Seroquel
By Jane Mundy
Seroquel (generically known as Quetiapine fumarate) was first approved by the FDA in 1997 as a treatment for schizophrenia and in October 2006, it was approved for the treatment of depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I (or Bipolar-II) Disorder. This popular antipsychotic drug, manufactured by AstraZenaca, has also been prescribed (including off-label) for a host of ailments and illnesses including insomnia, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer's.
It has also been linked to serious side effects, including diabetes and pancreatitis, and severe exacerbation of existing diabetes.
In August, 2003 the Wall Street Journal reported on a study that Seroquel users had a higher incidence of diabetes than patients taking older antipsychotic drugs. The study, which was based on medical records obtained from almost 20,000 US military veterans, resulted in several Seroquel class action lawsuits. They were filed on behalf of patients put at risk for suffering a high rate of diabetes without being adequately warned. The Seroquel class action lawsuit alleges that AstraZenaca, the U.K.'s second- largest drugmaker, was aware of the risk for diabetes. Furthermore, it had detailed warnings about the dangerous side effects on its Japanese Seroquel labels.
The suit also alleges that AstraZenaca aggressively marketed Seroquel, even when it knew of the potential risks involved and for indications that were not approved by the FDA. They state that the drug company's marketing overstated the drug's uses and benefits, including off-label promotion, and at the same time knowingly concealed its life-threatening side effects.
The drug company has been accused of putting profits before safety.
So far, AstraZeneca has been sued by about 10,000 individuals in US state and federal courts over claimed injuries from Seroquel.
Seroquel has become the 16th top-selling medication in the world with increased sales of 24 percent in 2006, resulting in sales of $3.4 billion.
If you or a loved one has taken Seroquel to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety or sleep disorders and you have developed diabetes or pancreatitis, you may be entitled to compensation.
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