A.G. SCHNEIDERMAN ANNOUNCES LANDMARK $3.1 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH MAJOR PHARMACEUTICAL CO. FOR DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING OF DRUG SEROQUEL
NEW YORK - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a $3.1 million settlement with the major pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, following allegations that it improperly marketed and promoted the antipsychotic drug Seroquel. The agreement is part of a record 37-state settlement totaling $68.5 million – the largest ever multi-state consumer protection-based pharmaceutical settlement. These practices violate consumer protection laws established to protect patients and ensure that health care providers are fully briefed on the medications available, including all known potential benefits and side effects. Attorney General Schneiderman, who has marked National Consumer Protection Week by highlighting a series of consumer-related actions, reiterated that consumer safety is a responsibility companies must also share, especially those marketing medication.