Idaho gets $1.3 from GlaxoSmithKline

Pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline will pay Idaho more than $1.3 million as part of a $105 million multistate settlement over allegations that it illegally promoted asthma and depression drugs.

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden on Wednesday announced the settlement, which included 44 other states.

Idaho accused the company of breaking the Idaho Consumer Protection Act by misrepresenting the uses and qualities of its asthma drug Advair and the antidepressants Paxil and Wellbutrin.

“Idahoans relied on the advertising claims made by this company and expected the company to tell the truth about the proper use and advantages of taking the drug,” Wasden said.

GlaxoSmithKline also agreed to change its marketing and promotional practices. Among other things, the company will not make false claims about any of its products, or give samples to doctors who aren’t expected to prescribe the drugs for use that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Idaho Statesman

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