Olmesartan Settlement Agreement

Olmesartan Settlement Agreement: What You Need to Know

In April 2021, a multi-state settlement agreement was reached with pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. regarding its blood pressure medication, olmesartan. The agreement resolves allegations that the company engaged in unfair and deceptive practices in marketing the drug.

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that olmesartan may cause intestinal problems such as sprue-like enteropathy. Patients who experienced these symptoms had to stop taking the medication and were often misdiagnosed with celiac disease.

The settlement agreement requires Daiichi Sankyo to pay $12 million to 48 states and the District of Columbia. The company is also required to comply with several injunctive terms, including:

– Not making false or misleading claims about olmesartan;

– Disclosing material safety information about olmesartan; and

– Ensuring its sales and marketing personnel are trained about the medication`s risks and benefits.

The settlement agreement marks the end of a several-year investigation into Daiichi Sankyo`s marketing practices related to olmesartan. The investigation was led by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, „This settlement holds Daiichi Sankyo accountable for its deceptive marketing practices and ensures that patients have accurate and appropriate information about the medication they are prescribed.“

As a consumer, it`s important to be informed about the medications you take. If you`re prescribed olmesartan or any other medication, be sure to ask your healthcare provider about potential side effects and any safety concerns. You can also check the FDA`s website for information about drug recalls, warnings, and adverse events.

In conclusion, the olmesartan settlement agreement serves as a reminder to pharmaceutical companies that they have a responsibility to provide accurate and truthful information about their products. Patients should be able to trust that the medications they take are safe and effective. With increased scrutiny from regulators and the public, pharmaceutical companies must prioritize patient safety and transparency in their marketing and sales practices.