Tylenol Manufacturer Settles Criminal Case Involving Metal Contaminated Drugs for $25 Million
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson (J&J), entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in which the pharmaceutical company has agreed to pay $25 million to resolve federal criminal charges. The criminal charges related to the sale of liquid medication contaminated with metal. While the settlement resolves the criminal charges, the criminal prosecution will not provide financial compensation to patients who suffered harm caused by the tainted drugs. If you have been injured by a defective or contaminated pharmaceutical, you might want to speak with one of our Atlanta personal injury attorneys to learn about your rights and remedies.
McNeil Pharmaceuticals was the subject of massive recalls between 2008 and 2010 which threatened the safety of consumers and tarnished the reputation of J&J. The recalls applied to hundreds of millions of packs and bottles of over-the-counter medications that included Motrin, Benadryl, Tylenol, Rolaids and other drugs. The recalls were traced to substandard manufacturing and industrial hygiene problems at the company's Fort Washington, Pennsylvania plant.
The criminal case that led to the $25 million settlement arose when consumers discovered and reported "black specks" in the bottom of Tylenol bottles marketed for children. An investigation revealed the specks were particles of chromium and nickel. The problems included not only the presence of metal particles in the liquid medications but also inaccurate labeling and musty odors associated with the drugs. McNeil Pharmaceuticals agreed to implement enhanced safety measures prior to re-opening its Fort Washington facility along with paying the massive fine.
The widespread recalls and manufacturing problems associated with McNeil's Fort Washington plant contributed to significant financial consequences for J&J. The drug company's product sales reportedly declined by 19 percent in 2010 following the glut of consumer drug recalls during 2009 and 2010. The decrease cost the company approximately $900 million in annual sales volume compared to the prior year. The debacle was principally responsible for a decline in the company's sales volume in consecutive years for the first time since World War Two.
If you have been injured by a dangerous or defective drug, you might have a right to pursue a legal claim for damages. I've you've been injured in any type of accident, call Montlick & Associates to speak to an Atlanta personal injury attorney for your free consultation.
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Sources:
http://news.yahoo.com/tylenol-maker-pay-25-million-selling-metal-contaminated-203739773--finance.html