Washington Court Finds Drug Warning Label To Be Unambiguous

SEATTLE-A Washington state trial court dismissed a claim against Bristol-Myers Squibb in a wrongful death case, saying that a Glucophage® insert 'unequivocally' warned doctors of the drug's risks. LaMontagne, et al. v. Bristol-Myers Squibb, et al. No. 53489-1-I (Wash. Super., King Cty.).

Plaintiff Donald LaMontagne, representing the estate of Sandra LaMontagne, sued Bristol-Myers, alleging that the drug manufacturer did not adequately inform Sandra's doctors of the drug's risk or lactic acidosis, particularly for patients with kidney problems, which led to Sandra's death.

Sandra LaMontagne had been diagnosed with Type II diabetes, kidney dysfunction, liver impairment, obesity and congestive heart failure.