Pharmaceutical companies have never been a fan of whistblowers and product liability attorneys. Although drug companies have the ability to provide injury victims products that will help them heal or relieve their pain, some companies get greedy and resort to illegal tactics for higher profits.
On March 25, 2010, the large pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, was ordered by federal jury to pay an $142 million in damages (in addition to the already assessed $430 million in penalties and fines) for fraudulently marketing an anti-seizure medication (Gabapentin). The company was promoting the medication as a treatment for migraines, pain, and bi-polar disorder, none of which it was effective for treating. In some cases, the drug was actually toxic and the company kept the studies hidden.
Also in the news, the pharmaceutical company named Alpharma Inc. has agreed to pay $42.5 million to settle claims against it accusing the company of paying doctors to promote and prescribe the firm’s morphine drug (Kadian) between 2000 and 2008.
Illegal marketing of medication damages the general public’s confidence in our health care system in Wisconsin and around the nation. Wisconsin whistle blowers and Wisconsin Product Liability Attorneys are working hard to help us clean up our health care system.