The latest news suggests that Dr. Drew Pinsky, the famous voice on radio show "Loveline" as well as VH1's "Celebrity Rehab", took money from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline to promote their anti-depressant Wellbutrin for other non-FDA approved uses. In a statement, Dr. Drew claimed that his comments about Wellbutrin were "consistent with his clinical experience".
Dr. Drew apparently recommended Wellbutrin to treat obesity, addictions and sexual dysfunction. He even told a woman on Loveline that her 60 orgasms per night were likely attributable to her use of Wellbutrin. According to reports, he was paid $275,000 in the late 90s to participate in townhall meetings, writings, and multimedia activities supporting the use of Wellbutrin for off-label purposes. The information was uncovered this week when the U.S. government filed a complaint against GlaxoSmithKline for illegal drug marketing and other matters. GlaxoSmithKline agreed to a $3 million criminal and civil settlement, but it is unclear whether Dr. Drew will face any legal action.
The problem isn't that Dr. Drew spouted the benefits of Wellbutrin to treat sexual dysfunction, the problem is that he did so without disclosing the fact that he was being paid by a pharmaceutical giant to do so. It's been 13 years since he was paid by GlaxoSmithKline, and a doctor of his respect and caliber should've admitted his wrongdoing a long time ago.
recently named in the 2009 edition of Best Lawyer's In America, David Mittleman has been representing seriously injured people since 1985. A partner with Church Wyble PC—a division of Grewal Law PLLC—Mr. Mittleman and his partners focus on medical malpractice, wrongful death, car accidents, slip and falls, nursing home injury, pharmacy/pharmacist negligence and disability claims.
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