Provigil manufacturers failed to warn pregnant mothers in the U.S. of possible birth defects that could arise from taking this drug. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, among other damages. We are working with some of the most experienced Provigil lawyers across the country. There is no charge no fee unless you get an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call our toll-free number 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form.
Have You Sustained Injuries After Taking Provigil?
You May Have a Claim.
What Is Provigil?
Provigil is a prescription drug designed to aid adults who have sleep disorders by improving wakefulness. It accomplishes this by altering specific neurotransmitters and brain chemicals. Provigil was approved by the FDA in 1998 and has been used in various countries around the world. In recent times, the drug manufacturers have come under fire for multiple lawsuits, including ones stating that pregnant women who take it are at risk of having children born with birth defects.
What Potential Dangers Come From Taking Provigil?
Pregnant women who take Provigil are at an increased risk of their children being born with birth defects. Some of these birth defects include cleft lip or palate, congenital heart defects, hypospadias, and microcephaly. These defects occur when the active ingredient in the drug, taken by the mother, is passed through the placenta while in utero. Teva Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Provigil, knew of these correlations and warned Canadian and European counties not to prescribe the drug to pregnant women but did not inform the U.S. It is for this reason that Provigil lawyers have begun filing Provigil lawsuits.
What To Know About Provigil Lawsuits?
While lawsuits are being filed on behalf of pregnant women who have had children born with birth defects, other lawsuits have arisen from the use and/or purchase of Provigil. A recent development shows a $65.8 million class-action settlement was reached for consumers and third-party payors of Provigil. While Teva Pharmaceuticals admits to no wrong in this case, the class action lawsuit claims the company paid to delay the production and release of Provigil’s generic, less expensive form. The lawsuit claims the company violated state antitrust laws and consumer protection laws. The deadline to join in the settlement is approaching (January 15, 2020). More information regarding how to file for this settlement, as well as the criteria you must meet, can be found here.
A separate lawsuit states some patients have experienced fatal skin disorders and psychiatric symptoms. These warnings were added in 2007, almost ten (10) years after it had been on the market. By this time, some patients were already exhibiting side effects that included hallucinations and even thoughts of suicide. One report also stated instances of Steven-Johnson Syndrome, a skin ailment that could lead to deadly infections.
Provigil History Timeline
- 1998 – FDA approves Provigil for treatment of narcolepsy.
- 2002 – UK approves use of Provigil.
- 2003 – FDA approves Provigil for the treatment of shift work disorder and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea.
- 2007 – Warning added for patients who suffer from skin ailments and psychotic symptoms to immediately stop taking Provigil.
- 2012 – The generic form of the drug hits the market.
- 2019 – Teva Pharmaceuticals issues a warning about possible birth defects for pregnant women taking Provigil
- 2019 – Antitrust settlements have been reached for $65.8 million.
What Are The Side Effects of Provigil?
Some common side effects include dizziness, headaches and nausea. Rarer side effects could include increased heart rate and blood pressure, skin disorders, psychiatric symptoms and birth defects in pregnant women.
Contact an Experienced Provigil Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one were pregnant while taking Provigil and your child was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering, among other losses. We work with some of the most experienced Provigil lawyers in the country, who are ready to talk to you about a potential case. Call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.
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