Lawsuit targets Pfizer's marketing of Lipitor
By Hubert Vigilla
Published on March 31, 2006
According to the lawsuit filed by the Welfare Fund of Teamsters Local Union 863, Pfizer encouraged Lipitor to be prescribed to patients with high blood cholesterol but an otherwise low risk of heart attacks. In such circumstances, federal guidelines suggest lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthier diet rather than prescription medication. These prescriptions allegedly cost drug plans billions of dollars in unneeded prescriptions since 2001.
The lawsuit comes as Pfizer has faced increasing pressure for various off-label sales of Lipitor. Though doctors are allowed to prescribe drugs for off-label use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits pharmaceutical companies from endorsing or advertising their drugs for non-approved uses.
Pfizer is currently cooperating with a federal investigation into its marketing practices with Lipitor.
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