Claim Form Deadline: November 29, 2024
Payout: Varies
Proof Required: Yes
What is the $35 Million Lipitor Class Action About?
Pfizer has reached a $35 million settlement over its Lipitor drug, resolving claims that Pfizer and Ranbaxy unlawfully prevented generic Lipitor from entering the market. This alleged action led to higher costs for both branded and generic Lipitor for consumers and third-party payors. Pfizer has agreed to the settlement, while litigation against Ranbaxy is ongoing.
The lawsuit claims that Pfizer fraudulently obtained a patent and used it to block generic manufacturers, thereby delaying the release of generic Lipitor. It is also alleged that Pfizer and Ranbaxy engaged in an illegal market-allocation agreement, with Pfizer paying Ranbaxy to delay its generic Lipitor in the U.S., which resulted in consumers overpaying for both branded and generic atorvastatin calcium.
What is Lipitor and Atorvastatin?
Lipitor is a prescription medication produced by Pfizer to lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. It is classified as a statin, which lowers cholesterol production in the liver. Atorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor and is also known as generic Lipitor or atorvastatin calcium in this lawsuit. When patents expire, generic versions become available, often at lower prices but with the same effectiveness as the brand-name drug.
How Do I Qualify for a Payout?
Eligibility depends on whether you belong to the Consumer Class or the Third-Party Payor (TPP) Class:
- Consumer Class: Individuals who bought or paid for branded Lipitor or generic atorvastatin calcium for personal or household use.
- Third-Party Payor (TPP) Class: Entities that purchased, paid for, or reimbursed branded Lipitor or generic atorvastatin calcium for members, employees, insureds, participants, or beneficiaries in specific states from June 28, 2011, to December 31, 2012.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
The payout amount depends on whether you purchased branded Lipitor, generic Lipitor, or both, and the total amount of your purchases. The settlement fund will be distributed to eligible claimants based on these factors, but specific payout amounts are not provided.
How Do I File a Claim?
Follow these steps to file a claim:
- Complete the Appropriate Claim Form:
- Consumer Claim Form: For individual consumers.
- Third-Party Payor Claim Form: For TPP members or their authorized representatives.
- Provide Necessary Information:
- For Consumers: Document your total purchases of branded and/or generic Lipitor and provide proof of at least one purchase.
- For Third-Party Payors: Submit detailed transaction records supporting your claim.
- Submit the Claim Form by November 29, 2024:
- Online: Complete and submit the form on the settlement website.
- Mail: Send the signed form to the Lipitor class action claims administrator.
Failure to submit a valid claim form by the deadline may result in ineligibility for a settlement payment.
Do I Need Proof of Purchase to File a Claim?
Yes, you may need to provide documentation of at least one purchase. Acceptable proof may include:
- Records from your insurer or pharmacy
- A note from your doctor or medical records
- Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your health plan or insurer
- Other records like receipts, checkbook entries, or credit card statements
What is a Third-Party Payor (TPP)?
A Third-Party Payor (TPP) is an entity that purchases, pays for, or reimburses prescription drugs on behalf of others. For this lawsuit, a TPP Class member includes entities that, for their members, employees, insureds, participants, or beneficiaries, purchased or reimbursed some or all of the cost of branded Lipitor or generic atorvastatin calcium in specific states from June 28, 2011, to December 31, 2012.
Examples of Third-Party Payors include but are not limited to:
- Health insurance companies
- Self-insured employers
- Union health and welfare funds
- Health and welfare benefit plans
Claim Form Website: LipitorAntiTrustSettlement.com
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.