Zyprexa: Lawsuits that revealed so much about this unsafe drug
The potency of Zyprexa convinced healthcare experts and they started recommending it as the most effective drug for patients suffering from schizophrenia and similar disorders. Zyprexa, which is used to treat many psychotic disorders, became popular in a short time span. At one time it was the most-sold schizophrenia treatment drug in the industry. The sales figure for 2003, which was a whooping $4 billion, was enough to explain the popularity this drug enjoyed among masses. What came as a shock for not just doctors or patients but manufacturers as well, were the reports of severe complications that this drug caused as side effects. All assumptions about the wonder-drug were soon proved wrong. The bad news was followed by a series of lawsuits filed against the makers, alleging them to be responsible for causing damage to the health of so many. Few of these lawsuits that made headlines have been mentioned below.
In September 2003, the first case that was filed alleged that the drug increased incidence of pancreatitis. With the first case being filed against the manufacturers, Wall Street Journal issued a warning and inquired the manufacturers about the legality of the drug. Meanwhile, patients from all over also noticed a significant elevation in the blood sugar level, a condition that can prove fatal to diabetics. This led to thorough research in order to ascertain as if the allegations were justified. Eventually, Zyprexa was proved to be linked to the increased incidence of diabetes.
The billion dollar industry for Zyprexa after repeated allegations was literally shaken. In addition to these two cases, there was a lawsuit filed in February 2004, after which older people were warned for taking the drug. Main reasons to issue such warnings were cardiac problems like occurrence of strokes and even death among aged patients who were suffering from dementia and taking the drug.
Following the outcry of victims, the government was forced to take a strict action. There were many reports that pointed out the side effects of Zyprexa, which got published in leading newspapers to help everyone get aware about the hidden facts. One such case was reported in Australia that led to 327 other cases filed against the drug’s severity. The severe disorders included strokes, disorders in the blood cells, mental ailments; increase in blood sugar level.
Side effects linked with Zyprexa were considered such a threat that the government was forced to take up an emergency safety issue against the same. It was an attempt to warn healthcare experts and patients about the potential risks while taking Zyprex. All such risks were severe and could not be left unnoticed. Incidents of complications and issuance of lawsuits and petitions continued for quite some time and today Zyprexa is administered only after warning the patients of the possible risks.
For More Information Visit: http://www.unsafedrugs.com/2416/zyprexa-lawsuits-reports
Jack Taylor (Powers Taylor LLP) is a boutique litigation firm that represents people injured by unsafe drugs. The attorneys of Powers Taylor founded this firm to focus on client needs. We employ unique and creative litigation strategies to obtain decisive results for our clients.
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