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Serzone Class Action Lawsuits Information
Serzone antidepressant drug has been linked to reports of
death and severe liver failure. Potentially hundreds of Serzone deaths and
injuries have occurred, but because of the high number of unreported cases
thought to occur, countless patients may have suffered. In 2002 alone, 2.8
million Serzone prescriptions were filled in the U.S. In addition to hepatic
risks, Serzone, when used by children is believed to cause in increase in
suicide risk.
Public Citizen consumer group petitioned the FDA to ban Serzone in March 2003.
When the FDA failed to adequately respond to the group's request, they renewed
its' call for the FDA to ban the antidepressant in October 2003. While Canadian
officials announced they would ban Serzone because of its risks, critics of the
U.S. agency wondered why the FDA had not made similar actions.
When the World Health Organization and Health Canada compared different
antidepressant drugs, Serzone was the only one displaying increased risks for
serious liver injury. The influence rich and powerful drug companies have over
federal regulation has been questioned over the years. Serzone's allowance to
remain on the market is yet another example of controversial safety regulating.
Serzone Side Effects
Serzone is an antidepressant drug manufactured by
Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company. Due to the potentially deadly nature of some
Serzone side effects, the federal Food and Drug Administration has required
Bristol-Meyers to include a black-box warning on the labels for the drug. Black
box warnings are used only for the most serious side effects in medications,
such as the Serzone side effects including liver damage and potential death.
There are many lesser Serzone side effects, including dry mouth, nausea,
dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, and rash. Of the common Serzone side
effects, the most serious seem to be the potential for fever and seizures. Many
of the Serzone side effects are common to most prescription medications and are
not cause for serious concern. The most severe of the reported Serzone side
effects is the increased risk for liver damage/failure. The reported rate of
liver failure for Serzone users is "about 3-4 times the estimate background rate
of liver failure."
Individuals at the highest risk for liver-related Serzone side effects are those
who have liver disease or a history of liver disease. In addition, the chance
for Serzone side effects is greater for patients with an allergy to Serzone or
Desyrel, patients taking Seldane, Hismanal, Propulsid, Halcion, Orap, or
Tegretol. Patients who use alcohol or have dtaken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
are also poor candidates for Serzone, due to the compounded risk of Serzone side
effects.
Persons who believe that they have suffered from Serzone side effects due to the
manufacturer's failure to warn them or because of a doctor's error may be
eligible for financial restitution. Serzone side effects can result in costly
medical treatments, hospitalization, transplants, and even death. If you or a
loved one suffer from Serzone side effects, you may wish to speak with an
attorney who is qualified to represent victims of Serzone side effects.
More Serzone Information
Serzone is an antidepressant that is manufactured by drug
company Bristol-Meyers Squibb. As with many antidepressants, patients taking
Serzone have experienced "Serzone withdrawal" when they stopped taking the drug.
Following an announcement that users of Serzone were at a greatly increased risk
of liver damage/failure, many patients abruptly discontinued their use of
Serzone--in some cases causing severe Serzone withdrawal.
The physical and psychological effects of going into Serzone withdrawal can be
alienating and terrifying. Many who have experienced Serzone withdrawal speak of
their return to depression, inability to sleep, panic attacks and
hyperventilation and terrible, vivid nightmares. The intensity of Serzone
withdrawal can vary from patient to patient, often with little or no logical
explanation. Some patients never experience any level of Serzone withdrawal,
while others decide to return to the drug because they are unwilling to live
with the symptoms of Serzone withdrawal.
In order to minimize the chances and severity of Serzone withdrawal, patients
should work with their physicians to design a system by which they slowly "wean"
themselves of the drug. By gradually decreasing the dosage consumed per day,
patients can exercise some control over the intensity of their Serzone
withdrawal. Again, the crucial point is not to abruptly discontinue use of the
drug entirely.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Serzone withdrawal, or has been
otherwise harmed by this drug, you should immediately contact a physician.
Serzone withdrawal can cause immediate and serious psychological problems, and
no one should attempt to undergo Serzone withdrawal without some level of
medical supervision. An attorney who understands the legitimacy and prevalence
of Serzone withdrawal may be able to help you explore your legal options and
make crucial decisions.
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