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Seroquel Class Action Lawsuits Information
A drug developed for the treatment of schizophrenia, Seroquel
(quetiapine fumarate), is an oral medication that was cleared by the FDA in
1997. Seroquel is manufactured by Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and is a member of a
new chemical class called dibenzothiazepine derivatives. Like other new
"atypical" antipsychotics, Seroquel carries a decreased risk of side effects
related to loss of motor control, a major problem with older "typical"
antipsychotics. Seroquel is taken orally in pill form, usually two to three
times per day.
Extensive clinical trials show that Seroquel is effective in the treatment of
all manner of symptoms of schizophrenia, from delusions to apathy. Seroquel
affects a range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin receptors.
Users of Seroquel have found the drug to be as effective as traditional
antipsychotic medications, including Thorazine (chlorpromazine) and Haldol
(haloperidol). Until recently, it appeared that Seroquel was a new miracle drug,
effectively controlling symptoms of schizophrenia, while avoiding the side
effects that many patients found irritating or embarrassing.
In 2004, four medical societies named Seroquel as one of six anti-psychotic
drugs that promote diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol. In February's issue of
the journal, Diabetes Care , the American Diabetes Association, the American
Psychiatric Association, the North American Association for the Study of
Obesity, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists warned that
Seroquel users should be watched carefully to ensure that they are not
developing diabetes. Additionally, doctors prescribing Seroquel should screen
patients carefully for a history of obesity and diabetes in the patient and
family, as well as the patient's weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Seroquel manufacturers AstraZeneca have been requested by US regulators to
include warnings about the risk of elevated blood sugar and diabetes. The
Japanese Seroquel label includes a prominent warning, specifically stating that
there is a link between diabetes and the use of Seroquel. The United States
label, however, does not reflect this known problem, meaning that Seroquel users
and their physicians may be unaware of the need to monitor for signs of
diabetes.
If you or a loved one has used Seroquel, you may wish to seek medical advice
regarding the specific risks involved. Users of Seroquel should not, under any
circumstances, decrease or cease their use of Seroquel without being instructed
to do so by a doctor. Seroquel users who believe they have suffered adverse
effects from their use of the medication should contact an attorney who is
familiar with the issues surrounding Seroquel and other antipsychotic
medications to investigate potential recovery of funds related to the side
effects, including medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and punitive
damage levied against the makers of Seroquel.
Seroquel Side Effects
When Seroquel was first approved for marketing by the FDA in
1997, the known Seroquel side effects were promising in comparison to
complications that resulted from older antipsychotic medications. The Seroquel
side effects reported by drug manufacturer AstraZeneca include digestive
problems, dizziness, and sleepiness. There was no indication that Seroquel side
effects differed greatly from those typical to most medications, as well as to
placebos, but a recent study shows that Seroquel side effects can produce
diabetes in some users.
Since learning about the potential Seroquel side effects, four medical societies
have warned that doctors and patients should be on the alert for signs of
Seroquel side effects such as diabetes, and that physicians who are prescribing
Seroquel can minimize the possibility of serious Seroquel side effects by
screening the patient thoroughly for a history of diabetes, obesity, or
hypertension. Although other medications classified as "atypical antipsychotics"
increase the risk of diabetes, the highest diabetes risk is associated with
Seroquel side effects.
The FDA requested that the manufacturers of all six drugs identified as
increasing the risk of diabetes place warnings on the drug labels, but while the
Seroquel side effects listed on the drug's Japanese labels clearly declares in
the heightened risk of diabetes, there is no warning associated with Seroquel
side effects on the American packaging. This discrepancy, many feel, indicates
that AstraZeneca shows disregard for the dangers that Seroquel side effects pose
to patients.
Patients who are already taking Seroquel should not decrease or stop their doses
without first consulting a physician. If signs of Seroquel side effects appear,
they should immediately consult a medical professional. Symptoms of the most
serious of the Seroquel side effects, diabetes, include rapid weight gain,
increased thirst, and frequent urination. Spotting the signs of serious Seroquel
side effects early on can help minimize the potential health damages. While
Seroquel side effects can be serious, many patients would prefer to stay on the
medication unless they begin to show signs of adverse effects, and then
gradually switch to a medication with lower incidence of complications.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of Seroquel side effects, you
should contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. By failing to warn
consumers about potential Seroquel side effects in an appropriate and timely
manner, AstraZeneca may have become financially liable for damages caused by the
medication, including hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and
punitive damages.
More Seroquel Information
Research has found that Seroquel anger is a serious side
effect that can cause injury to patients who are taking this atypical
antipsychotic medication. Elderly patients who are taking Seroquel for the
treatment of dementia or Alzheimer's seem to have the greatest risk of suffering
from Seroquel anger. Several studies have indicated that Seroquel use can
actually worsen a patient's dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms.
Seroquel is a prescription medication that was originally approved by the FDA in
1997 to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. In 2004 AstraZeneca's blockbuster
drug, Seroquel, was also approved to treat the symptoms of bi-polar disorder. In
addition to these two approved uses, Seroquel is prescribed for a number of off
label uses including depression, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and
dementia. Doctors often prescribe medications for uses other than those
officially approved, though it is unlawful for a pharmaceutical company to
market their product for off-label use.
Seroquel anger is a serious side effect that is commonly observed in older
patients who are taking Seroquel to treat this very symptom and other injurious
dementia symptoms. A research team in England found that patients taking
Seroquel for dementia experienced cognitive decline, including Seroquel anger,
at twice the rate of patients who had taken a "dummy" pill. Other studies have
also found an increased risk for treatment-emergent Seroquel anger in similar
patient populations.
Dementia and other neurological conditions that often develop later in life can
cause a variety of unfavorable symptoms. Dementia can include a decline in
cognitive abilities including memory, concentration, reasoning, and judgment
abilities. Dementia is also characterized by psychological symptoms including
dramatic mood swings, significant changes in personality and disposition, and a
decreased ability to regulate temper. In addition to these symptoms, patients
may also suffer from sleep disturbances, motor system impairments, speech and
language problems, and altered mental states.
Doctors began prescribing Seroquel and other atypical antipsychotic medications
to patients in hopes of reducing these symptoms, particularly those related to
personality and other psychological disturbances. Many patients who have been
prescribed Seroquel to treat mood swings, temper problems, anger, agitation, and
paranoia have actually suffered a worsening of their symptoms as a result of
their treatment. In some cases a patient's Seroquel anger improved after
terminating their treatment, providing further indication that Seroquel anger is
often treatment-induced.
If you or a loved one is taking Seroquel to treat any condition and experience
symptoms of Seroquel anger and other unfavorable side effects, you may wish to
contact your health care provider at your earliest convenience.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of Seroquel anger, you may
wish to speak with a qualified and experienced legal professional who can help
determine your legal rights and options in a case to recover what you have lost
as a result of Seroquel anger or any other Seroquel side effects.
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