RI to get $648K in national settlement with Pfizer
RI getting $648,000 in settlement with Pfizer over allegations it unlawfully promoted drugs
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is getting nearly $648,000 under a national settlement with Pfizer Inc., over allegations the pharmaceutical company unlawfully promoted two of its drugs.
State Attorney General Peter Kilmartin said Wednesday the money is part of a $42.9 million consent judgment that he and 33 other attorneys general reached with Pfizer. The states allege in the settlement that Pfizer used unfair and deceptive practices in promoting Zyvox, an antibacterial agent, and Lyrica, which is used to treat fibromyalgia.
Kilmartin's office says it has reached settlements this year totaling some $5.7 million with major drug companies for unfair and deceptive practices in promoting and marketing drugs.
He says doctors and patients have to be able to trust drug companies' information and that misleading claims put patients' lives in jeopardy.
