A pharmaceutical company will pay $1.6 million dollars back into the state Medicaid system after off label marketing of Botox.
Allergan Incorporated and Allergan USA Incorporated will pay $225 million dollars to the federal and state governments after they promoted Botox for unapproved uses.
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster says the drug company illegally targeted patients suffering from headaches, pain, overactive bladders and spasticity. Botox was originally only approved for treatment of certain eye disorders, head and neck spasms, and underarm sweating.
Koster says Allergan’s marketing plan provided physicans free reimbursement and support for off label use.
In addition to the $1.6 million to Missouri and $225 million nationwide, Allergan will also pay a $350 million dollar criminal fine and $25 million in forfeiture after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
