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Posted: 03/25/2005
ATTORNEY GENERAL ALERTS CONSUMERS ABOUT REFUND PROGRAM FOR ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUG
$36 million refund settlement tied to Remeron purchases ensures recovery for thousands
AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today alerted consumers in Texas and other states that advertisements and other notices will begin this week to solicit claims from those who may have been overcharged for the antidepressant drug Remeron or its generic equivalent, mirtazapine.
The $36 million national antitrust settlement, spearheaded by Attorney General Abbott, applies to drugs purchased from June 15, 2001, through January 25, 2005.
15 second Remeron refund public service announcement (MP3)
30 second Remeron refund public service announcement (MP3)
60 second Remeron refund public service announcement (MP3)
Remeron Antitrust Notice Plan (PDF)
“I am pleased that many Texans who paid far too much money for this critical drug will get some relief in terms of return of their money,” said Attorney General Abbott. “Our antitrust team led the way in uncovering this company’s scheme to manipulate the market and block competition to keep less expensive versions of this medication out of the hands of consumers.”
Consumers will begin seeing numerous public service announcements and advertisements this week in publications such as Reader’s Digest, Parade, USA Today and many others. Consumers will receive the money as damages as a result of their paying high prescription prices for the antidepressant drug, which is manufactured by Organon USA of New Jersey, and its Dutch parent company Akzo Nobel N.V.
Texas consumers who believe they may be entitled to a refund may request claim forms by calling toll-free at (866) 401-6807, or refer to forms and other information on the Web site for the national settlement administrator at www.remeronsettlement.com
The company agreed to settle the matter with the states after engaging in a misleading scheme that extended the company’s monopoly over the drug, wrongly generating millions of dollars in profits.
Generic equivalents are included for consideration in refunds because Organon’s actions delayed their entry into the marketplace, which adversely influenced how quickly the prices might have fallen for Remeron and its generic substitutes.
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