Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. and parent company Johnson & Johnson reached a $181 million settlement with 36 states and the District of Columbia over charges of marketing Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Risperdal M-Tab and Invega for non-FDA approved uses

Risperdal, is a drug used to treat schizophrenia among other mental illnesses.  Janssen is accused of promoting Risperdal for non-FDA approved uses including but not limited to:

• Dementia
• Anger Management
• Anxiety

“This landmark settlement holds the companies accountable for practices that put patients in danger, and serves as a warning to other pharmaceutical giants that they must play by one set of rules.  It goes further by ensuring that the corporations stop rewarding doctors for prescribing certain drugs or presenting scientifically-suspect studies as sound,”  said Schneiderman in a statement.

In the settlement Janssen agreed it would not promote the drugs for “off-label” (non-FDA approved) uses or making misleading claims, although Janssen did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

“We have chosen this path to achieve a prompt and full resolution of these state claims and to ensure we continue to focus on our mission of providing medicines to meet the significant unmet needs of many people who suffer from mental illness,”  said Michael Yang – President of Janssen.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered injury or death due to a defective or dangerous pharmaceutical, you may have a right to compensation for your injuries. The Maher Law Firm and Frank Eidson attorney at law, would like to help.