On September 12, 2007, a former Wyeth salesman testified he was encouraged to market Prempro in what may have been a fraudulent manner by downplaying studies showing the drug increased the risk of breast cancer. Wyeth Pharmaceutical faces lawsuits for failure to adequately warn the public about the drug’s dangerous side effects.

Prempro is an estrogen-progestin combination drug prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. In 2002, The National Institute of Health released a report based on a long-term study it conducted. The report indicated Wyeth’s Prempro increased the risk of breast cancer, stroke, and coronary disease.

During the testimony, the former salesman claimed he was trained to redirect and emphasize the benefits of the products rather than the problems. For example, in order to respond to doctor concerned about cancer, the former salesman said he was also directed to claim that most Prempro studies did not show an increase of breast cancer.

This testimony comes to light as three Northern Nevada women, all claiming the hormone replacement drugs caused their cancer, are suing Wyeth for failure to test the drugs or warn users of the risks involve in taking such drugs.

Currently, Prempro is sold in smaller doses and physicians have been advised to limit the time of use of the medication.

Sources: Martha Bellisle,“Former Wyeth pharmaceutical rep testifies company downplayed risks,” September 13, 2007, retrieved September 20, 2007; Theresa Agovino, “Wyeth Faces First Trial Over Hormone Replacement Therapy,” July 25, 2006, retrieved September 21, 2007.