As part of a national settlement with Abbott Laboratories over allegations of illegal drug marketing, Maryland is expected to receive a $1.8 million settlement. The Baltimore Sun reports that the Illinois-based company will pay $100 million to 44 U.S. states where officials claimed the company marketed the drug Depakote for uses other than those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Depakote is used for the treatment of seizure disorders, migraines, and mania associated with bipolar disorder, but Abbott was accused of marketing the drug for autism, schizophrenia, and agitated dementia.
The Sun reports that the sizable settlement is considered the largest “multi-state consumer protection-based pharmaceutical settlement” ever reached. Abbott Laboratories has agreed to stop promoting Depakote’s unapproved uses and will stop making misleading and false claims about the drug. The company will also have its scientists, not sales staff, develop medical content for healthcare providers and will limit the distribution of studies which relate to the drug’s unapproved uses, in addition to other steps.
The Maryland Attorney General says MD consumers deserve to know the truth about the prescription drugs they’re using, and the office will continue to investigate the potentially illegal and inappropriate claims made by pharmaceutical companies.
Manufacturers of products that consumers rely on and use everyday are legally and ethically obligated to disclose truthful, accurate information regarding a product or drug. If a company fails to do so, an innocent consumer’s health and well-being may be put in danger. The product liability lawyers in Waldorf with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer are dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers and will work to hold any negligent parties responsible for the injuries and harm caused. Schedule your free case evaluation by calling (844) 632-7274 today.