Cephalon, Inc., a major drug manufacturing company in the United States, settled a lawsuit in which they were charged with “off-label” marketing of their pharmaceuticals. “Off-label” marketing refers to the practice of marketing a drug for a use other than what it received FDA approval for.
Cephalon will pay $425 million to the federal government for their transgressions. They will also be responsible for paying $12 million in interest, $6.15 million to the state of Connecticut and $700,000 to the state of Massachusetts to cover the cost of investigations into these allegations.
The pharmaceutical company marketed three drugs for uses that they were not approved for. They marketed Actiq, a very addictive narcotic substance only approved for cancer patients, for migraines. They also marketed Gabitril, a drug used to treat epilepsy, for anxiety, insomnia, and pain. The third drug, Provigil, is a narcolepsy drug. Cephalon marketed this drug for fatigue.
While doctors can legally prescribe drugs for uses other than what the FDA has approved, it is illegal for pharmaceutical companies to market their products in such a way.
If you think that you have a product liability case and you live in the Houston, Texas area, please contact the law offices of Kennedy Hodges, L.L.P. today for an initial consultation. Their experienced staff can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
