Orange, Santa Clara Counties Sue Drugmakers Over Marketing of Rx Painkillers

Orange and Santa Clara county officials have filed a lawsuit against several large pharmaceutical companies alleging that the drugmakers violated state law by taking part in false advertising and unfair business practices to boost sales of prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin. The lawsuit alleges that the marketing led to an increase in overdose deaths, emergency department visits and medical costs for the counties.

• "D.A. Sues Opioid Makers for Deaths" (Saavedra, Orange County Register, 5/21).
• "Counties Sue Narcotics Makers, Alleging 'Campaign of Deception'" (Glover/Girion, Los Angeles Times, 5/21).