Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

Drug companies’ advertisements touting the benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) sold Delores Ann Spann Whatley of Tyler, Texas on the idea that her mood swings and hot flashes could be wiped away with just a daily pill. The estrogen-and-progestin cocktail was touted as a miracle drug, able to squash menopause symptoms while warding against osteoporosis, heart disease and cancer. But the pharmaceutical companies soon realized that the HRT that was making them rich was actually making consumers sick. But instead of notifying the public and pulling their product, the drug companies attempted to cover up the mounting statistics and continued to advertise to women about the benefits of HRT.

The Women’s Health Initiative bought the story to light in 2002, when a trial on the effects of HRT on menopausal and post-menopausal women revealed that women who took the combined hormone therapy were at greater risk of breast cancer. Studies also showed that the HRT elevates a woman’s risk of other conditions such as ovarian cancer, heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thromboembolism, pulmonary embolisms, gallbladder cancer and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Unfortunately, Delores died from what her family says were complications of HRT. Last month, her family filed a lawsuit in the Tyler Division of the Eastern District of Texas against HRT manufacturers Wyeth, Pifzer, Pharmacia and Upjohn Co., and Watson Pharmaceuticals claiming the drug companies covered up the risks of HRT. The Whatley family also is alleging assault and battery, as well as negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress, against the drug manufacturers. They are seeking damages for loss of love, affection, service and support, and medical and funeral expenses, and are requesting a jury trial.

Source: Southeast Texas Record

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