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10/14/2009 - The Idaho attorney general's office alleged that drug manufacturer Eli Lilly marketed its top-selling drug Zyprexa deceptively and failed to warn health-care providers that patients could suffer side effects such as weight gain and diabetes.

The $13 million is for Zyprexa's impact on Idaho's Medicaid program and the patients it serves. About $6.9 million of the settlement will go into the state's general fund, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. State lawmakers will decide how to use it. The rest will go to the federal government, which pays much of the cost of the Medicaid program, which provides health care mainly for the poor and disabled.

In fall 2008, Idaho joined a parade of states suing Eli Lilly over the antipsychotic Zyprexa, alleging Eli Lilly marketed the drug for treatment of dementia and other ailments without getting approval from federal regulators first.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug only for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Doctors can prescribe the drug for other conditions, but drug companies can't try to sell them for those unapproved, or "off-label," uses.

Idaho's settlement, which is subject to court approval, includes the state's expenses incurred during the three years the case was investigated and litigated in various federal and state courts.

The agreement, which is subject to court approval, involves no admission of wrongdoing on Eli Lilly's part.

The largest settlement Idaho ever has received is part of the nation's 1998 tobacco settlement. Idaho's share of that so far is about $254 million.

If you or a loved one have experienced Zyprexa side effects you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Zyprexa attorneys of Ennis & Ennis today for a free confidential case evaluation. Our on staff nurse and lawyers are standing by to answer any questions you may have regarding Zyprexa side effects, a possible Zyprexa class action lawsuit, or any other type of Zyprexa litigation.