Man Alleges Drug Companies Misrepresented Dangers of Oxycontin Addiction

COLUMBIA, S.C.-The drug companies that manufacture and market the prescription pain reliever Oxycontin negligently misrepresented facts concerning the drug's efficacy and addictive qualities, claims a man who allegedly suffered from dependency and addiction to the drug. Buzhardt v. P.F. Laboratories, Inc., et al., No. 02-3684 (D. S.C.).

South Carolina resident Russell Buzhardt claims the misinformation was part of an aggressive marketing campaign that was directed to physicians and consumers and 'fueled the market - and the marketplace - for Oxycontin, leaving many injured, or dead, in its wake,' the Oct. 30 complaint states.

Buzhardt states that he received a prescription …