In a closely watched case, a federal jury on Wednesday awarded a Minnesota resident a total of $1.82 million in damages, finding that Johnson & Johnson had failed to adequately warn patients that its antibiotic Levaquin may cause tendon damage.
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the jury awarded $1.12 million in punitive damages and $700,000 in compensatory damages to John Schedin, 82. Mr. Schedin claimed that both his Achilles tendons were injured after taking Levaquin and a steroid five years ago to treat bronchitis.
The paper also noted: “In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration required J&J and other makers of similar drugs to include a serious “black box” warning on its packaging regarding possible tendon damage. The risk is higher in patients over 60, those taking steroids, and recipients of kidney, heart or lung transplants.”
In an e-mail, a spokesman for Orthio-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals said: “We are disappointed with the jury’s decision and will vigorously defend against plaintiff’s claims on appeal. The verdict and the amount of the compensatory and punitive damages are at odds with the evidence presented at trial. We believe Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., properly informed of the benefits and risks associated with the use of Levaquin, and that the company acted responsibly by providing appropriate and timely information about Levaquin.”
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Verdict Against J&J in Levaquin Case
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