Merck & Co. reached an agreement on Tuesday with 29 states and the District of Columbia over Vioxx ads. Merck will pay $59 million to settle claims brought by states attorneys general.
States had sued the pharmaceutical company over advertising which they said was deceptive in paying down the health risks of the pain killer.
Vioxx was removed from the market in 2004. Research showed it doubled the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
As part of the settlement, Merck will also now submit all new TV commercials for its drugs to the Food and Drug Administration for review prior to being aired.
Source: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5heKhvJn7oO3weoELZzw1BSOK3XWQD90PJRNO0
