Suffolk County Officials Sue OxyContin Makers, Say Drug Companies 'Pushed' Pain Pills On Public
Updated 9/1/2016 at 12:14 p.m.
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Suffolk County wants the pharmaceutical industry to compensate them for the cost of the "opiod epidemic" they allege the drug companies created.
The county is suing the makers of the pain medication OxyContin and other drug manufacturers, alleging that the companies are misleading the public and doctors about the dangers of painkillers.
Comparing them to common drug dealers, county officials filed suit against 11 pharmaceutical companies Wednesday, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported. OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma as well as Johnson & Johnson, Endo and subsidiaries of the companies were named in the suit.
"They did it in a fashion that not only tricked the public, but more importantly misinformed doctors who are responsible for prescribing the medications," Legislator Rob Calarco said.
Suffolk County officials said the companies encouraged doctors to prescribe powerful pain pills without properly warning them of the risks of addiction.
"They deceptively told our doctors and the public at large that these products are safe and the best treatment for chronic pain use," Calarco said. "They pushed a drug, that's absolutely what they did. They simply looked to make a profit."
The suit seeks unspecified damages for the treatment and rehabilitation of Suffolk County addicts.
"We firmly believe the allegations in this litigation are both legally and factually unfounded. Janssen has acted appropriately, responsibly and in the best interests of patients regarding our opioid pain medications, which are FDA-approved and carry FDA-mandated warnings about the known risks of the medications on every product label," said Jessica Castles Smith, spokesperson for Janssen Pharmaceuticals. "At Janssen, we put the needs and well-being of the patients, caregivers and families we serve first. More than 100 million American adults suffer from chronic pain, a significant public health problem that places a tremendous emotional and financial burden on patients and their families. Our opioid pain medications give doctors and patients important choices to help manage the debilitating effects of chronic pain."
Purdue Pharma settled a similar lawsuit with the state of Kentucky for $24 million last year, but admitted no wrongdoing.
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