gabapentin

Gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin among others, is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat neuropathic pain and also for partial seizures of epilepsy. It is a commonly used medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central pain.

In 2004, Pfizer pleaded guilty to numerous civil and criminal charges for illegally promoting the off-label use of gabapentin (Neurontin). It agreed to pay a $240m criminal fine and $152m to state and federal healthcare programs. At the time, the fine was the second largest given in the industry. It was the first off-label promotion case brought successfully under the False Claims Act.

Kaiser sued Pfizer, claiming that Pfizer misled them by recommending Neurontin (an anti-seizure drug) for off-label uses, such as treating bipolar disorder, migraines, and neuropathic pain.

In 2010, a federal jury ruled in favor of Kaiser, finding that Pfizer violated the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Aetna and a group of employer health plans also won their similar Neurontin-related claims against Pfizer.

Pfizer appealed the verdict, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld the decision.

In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case, effectively ending the legal challenge.