The manufacturers of the antipsychotic drug Abilify are continuing to face product liability lawsuits for side effects caused by the drug. Recent lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of Abilify, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., allege that one of the major side effects associated with Abilify is compulsive or pathological gambling. Because of this side effect, Abilify which is often used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders, has now had the adverse effect.
Why Is There An Increase in Abilify Lawsuits?
Over the last few months, a number of Abilify gambling lawsuits have been filed nationwide. These lawsuits claim that the companies that manufacture the drug knew or should have known that those who took Abilify face a heightened risk of pathological gambling. One such plaintiff recently filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that he suffered gambling losses of over $45,000 after starting to use Abilify. He said he developed a compulsive gambling habit during the time taking the drug, but the compulsion to gamble subsided once he stopped taking Abilify. A 2014 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Internal Medicine found that medications such as Abilify can be linked to issues with impulse control. Abilify has not only been linked to gambling, but also other types of compulsive behavior such as binge eating and hypersexuality.
What Are The Dangers of The Gambling Side-Effect?
Addictive gambling can lead to devastating consequences not just for patients, but also for their families. Gambling that becomes uncontrollable and unmanageable for an individual may cause the patient to take out loans, deplete their savings and ruin their credit. There have been cases stating that patients have been known to take money out of their children’s college funds or their own retirement savings to feed to their gambling addiction. Compulsive gambling could also affect job performance and destroy one’s reputation. While this type of side effect might not cause physical harm, it can cause psychological suffering and ruin people’s lives.
Contact an Abilify Lawyer
If you or someone you know have suffered serious side effects after taking Abilify, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced Abilify lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file an Abilify lawsuit for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll free number at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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