This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Johnson & Johnson To Pay 2.2 Billion To Settle Healthcare Fraud Claims

by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, has agreed to pay 2.2 billion dollars to settle criminal and civil healthcare fraud claims against them.  The DOJ revealed  that Johnson & Johnson allegedly marketed prescription drugs as safe and effective, for uses that the drugs were never approved for.  These drugs included Risperdal (antipsychotic medication), Invega (antipsychotic medication) and Natrecor (heart medication).  In addition, were claims that Johnson & Johnson gave kick-backs to physicians and pharmacies for prescribing and promoting these drugs.

US Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the alleged conduct of Johnson & Johnson displayed a "reckless indifference to the safety of the American people."  The settlement included payment of 1.72 billion dollars for federal and state civil claims and 485 million dollars in criminal fines and forfeiture.  This landmark payout, is one of the largest healthcare fraud settlements in United States history.
 
Read the full post at www.liattorney.com/scales-of-justice.html.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?