MACDONALD V. ORTHO PHARMACEUTICAL CORP.
394 Mass. 131, 475 N.E.2d 65 (1985)
NATURE OF THE CASE: MacDonald (P) appealed a decision, which entered judgment
notwithstanding the verdict in favor of Ortho (D), contraceptive manufacturer, on the ground
that D did not owe a duty to warn P of inherent dangers of using oral contraceptives.
FACTS: MacDonald (P) received a prescription for contraceptive pills. These pills were
manufactured by Ortho Pharmaceutical Corp. (D). The pill dispenser contained a warning
required by the United States Food and Drug Administration, stating that 'oral
contraceptives are powerful and effective drugs which can cause side effects in some users
and should not be used at all by some women, ' and that 'the most serious known side effect
is abnormal blood clotting which can be fatal.' The word 'stroke' did not appear either on
the warning or the booklet referred to by the label. As a result of using these pills, P
suffered a stroke and permanent brain damage. P sued D, claiming that D failed to properly
warn consumers of the dangers associated with the pills. The jury returned a special
verdict, finding no negligence or breach of warranty in the manufacture of the pills. The
jury also found that D adequately advised the gynecologist of the risks inherent in the
pills; the jury found that D was negligent and in breach of warranty because it failed to
give P sufficient warning of such dangers. The jury found that D's pills caused P's
injuries, and that D was liable. However, after the jury verdict, the judge granted D's
motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict. The judge's reasoning was that because
contraceptives are prescription drugs, a manufacturer's duty to warn the consumer is
satisfied if the manufacturer gives adequate warnings to the prescribing physician. He
concluded that the manufacturer has no duty to directly warn the consumer. P appealed.
ISSUE:
RULE OF LAW:
HOLDING AND DECISION:
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
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