Merck spun data to hide Vioxx risks

The folks who working in marketing and public relations are generally masters at spinning facts and Merck marketing executives were no exception. So when it was found that Vioxx was killing more people than Aleve, instead of admitting that Vioxx was indeed a dangerous drug, Merck simply declared that Aleve was a better drug for the heart.

One of the architects of this spin was Charlotte McKines, executive director of integrated marketing for Merck. In the ongoing trial in Altantic City, she was deposed by the attorneys for Mike Humeston, the plaintiff. Below is a telling example of how Merck played with words.

Plaintiff's attorney: Is it important for a doctor to know whether a drug could kill people?"

McKines: Among other things.

Plaintiff's attorney: As a patient, do you want to know if it could kill you or not?

McKines: That depends on the risks and benefits of the people involved.

Related article: Merck wants a mistrial in the Humeston case