Idaho received some $286,000 in a settlement with pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck over allegations of illegal marketing of its drug, Vioxx.
The settlement resolves civil allegations that Merck marketed Vioxx for uses not approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, misrepresented the cardiovascular safety issues relating to the drug, and otherwise made false and misleading representations about Vioxx.
Vioxx was approved by the FDA in 1999 for the treatment of osteoarthritis and acute pain conditions. In September 2004, Merck voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market worldwide, citing an increase in the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in patients taking the drug.
Under terms of the settlement, $97,000 in restitution has been returned to the Idaho Medicaid Program and $189,000 in other recoveries and interest has been deposited in the state’s general fund. (Idaho AG)
