Thousands of Iowans who were overcharged for certain prescription drugs have until September 23rd to apply for a refund. Jerry Karbeling of the Iowa Pharmacy Association says the refunds are available for the brand-name drug “Cardizem C-D.” He says the refunds will have the biggest impact on people who pay out of their own pocket and don’t have insurance coverage — most of them seniors. Cardizem is widely-prescribed for folks who suffer from high blood pressure and angina, or chest pain. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says a nationwide anti-trust lawsuit filed by Attorneys General from around the country accused the drug-maker Aventis of blocking the progress of a generic version of the drug into the marketplace. Miller says Aventis paid about $90 million to another company to hold back the generic, even though its presence would offer an affordable alternative that could save patients money. The settlement amounts to about $80 million. Miller says customers who paid for Cardizam may be eligible for a share of that settlement. Miller says they can call 800-372-2406, or go to the website www.cardizemsettlement.com to get application forms for making a claim. Pharmacist Karbeling says your druggist can help even people who are missing some receipts to file claims. iowans have till September 23rd to file a claim.
