In a recent lawsuit settlement, the American drug company GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $63.8 million due to recent claims by consumers that they withheld negative information about its anti-depressant drug Paxil's safety and effectiveness. Paxil reportedly withheld information about the possibility of an increase in the risk of suicidal behavior in some children taking the drug as well as severe withdraw symptoms when the medication is stopped.

According to documented studies done internally by GlaxoSmithKline that date as far back as 1997, the company had evidence that Paxil had little or no effect treating depression in children or adolescence. Furthermore, GlaxoSmithKline was also aware that many children showed the same type of suicidal thoughts that their parents claimed that their children had been experiencing for years.

Disregarding this information, GlaxoSmithKline distributed a memo to its sales representatives stating that Paxil had "remarkable efficacy and safety in the treatment of adolescent depression."

The lawsuit was brought upon by all US residents who bought Paxil or Paxil CR for their children. The lawsuit entitles everyone who purchased the medication to a full refund with the verification of purchase. Anyone one who cannot reproduce a receipt is entitled to receive a $15 refund.

The lawsuit also stipulates that GlaxoSmithKline may deny the lawsuits claim which also state that consumers were charged too much for their prescription medication. GlaxoSmithKline stated that they wanted to resolve the matter in order to avoid any further costs of litigation. Attorneys for the plaintiffs are expected to receive around $16.8 million dollar. GlaxoSmithKline is the second largest drug manufacturer in the world.

This lawsuit is one of many examples of the flawed drug industry system here in America. The United States government states that it will not allow importation of prescription medications from foreign markets such as Canada and Europe because they cannot guarantee the safety of their medication. However they allow events such as this to take place further proving that they cannot guarantee the safety of our own drugs. The government is more worried about protecting drug profits than they are about your health. If you are in search for more affordable safe prescription medication, visit this consumer advocacy website for more information on ordering discount medication with required.