Pubdate: Sat, 21 Jul 2001 Source: Beckley Register-Herald (WV) Copyright: 2001 The Register-Herald Contact: (304) 255-5625 Website: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd86 Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441 Author: Annette Z Fox BEAVER MAN FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST OXYCONTIN MAKER Complaint says company is responsible for past, future medical treatment, expenses The manufacturer of a highly controversial painkiller is being sued by a Beaver resident. Filed in the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk's office is a complaint against Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. Chris Umberger of Airport Road alleges the company manufactured and distributed the "dangerous and defective" OxyContin, causing him addiction, mental and physical pain and suffering. OxyContin, produced in strengths of 10, 20, 40 and 80 milligrams, was created for patients suffering from cancer and intractable pain such as back problems. However, drug investigators say it is a popular street drug, alongside heroin and cocaine. Umberger contends in the complaint that Purdue Pharma created the prescription with oxycodone, knowing it is one of the most dangerous and abused drugs in the United States and that it has caused widespread deaths. He also maintains the company manufactured the pills in "dangerously high and deadly doses." He further maintains Purdue Pharma "conspired and knowingly promoted and sold OxyContin by enticing doctors to prescribe the drug using free airline tickets, motel stays, vacations, seminars and other means without regard as to the safety of the drug, and without warning these physicians as to the true dangers it possessed." While Purdue Pharma has reportedly worked with investigators to address the abuse, Umberger says the company has "taken no steps to correct the defective coating, nor have they warned the public as to the health risks posed by this drug ..." Umberger says in the suit the company is directly responsible for his future and past medical treatment and expenses and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages to be determined at a later date. Representatives of Purdue Pharma could not be reached for comment. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth