COLUMBUS, OH — A multi-state lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson, accusing the company of deceptive marketing, has been settled to the tune of $117 million. Ohio will receive $6.3 million under the settlement, Dave Yost, state attorney general, announced.

The lawsuit accused the company of misleading marketing of its transvaginal surgical mesh devices, which are surgically implanted through the vagina to support the pelvic organs of women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, Yost said. A multi-state investigation accused Johnson & Johnson of not disclosing the possible side effects of the device, including chronic pain and inflammation, mesh erosion through the vagina, incontinence developing after surgery, painful sexual relations and vaginal scarring.

The lawsuit said Johnson & Johnson officials were aware of the possible side effects but did not sufficiently warn customers or surgeons. However, the settlement does not include an admission of misconduct, according to Johnson & Johnson. "Patients can't make the best decision for their health unless they and their health care providers know all the pros and cons of a product," Yost said. "These companies didn't paint a clear picture of the device's medical risks, preventing patients from making well-informed decisions."

