Drug Manufacturers Settle With Governments Over Illegal Marketing
June 20, 2011
The federal government, long with several state governments, including Arkansas, has reached settlements with two drug manufacturers regarding allegations that they illegally marketed prescription drugs they produced. According to magnoliareporter.com, Novo Nordisk, Inc. and UCB, Inc. engaged in off-label marketing campaigns that resulted in false claims being filed with the state’s Medicaid program.
Off-label marketing is the practice of using a drug in any way or for any ailment, other than what it was originally approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novo Nordisk has been accused of the practice with its drug NovoSeven Coagulation Factor Vlla. These government’s have said the company knowingly promoted the drug to treat severe bleeding in trauma patients, although it is only approved to treat specific bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia. The drug manufacturer will pay $25 million to resolve the false claims, with $9,577.41 going back to Arkansas’s Medicaid program.
UCB, Inc. will pay federal and state governments $25.7 million to resolve the case against them, which claims they promoted Keppra as a safe and effective treatment for headaches, anxiety, and certain mood disorders.
Off-label marketing of a drug can result in serious injuries to patients, ranging from minor skin irritation to death. If you have been caused harm by taking a prescription drug for treatment the drug was not approved for, you should immediately contact an Arkansas Drug Injury Attorney with Rainwater, Holt & Sexton. They may be able to help.
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