An NPR report on an Arkansas jury’s billion-dollar decision against Johnson & Johnson mentions that the company is most famous for its baby shampoo and wryly notes: “So much for no more tears.”
The federal court decision was in response to allegations that the company used misleading marketing for its antipsychotic drug Risperdal. The jury found that the company failed to properly disclose the drug’s possible side effects, like weight gain, risk of strokes in older patients, and increased risk of diabetes.
According to the NPR report, the $1.2 billion penalty is among the biggest on record for a state-related fraud case involving a pharmaceutical company.
Johnson & Johnson is also facing widespread lawsuits alleging that the company used deceptive tactics in marketing two medical devices.
Users of transvaginal mesh implants, used to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, have complained about health problems including mesh perforation and debilitating pain.
And metal-on-metal hip implants manufactured by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics are being investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after thousands of reports that the replacement hips fail prematurely and leave toxic metal debris in patients’ bodies.
Plaintiffs claim the company actively marketed both devices despite being aware of those problems.
Patients who received either of those devices and are experiencing health concerns should consult with a doctor. If you have significant injuries, you should also consult with a lawyer involved in the Depuy hip or transvaginal mesh litigation to discuss your legal rights.
Hear the NPR report here: https://www.npr.org/2012/04/12/150474908/business-news
