When medications are approved by the FDA, they are normally approved for specific uses. Prescribing a drug for purposes other than what is has been approved for is called “off label” prescribing. Doctors can do that. It’s perfectly legal if they believe the drug will help the patient. Off label marketing is another story. When drug companies promote the use of their drugs for anything other than what they were approved for, they are in violation of federal laws.
Currently, five states are working together on a civil investigation into the marketing tactics used by Eli Lilly to promote their drug Zyprexa. Zyprexa is approved for use in treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Internal documents indicate that Lilly was pushing the drug for other uses. In addition to off label marketing, it appears that Lilly actively tried to hide the fact that the drug can cause serious weight gain and blood sugar changes, for the last 10 years. The investigation could take months or years to complete.
For more information on Zyprexa and other harmful drugs, feel free to contact someone at The Injury Lawyer Directory by clicking here.
