Prescription drugs have been marketed in America as a way to cure a variety of ailments. The most common reason for such drugs is for use in the management of pain. As a result, pharmaceutical companies have been aggressively creating and introducing new drugs into the industry. While such drugs can be helpful in reducing and managing pain, the unfortunate side effect is the risk of a patient developing an addiction to the drug.
In California, a lawsuit has been filed alleging that pharmaceutical companies knew about the addictive risks of their drugs but have failed to adequately inform physicians about them. There is concern that vulnerable populations, like the elderly, are led into a life of constant use of prescription drugs. The complaint alleges there is an intentional scheme by the industry to have doctors prescribe addictive painkillers for those who carry a lot of insurance by training the elderly to ask their doctors for such painkillers. The county where the lawsuit was filed complain that they are dealing with a high number of overdoses from these types of drugs, with these drugs being gateway drugs to more illicit drug use. The suit claims the companies created a public nuisance, engaged in unfair business practices and false advertising.
Previous claims reveal that drug companies have been found criminally liable for such tactics. The Purdue Frederick Company, Inc., had to pay $634 million for fraud regarding the branding of its drug Oxycontin. Apparently, Purdue had its sales reps make false claims about the true addictive nature of the drug. The consequence is that many users experiences problems when they attempted to discontinue the use of the drug.
As a result, the Obama administration is looking into the drug Darvocet, another painkiller that has been responsible for a growing addiction problem in the United States. Apparently, hospitals are inundated with overdose issues. There is also a huge fraud involving the reselling of this drug after it has been received from Medicare and Medicaid patients, creating a growing black market. Previously, the drug was recalled for causing heart issues. Even clinical evaluations needed to be stopped due to safety concerns. Prior users attempted to have the drug taken off the market. Lawsuits are from the families of those whose loved ones suffered deaths from use of the drug. Class action attorneys are watching these lawsuits closely for its potential to be a major change in this area of the law.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. If you were injured in an accident involving medication please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529, askalawyer@aol.com, www.1800askalawyer.com.