Zyprexa, created to treat schizophrenia, is considered to be an atypical medication. The FDA approved this drug back in 1996 and later approved its use in treating other psychological conditions. Many of these mental disorders are often incurable and require lifelong treatment.
Not long after its approval, the FDA began to change its tune on how Zyprexa was to be used. By 2003, the government agency forced Eli Lilly and Company to update the medication’s product information and labeling. The company was now forced to tell doctors and patients alike of the potentially dangerous side effects that came with using this drug.
If you or someone you love was injured after taking Zyprexa, call Phillips Law Group right away. As one of Arizona’s largest consumer law groups, we have helped our clients win over $1 billion in settlements. Our team is standing by 27/7 to meet your legal needs when you need us at your convenience.
Call Phillips Law Group today at (602) 222-2222 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you win.
Zyprexa’s Common Side Effects
While Zyprexa was prescribed to treat psychological disorders, the FDA found out later that this drug did more harm than good. The list of side effects is excessive and includes some potentially deadly conditions.
Common side effects of Zyprexa can include:
- Blurred vision
- Swelling of the hands, feet, arms, legs, and face
- Problems swallowing
- Change in balance
- Drooling
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Muscle trembling and jerking
- Mask-like face
- Rapid weight gain
- Clumsiness
- Inability to sit still/restlessness
- Slowed movements
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty speaking
- Unsteadiness
- Tik-like movements of the head, neck, face, and mouth
- Twisting body movements
- Abnormal gait
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Fever
- Personality change
- Heartburn
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Stuffy nose
- Thirst
- Body aches
- Chills
- Leg cramps
- Vomiting
Zyprexa’s Dangerous Side Effects
While most medications have common side effects, Zyprexa was shown to be particularly harmful to many patients. Below are several dangerous side effects found to occur after taking this drug.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
NMS is a dangerous nervous system disorder that can be life-threatening. It causes stiff muscles, irregular heartbeat, blood pressure changes, sweating, and a high fever. This condition can also harm your kidneys. NMS is considered a medical emergency, so call 911 immediately if you get these symptoms
High blood sugar and diabetes
Between 1994 and 2001, two studies found that approximately 237 patients developed diabetes and other adverse conditions:
- 188 of those cases were new-onset diabetes
- 44 patients had their condition worsened
- 73 percent of all patients who developed hypoglycemia came up within 6 months of starting Zyprexa
- 80 patients developed metabolic acidosis
- 15 patients died
The study was able to determine that Zyprexa was the main culprit behind the blood sugar issues. Once patients were taken off the drug, 78 percent of them were able to get their blood sugar under control.
Tardive dyskinesia
Male patients between the ages of 40 and 49 were found to be more susceptible to developing tardive dyskinesia, or TD. Tardive dyskinesia is an involuntary loss of control over bodily movements.
This loss of muscle control can result in a person smacking their lips, sticking out their tongue, or doing other repetitive movements. 20 percent of patients who report having TD state that the disorder interferes with their daily life.
It has been reported that TD symptoms came on after using Zyprexa for 2-5 years.
Stroke
In 2004, Lilly put out a warning to dementia patients to discontinue the use of Zyprexa. While the FDA never approved the drug for that purpose, it was still being given out to elderly patients as a potential treatment. The warning was issued after the medication was found to increase the risk of sudden death and stroke.
Hypotension
Hypotension is another term for low blood pressure. Zyprexa was found to cause low blood pressure in patients, especially when moving from a sitting to a standing position. This sudden change can cause dizziness and be extremely dangerous. Older patients who are more prone to falling should be extra careful when standing to prevent injuries.
Weight gain
Many patients who take Zyprexa report significant weight gain as part of its side effects. This is due to many factors, such as increased appetite, hormonal changes, increased blood sugars, and slower metabolism. Since all the factors necessary for weight gain can be aligned when taking this drug, a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended when using Zyprexa.
DRESS
In 2016, the FDA released another warning about Zyprexa causing life-threatening skin reactions. Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, or DRESS, causes swelling and inflammation. This reaction is caused by an increase in white blood cells, otherwise known as eosinophils. As many as 23 patients who took Zyprexa developed DRESS, and the condition had a mortality rate of 10 percent.
Eli Lilly Pays Massive $1.415 Billion Fine for Off-Label Promotion
According to the US Department of Justice, Eli Lilly paid one of the largest corporate fines in history. The pharmaceutical giant pleaded guilty to illegally promoting Zyprexa in ways not approved by the FDA. Eli Lilly had to pay $515 million, which is the largest amount ever paid out in a healthcare case. It is also the highest criminal fine ever imposed upon a corporation. The company also shelled out $800 million to settle the matter with the US government and forfeited $100 million in assets.
Most of the off-label uses were prescriptions given to the elderly to help treat dementia symptoms. Eli Lilly agreed to accept a guilty plea in exchange for misdemeanor criminal charges. This settles over 18,000 separate lawsuits filed against the company for violating the False Claims Act. The FDCA requires companies to intentionally specify a drug’s intended use when applying for FDA approval. Once approved, the drug cannot be promoted for any other purpose.
Eli Lilly Hid Zyprexa Side Effects
The DOJ released information that the company knew Zyprexa had many adverse side effects. The drug helped promote weight gain that caused or exacerbated diabetes and high blood sugar. While the FDA sent a written warning to Eli Lilly, the company continued promoting the medication for off-label use.
Should You Contact a Zyprexa Side Effects Lawyer?
More lawsuits are being filed all the time by people who were harmed by Zyprexa. Eli Lilly has settled over $3 billion in lawsuits so far. It is a wonder that the drug has not been pulled from the market altogether. Yet, as these lawsuits continue to pile up, more victims are claiming to have been misled by manufacturers and doctors alike.
If you or someone you love has been injured by Zyprexa, you have a right to pursue compensation. You can be awarded both economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation
- Emergency services
- Lifelong disability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Wrongful death
Call Phillips Law Group Today to Speak to Experienced Attorneys Who Care
As a patient, you trusted your doctor’s advice. No one ever expects to develop life-threatening conditions because of deceitfully prescribed medication. That is why you need tough and experienced drug injury attorneys by your side to help you get the compensation you deserve. Phillips Law Group is one of Arizona’s largest consumer law firms, and we stand ready to help our clients fight against any large pharmaceutical company.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have helped our clients win over $1 billion in settlements over the past 26 years. Lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies can be complex. There is enough on your plate already, so let us handle the hard work while you focus on recovering from your injuries. The Phillips Law Group team is standing by 24/7, ready to take your call.
You can reach us at (602) 222-2222 or you can send fill out the form on our website and someone will contact you as soon as possible. We charge no fees unless you win your case.
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