Eli Lilly to Settle Zyprexa Lawsuit

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly declared in June 2005 to settle 76,000 of the 7,000 plus claims against it for the severe side effects suffered by the patients consuming antipsychotic drug Zyprexa. U.S.  Food and Drug Administration warned against its adverse side effects as early as 2003. The consumption of this drug has been linked to inflammation of the pancreas, blood sugar imbalances, hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. Though, Eli Lilly settled some cases against it but its legal woes have just begun. In December 2005 and February 2006, patients filed more plaintiffs against the manufacturers claiming that the manufacturers defectively designed the drug and refused to warn its patients of its side effects.

According to the lawsuit, Eli Lilly failed to warn the patients and doctors of the various health risks associated with the consumption of Zyprexa. The lawsuit also claimed that the manufacturers issued “Dear Doctor” letter too later even though the FDA warned its side effects in September 2003.  However, issued a “Dear Doctor” letter in March next year and the warning did not even appear in the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR).

In order to succeed, patients have to prove that Eli Lilly was negligent in its marketing and testing of Zyprexa. After the recent settlement of Zyprexa lawsuits in June 2005, juries in the recent cases may feel that Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Zyprexa has incriminated itself. However, settlement seems more likely than a costly and lengthy jury trial.

Twenty-five Fatal Cases of Diabetes

Until date, there have been more approximately 350 reported claims of Zyprexa-related diabetes, with nearly 30 percent resulting into death. This is a huge no. considering the wide recommendation of the drug. Zyprexa is the third best selling pharmaceutical drug available in the market. Doctors prescribe it to a variety of consumers of different age groups cross the globe. However, diabetes is not the only side effect of this antipsychotic. In 2001, FDA announced that the consumption of this drug by elderly patients who suffer from dementia might even lead to premature death. Additionally, there have been cases of necrotizing pancreatitis, an ailment that kills cells within the pancreas.

If you or someone you love suffers from the adverse side effects of consuming Zyprexa, contact doctor immediately. He will help you get off the drug and will give you proper medical care. Next, seek the advice of an experienced pharmaceutical attorney. He will advice you whether you qualify for Zyprexa related illness and injuries. An experienced lawyer will help you throughout the process of litigation, assist you in filing the claim and get you monetary compensation for the lost wages, pain and sufferings, past and future medical expenses including other conditions.

Use of Zyprexa Leads to Hyperglycemia and Development of Diabetes

Mental illnesses like other illnesses develop without any fault of the patient. These illnesses include allergies, asthma and more commonly understood illnesses. The main difference between mental illness and physical illness is the process of diagnosis. Mental illness is less perfect and difficult science when it comes to diagnosing it. Psychiatrists and doctors rely on heavy observation, behavioral patterns and family history as opposed to textbooks, blood tests and x rays. To help millions of Americans suffering from mental illnesses, a large variety of prescription drug has been put on the market.

Eli Lilly created Zyprexa fro the treatment of various mental illnesses. Zyprexa is a second generation anti psychotic drug and commonly prescribed for treating patients suffering from acute bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Moreover, Zyprexa generated more than $4.4 billion in a period of one year.

Zyprexa is a non – conventional type of antipsychotic drug called atypical psychotic medicine belonging to a larger family of drugs called Psychotropics. It balances the chemicals in the brain in order to achieve the brain’s normal level and balance. According to few researchers, consumption of Zyprexa blocks specific serotonin and dopamine receptors resulting in the reduction of the symptoms of few psychotic disorders. Doctors prescribe Zyprexa to the patients suffering from this type of disorder.

Some side effects are mild such as upset stomach, dry mouth, weigh gain and dizziness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved this drug in 1996 and since then this drug is associated with adverse side effect including the development of hyperglycemia and development of diabetes.

In 2003, the FDA announced that the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotic including Zyprexa should include the warning about the increased risk of developing hyperglycemia and development of diabetes. In March 2004, Eli Lilly, manufacturer of Zyprexa issued a “Dear Health Care Professional” letter informing health care providers and doctors about the risks related with the consumption of Zyprexa. In April 2005, FDA issued a Black Box warning against the use of Zyprexa. This is the harshest warning level that FDA issues against its approved product.  In 2005, a federal prosecutor declared an investigation regarding the ways and techniques the company marketed Zyprexa.

In June 2005, Eli Lilly declared its plan to settle about 8,000 claims filed against them citing the development of blood sugar due to the consumption of Zyprexa. In an early settlement, lawyers settled the cases of large sum of $ 690 million.