Management class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management class - Essay Example It is good that the people behind Merck have contributed a lot of their time and effort in searching for an effective drug that could treat onchocerciasis. Without the researchers and innovators behind Merck, a lot of less fortunate African people that lives in nearby rivers and works in the farm would still suffer from the said epidemic disease. Many of them would still go through the process of losing their eyesight and develop some uncontrollable itching, swelling, and thickening of the skin. (Salaam, 2002) If only Merck uses alternative methods such as ‘microdosing’ in new drugs experiments (Rowland, 2006) instead of using animals on their experiment, the result of the company’s success in developing Mectizan ® would have been so much better for all of us. When Vioxx ® was subjected to pre-clinical and clinical data, the drug was found out to have side effects particularly on gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal safety of the users. (Martin, 2006a) Despite knowing the harmful effects of Vioxx ®, the company decided to continue the selling of the drugs. In fact, the company collaborated with the FDA not to include the NSAID-class gastrointestinal warning on its label but instead, to modify it. (Martin, 2006a) As early as 1997, questions about the cardiovascular safety of Vioxx ® have been raised. (Martin, 2006b) Since Merck has modified the warning label on Vioxx ®, a lot of consumers were not provided with a more solid warning with regards to the use of the product. It was only in September 30, 2004 when the company formally declared the voluntary worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx ® from the market. (Kim, n.d.) Approximately four years after a numerous incidence of cardiovascular problems and a lawsuit against Merck were reported to be cause by the use of the drug. (CNN Money, 2004; Berenson, 2005) It is advisable for consumers to study carefully the possible side effects of the drugs they are planning to intake. Promotion of drugs can