Drug caused cancer, woman claims

CHARLESTON - A Charleston woman claims the estrogen replacement drug she was prescribed, Premarin, caused her to contract breast cancer and is suing the drug's manufacturer.

Kathy Frame filed a lawsuit Sept. 15 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Wyeth Holdings Corp. of New Jersey.

Premarin is used as an estrogen replacement to reduce menopausal symptoms. Frame says it was prescribed to her by her physician.

"Defendant negligently, carelessly and wrongfully conceived, manufactured, tested and distributed Premarin for sale and distribution through physicians' distributors, including Plaintiff's physician, which Defendant knew or should have known was a danger to a user," the complaint says.

Frame says the company should have known or warned potential users that breast cancer can be a side effect.

Her husband Michael is also suing for loss of consortium. Kathy seeks compensatory damages for medical bills and pain and suffering.

James Stebbins of Stebbins and Pinkerton in Charleston is representing the Frames.

Judge Louis Bloom has been assigned the case.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 06-C-1917