Neurontin

The FDA approved Neurontin (gabapentin) for sale in 1993 as a supplemental treatment for epileptic seizures. Neurontin was prescribed for "off-label" use to treat ailments including bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Trigeminal Neuralgia, Post-Hepatic Neuralgia (PHN), Migraine, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures. Off-label use refers to drugs that are safe when used for a specific purpose, but could prove hazardous if used under different circumstances.

After its' FDA approval, Neurontin's manufacturer Parke-Davis, was acquired by Pfizer. In May of 2004, Pfizer, Inc. announced that it had pleaded guilty to criminal charges involving the illegal and fraudulent promotion of their epilepsy drug Neurontin. Pfizer promoted Neurontin's effectiveness for unapproved uses and falsified medical information to market and promote Neurontin to physicians for off-label uses. Physician incentives including trips, hefty "consulting" fees, and 1996 Summer Olympic games tickets were also used to promote the drug. Thanks to off-label marketing, Neurontin's sales soared to $2.7 billion 2003. 

If you were prescribed Neurontin, or its generic form gabapentin, for a medical condition other than epilepsy, you may be entitled to file a legal claim against the drug maker for negligence in product labeling and marketing. Contact The Law Offices of Paul Hogan, LLC today.

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