Historic $1.4 Billion Opioid Settlement Reached with Reckitt-Benckiser
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an unprecedented settlement on July 16, 2019, involving a staggering $1.4 billion from Reckitt-Benckiser, the manufacturer of Suboxone®. This landmark agreement addresses allegations that the company knowingly promoted Suboxone® for uses lacking legitimate medical justification.
DOJ Secures Largest Recovery in Opioid Case History
The global consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser Group plc has consented to this substantial payment to settle allegations surrounding its sales practices related to Suboxone®, a drug that emerged in the early 2000s as a treatment for opioid addiction.
This settlement marks a historic moment in opioid litigation, eclipsing any prior settlements related to opioid misuse. The irony is palpable, considering this resolution is significantly larger than any anticipated settlements involving OxyContin, the drug that Suboxone® was designed to counter.
The DOJ's filings reveal a troubling narrative about the company's marketing tactics. Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2014, Reckitt-Benckiser allegedly encouraged healthcare providers to prescribe Suboxone® without proper medical oversight or counseling, leading to unsafe and unnecessary prescriptions.
Where Are the Consequences for Prescribers?
It is intriguing to note the lack of significant action against the physicians who prescribed Suboxone® inappropriately. There has been little reported on mass arrests of these prescribers, despite the scale of the issue. Moreover, Suboxone® prescriptions are not even tracked in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), highlighting a glaring oversight in the system designed to prevent misuse.
The Deceptive Narrative of Opioid Treatment
The public's understanding of Suboxone® has been clouded by misinformation and marketing strategies. The disclaimers associated with buprenorphine, a key ingredient in Suboxone®, suggest that the drug is less risky compared to full agonist opioids. However, there are documented cases of overdose linked to buprenorphine, contradicting the narrative pushed by its proponents.
Where's the Media Coverage?
Despite the significance of this settlement, major news outlets have largely ignored it. As of the afternoon of July 16, 2019, there was a conspicuous absence of coverage regarding what is now the largest opioid settlement in U.S. history. If Purdue Pharmaceuticals had faced a similar financial reckoning, it would undoubtedly dominate headlines.
Andrew Kolodny, a controversial figure in opioid litigation, has been vocal in legal circles, despite his history with Suboxone®. His involvement raises questions about the motivations of those advocating for opioid policies, especially given the financial incentives at play.
A New Era in Opioid Treatment?
The timing of the DOJ's announcement is suspect. Advocates have long claimed that Reckitt-Benckiser's practices were harmful, yet the government dismissed these allegations until now. This development suggests a possible pivot in strategy for addressing the opioid crisis, with new treatment methods on the horizon.
Moving forward, it is crucial to scrutinize the motivations behind the push for new medication-assisted therapies and to hold the involved parties accountable. This settlement should not fade into the background; it must remain a focal point in the ongoing conversation about opioid policy and public health.
Conclusion
The implications of this settlement are profound, and it is imperative that we keep the dialogue alive. Questions remain about the ongoing promotion of Suboxone® in light of the DOJ's findings. The narrative surrounding Suboxone® needs to be reevaluated, and stakeholders must be held accountable for their roles in the opioid crisis.
The fight for transparency and accountability in opioid treatment is far from over. Share this information widely and ensure that the public remains informed about these critical issues.
The only free society is an informed society.
Ms. Wargo is a member in good standing of the Society of Professional Journalists. Please check out these thoughtful articles published on Medium by Ms. Heather Wargo:
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