“Dodgeball” at Merck

Over at Point of Law, Ted looks into a supposed smoking gun in the case against Vioxx, and finds it nothing of the sort (Nov. 10).

Over at Point of Law, Ted looks into a supposed smoking gun in the case against Vioxx, and finds it nothing of the sort (Nov. 10).

2 Comments

  • When PointofLaw read the Dodgeball pamphlet, did he know the pharmacological effects of Cox-2’s on platelet aggregation? Starting in the mid 90’s, multiple studies show that Cox-2’s cause platelet aggregation. Keeping this in mind, I present the following Dodgeball excerpt:
    “Question: If the physician is concerned about a potential increase in the risk for MI, how would you respond?
    Answer: Doctor, once daily VIOXX has no effect on platelet aggregation.”

  • You state this like it’s a proven lie, when it’s nothing of the sort. E.g., T.R. Hegi, et al., “Effect of rofecoxib on platelet aggregation and blood loss in gynaecological and breast surgery compared with diclofenac”, Br J Anaesth 2004; 92: 523–31. I suspect the studies you’re referring to are those that commend COX-2 inhibitors as an alternative to NSAIDs, because, unlike NSAIDs, the COX-2s don’t inhibit platelet aggregation, which would be an undesirable side effect in post-operative settings.

    In any event, Mark Lanier aren’t using the “Dodgeball” document because it took a reasonable position in training lay Merck representatives the appropriate soundbites for responding to questions, but because it’s titled “Dodgeball.”