Florida has now joined eight other states in filing a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical giant Merck for its deceptive and aggressive marketing practices concerning the drug Vioxx. The lawsuit, filed by conservative Republican State Attorney General Bill McCollum, is seeking restititution for all monies spent by state health programs regarding Vioxx. McCollum stated in filing the lawsuit, “Merck’s costly promotional campaign was intended to convince purchasers that the drug was not only safe, but that they should demand it from their healthcare professionals for pain treatment,” McCollum also alleged that Merck tried to intimidate and coerce physicians and researchers who questioned the efficacy of Vioxx.