Aggressive Central Florida product safety attorney, John Rue, expresses concern with drug-maker’s claims of medication use and efficacy. Volusia county lawyer sees need for drug safety education.
Daytona Beach product liability attorney, John Rue, learned today a federal court, in Boston, received documents accusing Pfizer of fraudulent practices. Pfizer, the largest medication manufacturer company in the world, manipulated medical study data regarding the use of Neurontin. The filings claim Pfizer is attempting to increase drug sales.
The drug company is accused of promoting “off-label” uses for Neurontin, not approved by federal regulators, since the medication went generic in 2004. The United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approves the specific uses of medications.
Pfizer was fined $430 million, in 2004, by the U.S. government for similar practices. Reports indicate Neurontin sales totaled $2.3 billion in 2002. Experts are claiming information regarding the effectiveness of Neurontin, provided by the drug company, is invalid. There are estimates 43 million off-label prescriptions for Neurontin were written by doctors.
A patient taking medication may consider the following before taking the drug, according to John Rue, Volusia County product liability attorney with Rue & Ziffra law firm.
Ask the pharmacist to provide you with the current prescribing literature.
Ask the pharmacist what the FDA has approved regarding the medication.
Check the FDA’s website regarding approved uses of the medication prescribed http://www.fda.gov/
Ask your doctor how the FDA intended the medication use.
Knowing the appropriate medication indication and use is important when treating various health symptoms and diseases. A product liability lawyer may be able to assist you or your family if you have been taking a medication for uses not approved by the FDA. Taking additional time to ask questions and read current literature may protect you and your family from injury.
Contributor: John Rue, product liability lawyer – Rue & Ziffra, P.A., 632 Dunlawton Ave, Pt. Orange, Florida 32127, Toll Free: 1-888-246-8613
Product liability reporter: Heather L. Ryan, JusticeNewsFlash.com