If you or someone you know has taken Seroquel and suffered liver damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Seroquel is a popular antipsychotic medication for schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and depression. Unfortunately, Seroquel has been linked to liver damage and failure, leading to lawsuits against the manufacturer. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need about Seroquel liver damage lawsuits.
What is Seroquel?
Seroquel, also known as quetiapine, is an antipsychotic medication that works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. It is used to treat various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, and major depression. AstraZeneca manufactured Seroquel, which was first approved by the FDA in 1997.
How does Seroquel cause liver damage?
While Seroquel is generally considered safe when prescribed, it has been linked to liver damage and failure in some cases. The exact mechanism by which Seroquel causes liver damage is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the drug’s effects on the liver enzymes that metabolize it. When these enzymes are inhibited, the drug can build up in the liver and cause damage.
What are the symptoms of Seroquel liver damage?
Symptoms of Seroquel liver damage may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
- Pale stools
If you experience these symptoms while taking Seroquel, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How is Seroquel liver damage diagnosed?
Diagnosing Seroquel liver damage involves a combination of blood tests, imaging studies (such as an ultrasound or MRI), and a liver biopsy. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if Seroquel may be responsible for your liver damage.
What are the risks of Seroquel liver damage?
Seroquel liver damage can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If left untreated, it can lead to liver failure and the need for a liver transplant. In some cases, Seroquel liver damage may be fatal.
Can Seroquel liver damage be treated?
Treatment for Seroquel liver damage depends on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Sometimes, simply stopping the medication may be enough to allow the liver to recover. In more severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care (such as intravenous fluids and medications to manage symptoms) may be necessary. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be required.
What is a Seroquel liver damage lawsuit?
A Seroquel liver damage lawsuit is a legal claim filed by individuals who have suffered liver damage due to taking Seroquel. These lawsuits typically allege that AstraZeneca knew or should have known about the risk of liver damage associated with Seroquel and failed to warn patients and healthcare providers adequately.
What damages can I recover in a Seroquel liver damage lawsuit?
If you are successful in a Seroquel liver damage lawsuit, you may be entitled to recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (such as hospital bills and the cost of future medical treatment)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death (in cases where a loved one has died as a result of Seroquel liver damage)
How can I file a Seroquel liver damage lawsuit?
If you have suffered liver damage due to taking Seroquel, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine if you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against AstraZeneca. It’s important to act quickly, as there may be a statute of limitations limiting the time you have to file a claim.
Are there any current Seroquel liver damage lawsuits?
Yes, several lawsuits have been filed against AstraZeneca alleging that Seroquel caused liver damage. In one case, a woman who took Seroquel for bi-polar disorder developed liver damage and required a liver transplant. She filed a lawsuit against AstraZeneca, which was settled for an undisclosed amount.
How can I protect myself from Seroquel liver damage?
If you are taking Seroquel, following your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attending regular follow-up appointments is important. You should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver damage and report any concerns to your healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
Seroquel is a widely used medication that can be effective in treating a variety of mental health disorders. However, it has been linked to liver damage and failure in some cases, leading to lawsuits against the manufacturer, AstraZeneca. If you or someone you know has suffered liver damage due to taking Seroquel, you may be entitled to compensation. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible is important to protect your rights.
FAQs
Can Seroquel cause liver damage?
Yes, Seroquel has sometimes been linked to liver damage and failure.
What are the symptoms of Seroquel liver damage?
Symptoms of Seroquel liver damage may include jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, and pale stools.
How is Seroquel liver damage diagnosed?
Diagnosing Seroquel liver damage involves blood tests, imaging studies, and a liver biopsy.
Can Seroquel liver damage be treated?
Treatment for Seroquel liver damage depends on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause.
How can I file a Seroquel liver damage lawsuit?
If you have suffered liver damage due to taking Seroquel, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Seroquel Lawsuit
In recent news, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) pulled Seroquel, a commonly prescribed drug for schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, off the shelves due to serious concerns over potentially dangerous side effects. This article discusses the implications of the recall and the lawsuit brought by a former Seroquel user.
Seroquel’s Serious Side Effects
Seroquel, widely prescribed for bi-polar disorder, has been shown to increase the risk of heart failure or fatal cardiac arrest in users. The recall was initiated by the manufacturer, GSK, after reports of such side effects were received. The lawsuit was brought by a former Seroquel user who had suffered from severe depression, anxiety, and congestive heart failure.
Herbalife’s Role in the Lawsuit
In addition to the Seroquel recall, many prescription and non-prescription drugs are being pulled off the shelves due to reports of dangerous side effects. Herbalife, a natural supplement company, has been under fire for reports of liver failure and suicide due to its products. The plaintiff’s attorney in the Seroquel lawsuit against Herbalife pointed out that two of the three main ingredients found in Seroquel, phenytoin and hydrocodone, are known causes of liver damage. Additionally, herbalife products are not regulated, and diuretics (water pills) often come with dangerous side effects, such as liver damage.
Greed and Irresponsible Business Practices
Both the Seroquel recall and the lawsuit against Herbalife highlight issues of greed and irresponsible business practices. The plaintiffs’ attorneys hope that by bringing these lawsuits, the attention of the FDA will be redirected, and that more seriously tainted products will be brought to the public’s attention.
Protecting Your Rights
If you feel that you have a case, it is important to contact a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. If you think you may have a case, you may wish to contact a plaintiff’s attorney as soon as possible, to discuss your case in full and get your lawsuit started.