Doctor John Dickman hounded by Vioxx drug representatives
The Melbourne doctor who prescribed Vioxx to a man suing the manufacturer on the grounds the anti-arthritis drug allegedly triggered a heart attack, was visited 124 times in three years by drug company representatives spruiking the product.
Documents tendered to the Federal Court reveal US pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co bombarded general practitioner John Dickman with salesmen and samples of the drug, but failed to mention any links to increased risks of heart attacks and stroke.
Dr Dickman - a GP since 1972 - prescribed Vioxx to former navy officer Graeme Peterson for his arthritis and back pain until the drug was voluntarily recalled from sale in 2004 due to safety concerns.
Mr Peterson is the lead plaintiff in a class action against Merck and its Australian subsidiary Merck, Sharp and Dohme for compensation, claiming that Vioxx caused his heart attack in December 2003.
Vioxx was launched in 1999 and at its height was used by 80 million people worldwide, because it did not cause stomach problems as did traditional anti-inflammatory drugs.
It was voluntarily withdrawn from sale in October 2004 after concerns were raised that it caused heart attacks and strokes.
Merck last year settled thousands of lawsuits in the US over the effects of Vioxx for $US4.85billion but made no admission of guilt. The company is fighting the class action in Australia.