J&J Settles Risperdal Claims With States

Drug maker Johnson & Johnson (J&J) -- in a bid to resolve allegations by 36 states over false and deceptive claims related to its anti-psychotic drugs Risperdal and Invega -- has agreed to a $181 million settlement.

Bloomberg News reports that J&J and its Janssen unit allegedly promoted and marketed the drugs for off-label purposes from 1998 to 2004. Advertising a drug for purposes other than what it has been approved for by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an illegal practice, though off-label prescription of drugs by health care professionals is permissible by law.

Although Risperdal was approved only for psychotic disorders including schizophrenia in 1993 by the FDA, Janssen sold and promoted the drug for bipolar disorder, dementia, mood and anxiety disorders, and other unapproved uses, according to Bloomberg.

As part of the settlement, the company said it would no longer promote or market the drugs for off-label uses. J&J did not pay a fine or penalty and it admits no wrongdoing.

The Risperdal settlement is being touted as the largest multistate consumer protection-based pharmaceutical settlement to date, according to the New York Attorney General.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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