Neurontin has only received FDA approval for use as a supplemental treatment for a specific type of seizure caused by epilepsy. It is only to be used after the maximum tolerance of older drugs has been reached. Despite this, for years Pfizer actively marketed the use of Neurontin for off-label uses, such as treating bi-polar disorder, drug and alcohol withdrawal, attention deficit disorder, and various pain disorders. Pfizer developed a brochure, alleging that Neurontin was safe and effective for the various off-label uses, a fact which has never held up in drug trials.
Pfizer had various articles authored in house, alleging that Neurontin had proven effective in treating these off-label uses; however, the articles were based on faulty drug trials and, in fact, there was never any evidence that Neurontin was safe or effective for any off-label uses. Pfizer then paid various physicians to appear as having written the articles and had the articles published in medical journals.
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On May 13, 2004, Pfizer pled guilty to criminal charges of falsely marketing Neurontin and agreed to pay a $430 million fine. This plea and settlement was approved by all 50 state attorneys general. The money was used to reimburse state and federal health plans, to fund an advertisement campaign designed to educate the public, and to reimburse other state and federal agencies.
If you have suffered side effects from taking Neurontin for an off-label use, Pfizer’s guilty plea will make it much easier for you to recover damages.