Anthem, which is one of the nation’s largest health insurers, has filed a lawsuit accusing Insys Therapeutics of engaging in a “creative, illegal, and fraudulent” scheme to obtain reimbursement for its Subsys painkiller, adding a new layer of legal challenges for the beleaguered drug maker.
In its lawsuit, which was filed on Wednesday in federal court in Arizona, Anthem accused the company of bribing doctors with “sham” speaker fees to write prescriptions for unapproved uses for its drug, which contains fentanyl and carries a high risk of dependency. We asked Insys for comment and will update you accordingly.
Subsys was approved only for treating breakthrough cancer pain, but Insys has been accused by federal and state authorities of widening the market for its drug by illegally inducing doctors to prescribe the pill for other sorts of pain. This is known as “off-label” prescribing, which doctors are permitted to do.
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It is a disgusting industry. I personally think it has to start with us. We have to be more proactive with our own health. Exercise, eating home grown foods and so on. Also don’t buy into all these new “healthier” food trends that are over priced. Grow it! I know so many that do because of where I live and live very long lives. They also never go to the Dr. I understand there are times you need to go but so many of the reasons most go could have been prevented. Also do your own research. Just because a Dr says you need it doesn’t mean you do. Last thing is WATER and you don’t have to buy it either.