Recently, Reckitt Benckiser Group, the manufacturer of Suboxone settled $2.6 million with the state of Michigan. The allegations included deceptive marketing, leading to improper use of the state’s Medicaid funds.
This year alone has marked ground-breaking lawsuits and settlements from various drug manufacturers. Before, we have seen entities go after Johnson & Johnson, and Purdue Pharma.
Back in July 2019, Reckitt Benckiser Group agreed to pay $1.4 billion in an opioid settlement for their Suboxone Film, accused of felony fraud and conspiracy from their Indivior division. Indivior allegedly marketed the film as safer and less likely to be abused. However, federal prosecutors believe Indivior cheated healthcare providers and insurers, such as Medicaid.
What is Suboxone?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), suboxone, also known as buprenorphine, is a medication used to fight opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine comes in several forms, although the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone is the most popular, which brands itself as Suboxone.
Most know Suboxone as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drug to fight opioid addiction. MAT, in combination with behavioral therapy has been proven to be safe and effective.
Unfortunately, there have been criticisms of Suboxone, with concerns that it can be abused, as it is considered an opioid drug itself. This is why SAMHSA only allows opioid treatment programs certified under their program to ensure safe tapering measures and dispensement of treatment.
Conclusion
Big Pharma has been paying the price for what federal prosecutors believe to be deceptive marketing since the late 1990s.
Notable manufacturers of the most well-known medications are in the cross-hairs of several states, and the onslaught continues as these companies are paying billions of dollars in settlement cases.
If you or someone you know needs help fighting an opioid addiction, seek professional help now.