Washington Top Court Rejects Direct Patient Drug Warnings

Washington’s top court said Thursday in a suit involving Eli Lilly & Co.'s erectile dysfunction drug Cialis that learned intermediary principles apply in warning challenges even when a drug is advertised directly to consumers.

The Washington Supreme Court declined to create an exception to the doctrine, under which a drug manufacturer discharges its obligation to warn of potentially dangerous effects by advising physicians—not patients—about medication risks.

David Dearinger alleges he suffered complications that led to a stroke less than two hours after taking Cialis. Lilly knew or should have known about this stroke risk, and a jury could consider warnings ...