The person sued ought to have been the son in law doctor.
Presribing meds for family members is quite common I am sure, but very dangerous without an exam.
OK, I understand - I misread you post and came to the conclusion that it was your friend. Regardless, I hate to see someone go prematurely.
I agree - an exam should be performed, at least to screen for the typical problems and complications that might occur with the drug. I will say that when I was prescribed Vioxx, I didn't have a complete physical but I did get the vitals and the indications of the drug matched my symptoms. I think that certain problems with the drug weren't publicized so doctors didn't see the need to consider certain complications.
Or at least that is the impression that I get now concerning Vioxx. Admittedly, this is now hindsight based on what I've seen and read.
Big stomach on the man. Typical candidate for heart attack.
No screening done at all. No cholesterol, no tests, just called in the RX.
What a shame. There is the last picture taken of the man in his tux at his daughter's wedding.