Neurontin Litigation at The Lanier Law Firm
Neurontin (Gabapentin) was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in 1993, to treat epileptic seizures. Since its launch, Neurontin has been prescribed to about 10 million patients. However, it is estimated that approximately 80% of all Neurontin prescriptions were filled for "off label," or unapproved, medical conditions, including the following:
- Bipolar Disorder
- Pain Syndromes, Peripheral Neuropathy, and Diabetic Neuropathy
- Treatment of Epilepsy alone (as monotherapy)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Post-Hepatic Neuralgia (PHN)
- Essential Tremor Periodic Limb Movement
- Migraine
- Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
The manufacturer of Neurontin, Warner-Lambert (acquired by Pfizer Inc. in 2000), was believed to have marketed the drug for the above mentioned unapproved uses. As a result, Warner-Lambert was prosecuted by the U.S. Justice Department for illegally promoting Neurontin. In 2004, Pfizer Inc. pleaded guilty to Warner-Lambert's illegal and fraudulent marketing scheme, including defrauding Medicaid, and agreed to pay a total of $430 million in fines and damages.
In addition to the fine, Pfizer agreed to tighter restrictions to ensure compliance with drug marketing laws as well as contributing money to individual states to educate doctors about Neurontin.
Not only does federal law prohibit pharmaceutical companies from "off-label" marketing practices; they can also be dangerous to patients and the public.
Neurontin use has been linked to suicidal thoughts, suicidal ideation, anxiety, hostility, paranoia and psychosis.
If you or a loved one has taken Neurontin and suffered any side effects, please contact our office for a free evaluation.
Neurontin Information Links:
"Drugmakers Admitted Fault, But Sales Flourish", USA TODAY
"FDA checks into possibility of epilepsy drug-suicide link", USA TODAY
