Contact us for free information or to start a free case review.
Neurontin addiction has been the subject of recent debate in terms of off label drug marketing. Neurontin is a prescription drug that has been studied in the United States since 1983. The FDA approved Neurontin in 1994 to treat seizures in epileptic patients (in conjunction with complimentary therapies) and to treat nerve pain associated with shingles and herpes. Originally, Neurontin was manufactured by Parke-Davis, but was sold to Pfizer in 2000.
Neurontin is one of the best selling drugs in the world, with annual revenues totaling at almost three billion dollars. This drug has not achieved these sales numbers because of prescriptions administered for its approved uses. It is estimated that between seventy to ninety percent of all Neurontin prescriptions are sold for off-label use.
It is illegal for the manufacturer of prescription drugs to promote their product for uses that have not been approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Doctors who prescribe medications for off-label use are not subject to the same federal laws.
In May 2004, Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical giant, plead guilty to allegations of illegally marketing Neurontin for eleven types of off-label use. Pfizer was required to pay $430 million dollars in civil and criminal penalties for the illegal action of marketing their product for off-label use.
Pfizer had been marketing their product for the treatment of a myriad of ailments not approved by the FDA. Neurontin has been widely prescribed for the following ailments that have not been evaluated or proven effective by the FDA: bipolar disorder, pain syndromes, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Attention Deficit Disorder, migraines, and a number of other health problems.
In terms of off-label use of Neurontin, addiction treatments have also incorporated using Neurontin to treat seizures associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal. Neurontin addiction therapy is also utilized to treat cocaine addictions. Though often prescribed in Neurontin addiction therapy, there is no evidence to suggest that taking Neurontin helps treat the seizures associated with drug and alcohol withdrawal.
Taking Neurontin for its approved uses in the manner that has been prescribed by a medical professional has given no indication of causing a Neurontin addiction. If you are taking Neurontin, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor prior to making any changes in your treatment regiment. At least one week of decreased dosing should be administered prior to the discontinuation of Neurontin treatment. The discontinuation of this prescription medication has been proven to yield an increased risk of subsequent seizures in some patients.
If you are concerned about Neurontin addiction or have questions about Neurontin addiction therapy uses, you may wish to speak to a medical professional who can address these issues in greater detail.
The FDA has requested 14 drugmakers to check their study data to see if use of epilepsy drugs results in suicidal behavior or thoughts, giving the drugmakers six months to respond.
Sales of anti-seizure drugs in the U.S. during 2004 were th...
Just weeks after Pfizer and its Warner-Lambert Co. unit were penalized $430 million in federal and state courts for selling Neurontin for purposes that have not yet been FDA approved, the company is again under fire for fraudulent marketing practices. ...
The world''s largest drug manufacturer, Pfizer, Inc., agreed to pay at least $400 million in order to settle civil charges regarding kickbacks to encourage doctors to prescribe the anti-epileptic drug Neurontin for other purposes.
The se...
Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Online Lawyer Source | Legal Marketing Site Designed by eJustice
ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT—Thank you for your visit. The content published on this website was not written by medical professionals and should not, at any point, be mistaken for medical advice. Furthermore, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only and should never interfere with a patient/site visitor and his or her healthcare provider. In addition, viewing the content on this website, requesting additional information, or transmitting information through a contact form should never be considered the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The material published on this site is general and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Every case comes with its own set of unique circumstances; past success discussed on this site does not guarantee future performance. Information found on this website should not be used as incentive to act without seeking counsel from a professional. For more information, please read our disclaimer.