Woman Claims Vioxx Manufacturer and Sales Representatives Are Liable For Her Spouse's Stroke

LAKE CHARLES, La. - The wife of a man who suffered a stroke allegedly caused by Vioxx filed a suit against the manufacturer and seven sales representatives claiming that they failed to adequately warn physicians and consumers of the drug's ability to cause the adverse event. Anthony J. Mallet and Priscilla G. Mallet, v. Merck & Co., Inc., CV-02-2304 (W.D. La.).

The complaint, which initially named Merck & Co. as the lone defendant, was amended by the plaintiffs to include seven non-diverse sales representatives on Sept. 27. The manufacturer removed the case on Nov. 1 to the U.S. District Court …