Originally founded in the late 1800s as Abbott Alkaloidal Company, Abbott Laboratories has become a leader in pharmaceutical and health care product manufacturing. Abbott Labs operates in over 150 countries and employs more than 70,000 people.
Wallace C. Abbott, who started the company in 1888, was one of the first American physicians who used a distilling method to create sold medicine. Using the parts of the medicinal plants that have the therapeutic effect he would measure his drugs into small dosages providing a longer lasting, more-effective drug than any other medicines available at the time.
In 1931 the company opened its first international office in Montreal, Canada. Decades later after a joint venture with another pharmaceutical company, expansions were completed in France, Italy, and England.
In 1967 the company successfully challenged the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on labeling regulations and then in 2009 they unsuccessfully attempted to block another company from producing a drug they had a patent on. Only a few years later Abbott Laboratories found themselves yet again in the courtroom, but this time for the anti-seizure drug, Depakote.
If you or a loved has suffered from pharmaceutical drugs, including Depakote, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Divisions Of Abbott Laboratories
Abbott focuses on four core health product categories, nutrition, diagnostics, devices, and pharmaceuticals. These core products are broken down into seven subcategories which include:
Diagnostics – Products created to help diagnose disease, medical conditions, genetic disorders and more. Abbott Laboratories actually created the first ever blood-screening test for HIV antibodies in 1985.
Vascular – Includes coronary devices and endovascular products such as stents and vessel closures.
Animal Health – Abbott Labs created a blood glucose monitoring system for cats and dogs. Other animal health goods include anesthesia, nutritionals, fluid therapy, and pain management products.
Vision – Includes cataract products, LASIK technologies, and contact lens cleaning systems.
Diabetes – Certain hospital and personal use glucose meters are Abbott Labs made.
Nutrition – A number of Abbott nutritional products can found on store shelves including Pediasure, Pedialyte, Ensure, and Prosure.
Pharmaceuticals – Abbott Laboratories has created a large number of pharmaceuticals and they include Abbott brands and Abbvie brands, which was previously the specialty pharmaceutical business of Abbott.
Other Notable Pharmaceuticals Produced
Abbott’s history has made them into a well-known name and they produce many well-known products used by millions of people. Although Depakote became a name associated with Abbott Laboratories, the company also makes many other prominent pharmaceuticals
Some other well-known Abbott Laboratories pharmaceuticals include:
- Lexapro
- Prevacid
- Humira
- Vicodin
As the company operates all over the world certain medications may only be found in specific countries or regions. If you or a loved one has been hurt by an Abbott Laboratories product, an experienced dangerous drugs attorney can help you determine if you may be eligible to make a clam.
Depakote False Marketing & Side-Effects
In 2012 Depakote was ordered to pay $1.5 billion over allegations that the drug was being marketed for other uses that were not approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Included in the case was a $700 million criminal fine and $800 million for civil settlements with the federal government.
Depakote is an anti-seizure and mood stabilizing medication used for the treatment of manic, or mixed, episodes with or without psychotic features such as bipolar disorder. The claims in court were that Depakote was also being marketed for treatment of autism, dementia, and schizophrenia.
Furthermore, in 2013 the FDA warned healthcare professionals and women that this medication should not be taken by pregnant women for the prevention of migraines. A study found that children whose mothers took the drug while pregnant had lower IQ scores and others suffered from severe birth defects.
Depakote has also been found to produce several side-effects in patients including increased suicidal tendencies, liver problems, and more.
Contact Our Cincinnati Lawyers Today
The side-effects of a dangerous drug can be life-changing. If you or a loved one has suffered from any type of medical device or pharmaceutical, our lawyers can provide comprehensive legal counsel to determine if you have a case.
For more than 30 years the dedicated team of injury lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy have assisted injured victims throughout the greater Cincinnati area. We are dedicated to helping you fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation you deserve.
We have several offices located throughout Ohio including Cincinnati and Columbus.
We are also proud to represent injured victims in the Covington, Kentucky area. To find out how we can help you with your case, contact us at (877) 288-3241 and one of our intake staff members will connect you with one of our lawyers best suited in handling your claim after a few initial questions.