Weitz & Luxenberg Responds to Study on Off-Label Use of Seroquel
Press Release
February 6, 2007, New York, NY— Some newer
antipsychotic medications approved for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have
been given to millions of Americans to treat depression, dementia and other
disorders. A new analysis produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality, says the evidence is weak that the drugs are effective for these
so-called “off-label” uses, and they come with increased health risks.
Of the study’s findings, Paul J. Pennock, Director of the drug and
medical device litigation unit at Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., said, “Many drug
companies monitor the prescriptions doctors write for both on- and off-label use
through vendors. So, these drug companies are fully aware of the extensive
off-label use, from which they greatly profit. They should therefore be held
accountable to ensure proper warnings are given to prospective users of their
drugs.”
The exhaustive review examined 84 published studies on atypical
antipsychotics such as Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate). Researchers found that
not only is quality scientific evidence lacking to support the off-label uses,
there is strong evidence of very dangerous side effects to many of the drugs,
including risk of death and strokes, significant weight gain and
gastrointestinal problems.
In their analysis of whether atypical
antipsychotics such as Seroquel work when used to treat dementia, researchers
found scant evidence to support their use. Instead, they found that a large
clinical trial concluded that when Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel were given to
Alzheimer’s patients, that the risks of adverse side effects offset the
potential benefits.
Seroquel is marketed by AstraZeneca as a treatment
for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it is often prescribed
off-label for anxiety and sleep disorders. The drug has been linked to the
development of diabetes, a debilitating, deadly disease.
Weitz &
Luxenberg, one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firms in America,
believes the public should be fully informed about all pharmaceutical
medications before choosing to take them. The firm has spearheaded litigation
related to Seroquel, filing cases in the Southern District of New York. Those
cases are now being transferred into the Federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL)
located in Middle District of Florida (MDL docket number 1769).
People
who have been injured by Seroquel can contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Interested
parties should call the Client Relations Department at 1 (800) 476-6070, e-mail
clientrelations@weitzlux.com, and view the firm’s corporate website at
http://www.weitzlux.com
About Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.
Weitz
& Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation
law firms in America. The firm has worked on numerous cases involving dangerous
pharmaceuticals, including PPA, Propulsid, Accutane, Bextra/Celebrex, Seroquel
and Vioxx. In the latter, we recently achieved a $13.5 million verdict against
Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605). The firm has also played leading roles
in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, and silicone breast
implants, among others. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental
polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and
mercury, among other toxins.
Weitz & Luxenberg is no longer accepting Seroquel cases.
see also:
Free Information Booklet
Get Our FREE Information Booklet on The Dangers of Seroquel Order Our FREE Information Booklet on The Danger of Seroquel; Diabetes
Research Center
Find important information you need to know about Seroquel right here!Do you know the Dangers of Seroquel? Information all users must have
Seroquel
Seroquel can cause harmful side effects; lawsuit questionnaire.Lawsuit questionnaire; dangerous side effects of Seroquel use.
