N.J. to get slice of $49.1M drug price-fixing settlement. Here’s who qualifies for compensation.

Two major pharmaceutical companies are paying a total of $49.1 million to resolve allegations they engaged in a "widespread, long-running" drug price-fixing scheme — and New Jersey consumers could be eligible for a piece of the multi-million dollar payout.

The money comes from settlement agreements with the East Brunswick-based Heritage Pharmaceuticals, recently renamed Avet Pharmaceuticals , and Apotex , the largest producer of generic drugs in Canada, Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced last week.

The settlements are the first secured in ongoing litigation against 30 generic drug companies, including many located in New Jersey .

ALSO: Healthcare costs in N.J. are among the nation's highest. What's the state doing to help?

Authorities in more than 40 states have filed lawsuits against generic companies alleging collusion that has contributed to inflated drug prices, with the first lawsuit filed in 2016.

The drugs at the center of the lawsuits include everything from blood pressure medicines and antibiotics to anti-depressants and HIV medication, according to a list of involved drugs . The price hikes varied, but a number of drugs saw their cost increase "well over 1,000%" according to one of the lawsuits.

A $10 million settlement with Heritage was filed in federal court in Connecticut last week and a $39.1 million settlement with Apotex is expected to be filed in the near future, officials said.

The companies have also agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multi-state lawsuits against their peers.

"Americans already pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, and generic drugs are intended as a way to save on these health costs," Platkin said in a statement. "We are pleased that these companies have agreed to cooperate with our ongoing litigation against their colleagues in the generic drug industry."

In addition, the companies have agreed to a series of internal reforms to ensure fair competition and future compliance with antitrust laws.

Although the drug companies agreed to settlements, they did not agree to any wrongdoing. The settlements are awaiting the court's approval.

In the meantime, here's how to find out whether you're eligible for a piece of the settlement.

Am I eligible for the settlement? New Jersey consumers who purchased certain generic prescription drugs manufactured by Heritage or Apotex, between Jan. 1, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2018 may be eligible for compensation. The state will send out a notice about how to file a claim at a later date.

To determine eligibility, call 1-866-290-0182 email , or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com .

How can I make a claim? The claims process is not yet open, but anyone who wants to file a claim can register to obtain future information about the litigation, including when claim forms are available.

You can register to receive updates here .

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