Attorney General Fox Announces $5.9 Million Settlement with Pharmaceutical Company—Proceeds to go to Drug Abuse Prevention Program

On Thursday, Attorney General Tim Fox announced a $5.9 million settlement with Janssen, a major pharmaceutical company, over its illegal unfair and deceptive marketing of Risperdal, an atypical anti-psychotic drug used to treat certain psychological disorders in adults.Fox said Janssen actively deceived Montana physicians and consumers when it promoted Risperdal as safe and effective for a variety of conditions, when in fact, Janssen was aware of dangers associated with its drug that it hid from the public.

"Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in Montana," Fox said. "It takes a toll on our children, our families, our communities, and the effects ripple into law enforcement, our economy, our budgets, and beyond."

Fox said approximately $1.5 million of the proceeds will go towards paying for a new prescription drug abuse prevention program.

"We have worked tirelessly to hold a large pharmaceutical corporation accountable for its actions, and we'll be using the resources from the settlement for the benefit of all Montanans," Fox said. "As attorney general, I will do everything in my power to combat this epidemic."

Fox hopes to create and implement a student education program, look for ways to expand prescription drug drop box locations across the state, and create public awareness campaigns on the dangers of prescription drug addiction.

Read the settlement agreement online at the Montana Department of Justice website.