Illinois Opioid Settlements

Introduction to the Settlements

Illinois could get up to $23 million from settlements with pharmaceutical companies that used deceptive practices to increase opioid prescriptions, helping fuel the nationwide opioid crisis. The settlements, totaling $720 million, will go to nine states in a deal with eight pharmaceutical companies, with each company paying different amounts over varying periods, Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced.

Statement from the Attorney General

“As long as Illinois families continue to experience the devastating impacts of opioid addiction, my office will continue to work with other attorneys general to hold companies responsible for fueling the opioid crisis,” Raoul said. Illinois has so far collected about $1.4 billion of the roughly $50 billion in nationwide settlements from investigations and litigation with pharmaceutical companies, according to Raoul’s office.

Participating States and Settlement Amounts

The other states in line to receive payments are California, Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. These manufacturers will pay the following amounts to be split among the states:

• Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 over nine years.
• Hikma: $95,818,293 over one to four years.
• Amneal: $71,751,010 over 10 years.
• Apotex: $63,682,369 in one year.
• Indivior: $38,022,450 over four years.
• Sun: $30,992,087 over one to four years.
• Alvogen: $18,680,162 in one year.
• Zydus: $14,859,220 in one year.

Terms of the Agreement

Under the agreement, seven of those companies are prohibited from promoting opioid products and from making or selling products that contain more than 40 milligrams of oxycodone per pill. They also must actively monitor and report suspicious orders. Virginia-based Indivior will not manufacture or sell any opioid products over the next 10 years, according to the settlement, but is allowed to market and sell medications that treat opioid use disorder.

Additional Provisions

States also might receive free pharmaceutical products or might get cash instead of the products. This provision aims to further support the states in their efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

The Opioid Crisis in the United States

Between 1999 and 2022, roughly 725,000 people died from opioid overdose in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This staggering number highlights the severity of the opioid crisis and the need for continued action against pharmaceutical companies that have contributed to it.

Conclusion

The Illinois opioid settlements mark a significant step towards holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis. With millions of dollars allocated to support states in their fight against opioid addiction, these settlements offer a glimmer of hope for families and individuals affected by this devastating epidemic.

FAQs

• Q: How much will Illinois receive from the opioid settlements?
  A: Illinois could get up to $23 million from the settlements.
• Q: Which states are participating in the settlements?
  A: The participating states are Illinois, California, Colorado, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia.
• Q: What are the terms of the agreement for the pharmaceutical companies?
  A: The companies are prohibited from promoting opioid products, making or selling products with more than 40 milligrams of oxycodone per pill, and must monitor and report suspicious orders.
• Q: How many people have died from opioid overdose in the United States?
  A: Roughly 725,000 people died from opioid overdose in the United States between 1999 and 2022.