If
you or someone you know has taken the anticonvulsant drug
Neurontin (gabapentin), you should be aware of the history of
corporate fraud surrounding this medication.
Neurontin was originally developed by Warner-Lambert’s
Parke-Davis unit (later purchased by Pfizer, Inc.) and approved
by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of two medical
conditions: add-on treatment for partial seizures associated
with epilepsy; and postherpetic neuralgia caused by shingles.
Despite the limited approved uses for Neurontin, Warner-Lambert
executives informed medical professionals that the drug could be
used to treat 11 other ailments – even though there was
insufficient scientific evidence to support those uses. The drug
company claimed the medicine could be prescribed for bipolar
disorder, various pain syndromes, ADD, migraines and other
health issues.
When a drug is approved by the FDA for one specific condition,
it’s not unusual for physicians to later determine that it may
be useful in treating other diseases or disorders. Doctors may
recommend the drug for those non-approved illnesses in what is
known as “off label use,” but drug companies are prohibited from
doing that. Prosecutors charged Warner-Lambert with promoting
Neurontin for unapproved uses in violation of federal laws. In
2004, the company pled guilty to healthcare fraud and paid
millions of dollars in penalties.
The company’s misrepresentations about the drug’s uses
unnecessarily exposed many patients to the side effects of
Neurontin. While most of the side effects were relatively mild,
a small percentage of people experienced one very dangerous
reaction – suicidal tendencies.
If you or a loved one has been harmed after taking Neurontin,
you need a prescription drug negligence lawyer with experience in complex cases. At
Marks & Harrison, our personal injury attorneys work with physicians, nurses, vocational
rehabilitation specialists and forensic economists to prove
damages, future medical costs and lost earnings. We believe that
drug companies have a responsibility to consumers – and
misleading the public about a drug’s use fails to meet that
obligation.
For more information on personal injury cases in Virginia,
please review:
Personal Injury
Personal Injury Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
Personal Injury Legal
Glossary
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