Generic Cordarone Maker Prevails on Warning Claims in Multi-Plaintiff Case

MINNEAPOLIS - A Minnesota appellate court has upheld an award of summary judgment to a generic drug manufacturer of failing to adequately warn of the risks posed by its heart medication, ruling it discharged its duty by providing medication guides to pharmacies.

In an Oct. 2 opinion, the Minnesota Court of Appeals explained that under Minnesota law, a drug manufacturer’s duty to warn runs to the patient; therefore, it fulfills its duty to warn by complying with federal regulations for medication guides.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. received Food and Drug Administration approval in 1985 for Cordarone (amiodarone) for the treatment …