Janssen Can be Held Liable for Injuries Caused by Generic Levaquin, Ill. Federal Judge Rules

PEORIA, Ill. - Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. can be held liable for injuries allegedly caused by the generic equivalent of its antibiotic drug Levaquin, an Illinois federal judge has ruled, explaining that doctors and patients rely on the brand name labeling, even where the prescription is filled with a generic drug.

Judge Sara Darrow of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois dismissed the plaintiff's claims against the generic drug's manufacturer, however, ruling that they are preempted by federal law pursuant to PLIVA Inc. v. Mensing and Mutual Pharmaceuticals Co. v. Bartlett.

On Dec. 24, 2014, Tracy Garner …