Daiichi Sankyo Co Ltd has agreed to pay $39 million to the U.S. federal government and state Medicaid programs to settle claims of paying kickbacks to doctors to prescribe several of its drugs, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The deal stems from a whistleblower lawsuit filed by a former Daiichi sales representative.
Court documents allege that Daiichi initiated different speaker programs and paid doctors kickbacks – in the form of honoraria and meals, amongst other things – that were labeled as speaking fees from 2004 to 2011. However, according to the DOJ, the speaker programs were problematic. Amongst the complains the suit alleges that doctors were sometimes paid for only speaking to their own staff over “lavish” dinners hosted by Daiichi.
The kickbacks were allegedly paid to get doctors to prescribe is drugs including Benicar as well as Azor and others. In addition to the settlement payment, the drug maker has agreed to make internal reforms.
Benicar Background
Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a prescription drug used to treat high blood pressure, a condition that affects an estimated 67 million Americans.
The drug has also been tied to other lawsuits including a recent consolidation of lawsuits by a federal judicial panel in New Jersey. The suits allege Benicar can cause severe gastrointestinal injuries and further claims the company knew and failed to adequately warn patients of the serious risks.
Side effects from clinical trials and post market reports include but are not limited to the following:
• Abdominal Pain
• Arthritis
• Chest pain
• Hair loss
• Kidney problems
• Nausea
• Rash
• Liver
• Lung cancer
• Misdiagnosis of Celiac disease
Call our firm at 800-883-2299 or fill out the inquiry form if you or a loved one have experienced any adverse health effects related to Benicar use.
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