Louisiana Sues Dialysis Drug Maker

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana  is suing drug maker Fresenius Medical Care North America and its nearly 100 Louisiana  clinics over the use of two dialysis drugs — GranuFlo and NaturaLyte — that could contribute to fatal heart attacks.

The drugs have since been recalled by the federal government.

The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/VvS77S) the lawsuit, filed in state district court in Baton Rouge by the state Attorney General's Office, says Fresenius violated Louisiana   law in an effort to defraud dialysis clinics, physicians, the state and its residents.

Fresenius officials could not be reached for comment Friday.

The lawsuit seeks civil penalties of $5,000 per violation under Louisiana's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. Louisiana is also asking the court to force Fresenius to pay back any profit made on the sale of GranuFlo.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

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