Salem-News.com Articles written by Marianne Skolek

Johnson & Johnson in Competition with Purdue Pharma for Worst Corporation of 2010

Johnson & Johnson, responsible for the rebuilding of the City of New Brunswick -- not to mention a renowned medical center in New Brunswick being renamed the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital -- has had its fine name tarnished.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - In the last couple of weeks, J & J was charged by the US Justice Department with paying millions of dollars in kickbacks to Omnicare, the nation’s largest pharmacy specializing in dispensing drugs to nursing home patients.

Why? So its Risperdal antipsychotic medication would be widely prescribed.

Oxycontin and Self Destructing Emails: Welcome to Purdue Pharma`s World

Right out of 'Mission Impossible' -- This email will self-destruct in Five Seconds in Purdue Pharma World.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Right out of "Mission Impossible" -- This email will self-destruct in five seconds in Purdue Pharma World
There is a recent article in an Internet business journal called BNET.

For those who don't know, BNET provides working professionals with the tools, advice, and insight they need to succeed in today's workplace and who believe in the meaning of work, and who know that a fulfilling career is an excellent way to make personal ambitions come true.

Defending Pill Mill Doctors -- Give me a Break

"It is fun to kick the government around" - Purdue Pharma

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - I have written previous articles about the Pain Societies funded by Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin, who spew the words "undertreatment of pain" in the United States.

Purdue Pharma and these "Pain Societies" get chills when they hear the words "pill mill doctors" -- the doctors who use Kinko to print off copious copies of prescription pads to write scripts for OxyContin to patients.

Sackler Brothers Ties to Purdue Pharma and Profits

The last chapter of the OxyContin saga has not been written. Despite their assertions to the contrary, Purdue Pharma has not cleaned up their act.

(ASHEVILLE, N.C. ) - An attorney in Texas by the name of Kay L. Van Wey posted an article "Of Money and Mummies" on her blog recently. Ms. Van Wey has become very "educated" on the marketing tactics of Purdue Pharma in pushing OxyContin in an effort to increase their revenue.

Howard Udell and Purdue Pharma`s Corporate Responsibility

Maybe Udell should pick up one of his Mont Blanc fountain pens and begin a rough draft of a resume since he won't be of much value to Purdue Pharma as general counsel -- with an embarrassing debarment hanging over him.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - The right to do business with the federal government was taken from several Purdue Pharma corporate officers and one of their lawyers, for their failure to prevent the Misbranding and Fraudulent Distribution of OxyContin.

Michael Friedman and Paul Goldenheim, MD are responsible corporate officers, and their general counsel is Howard Udell.

Study Links OxyContin to Increase in Deaths in Canada

Oxycodone deaths rose fivefold in Ontario after OxyContin – the brand name of a popular version of the prescription painkiller – was introduced to the public drug plan, according to a study published recently in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

(ONTARIO, Quebec) - The devastation to families in the United States in addiction and death because of the criminal marketing of OxyContin is not just our problem -- it's cruelly shared by Canada.

A study in Canada indicates that deaths from the misuse of prescription narcotic painkillers almost doubled in 13 years.

Jay McCloskey Under Consideration for U.S. Attorney of Maine Again

The citizens of Maine don't deserve a U.S. Attorney who has both hands plunged into the deep pockets of Purdue Pharma and is their "poster child."

(ASHEVILLE, N.C.) - Last week I received a telephone call from a concerned citizen in the State of Maine. "Are you aware that Jay McCloskey, former US Attorney of Maine may be confirmed once again as our US Attorney?"

I was aware, but had thought it wasn't a "done deal." I think I'm wrong and it may just be a very "scary" done deal.

Doctor Behind Deadly Drugs Survives as `Political Correctness` Threatens Another

One doctor faces losing his license for telling a woman she's too fat, while another gets away with falsely promoting a drug that killed people, what's wrong with this picture?

(ASHEVILLE, N.C.) - I was in Asheville, NC over the Thanksgiving holidays and enjoying my time off. Of course, I read the local Asheville newspaper nicely put under my hotel door every morning.

An Interesting story regarding an eye doctor in Asheville by the name of Dr. Earl Sunderhaus caught my attention. Dr. Sunderhaus is awaiting word from the medical society about any actions it may take against him for making cutting criticisms of a female patient including telling her she was fat and poking her thigh. Sunderhaus could lose his medical license.

A Few Things Parents Should Know About Tamiflu

The purpose of this article is to encourage the American people to read information on drugs they are being prescribed -- especially prescribed to their children -- and to read, read, read ingredients contained on labels -- especially what is being ingested by children.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Several weeks ago, I had a "personal experience" with a young teen being diagnosed with H1N1 aka "swine flu" by his pediatrician. The antiviral Tamiflu was prescribed for treatment of the H1N1 flu.

This writing is to alert parents to educate themselves about Tamiflu in the treatment of the H1N1 flu -- especially as it relates to children and make a competent decision with your pediatrician before filling that prescription -- weighing out what is safe for your child or loved one.

Purdue Pharma Responds to Salem-News.com Article

A Purdue Pharma official wrote to "urge" me to remember the millions with poorly controlled pain as I pursue my advocacy agenda; it is an insult. I choose to remember those suffering with the loss of family members and those dealing with hopeless addiction.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - I received the below email this morning from Russell K. Portenoy, MD in response to my recent article in the Salem-News.com.

I chose to reply to Portenoy's email via Salem-News rather than personally because I feel there is an obligation for the victims of OxyContin who no longer have a voice to be heard.