The state of Vermont is getting $1.7 million as part of a settlement with Vioxx maker Merck & Company over advertising for the now-withdrawn arthritis drug.
The settlement addresses allegations that Merck’s advertising deceptively downplayed the health risks of Vioxx. New Jersey-based Merck is not admitting any wrongdoing under the settlement.
Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell says Vermont carried a big stick in the case and so is entitled to a relatively large portion of the settlement.
The settlement also calls for Merck to submit all new TV commercials for its drugs to the FDA for review.
Vioxx was taken off the market in 2004 after research showed it doubled the risk of heart attacks and strokes.