Weitz & Luxenberg Responds to Study on Off-Label Use of Antipsychotics

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.