RevivingNations@
www.PaulFDavis.com
