Group sues drugs maker

A GRANDFATHER who says his life was blighted by an anti-arthritis drug yesterday became the face of a class action against a pharmaceutical giant.

Graeme Peterson, 55, says he was healthy but that after taking Vioxx he devloped heart problems.

Mr Peterson suffered his first heart attack in December 2003 after taking Vioxx for almost four years to treat arthritis in his hips and neck.

"I took it for an arthritic condition," he said.

"I would have lived with that arthritic condition given the choice. I wasn't given the choice."

Law firm Slater and Gordon yesterday launched a Supreme Court class action against American maker Merck & Co and its Australian subsidiary Merck Sharpe & Dohme (Australia) Pty Ltd.

The firm represents more than 400 people who took Vioxx and suffered heart attacks and strokes but it is believed 250,000 Australians used the drug.

It was withdrawn from sale last year because of safety fears.

The writ alleges Merck failed to warn doctors, pharmacists and the public that an ingredient of Vioxx significantly increased the risk of arterial thrombosis and cardiovascular conditions.

Mr Peterson, of Mornington, said his heart condition meant he was much less active.

The grandfather of seven was global safety manager for BHP but now works only part-time.

Slater and Gordon special counsel Richard Meeran said Merck had not warned doctors and the public about possible cardiovascular risks associated with Vioxx.