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Zyprexa is an “atypical antipsychotic medication” which acts as a mood stabilizer. It has been frequently used to treat schizophrenia by controlling hallucinations, delusions, apathy and withdrawal. Zyprexa is also FDA approved for the treatment of Bi-Polar Mania. Zyprexa was once described as being "safer and more effective" in the treatment of schizophrenia than any other previous drug.

In 1996, Zyprexa was approved for sale in the United States. For many years, remarkable recoveries seemed to confirm early excitement about this medication. The first generation of antipsychotic drugs had terrible side effects, such as dry mouth, stiffness, and trembling, and patients stopped using them as a result. Zyprexa seemed to have fewer side effects than previous antipsychotic drugs.

Zyprexa appeared so successful initially, that doctors began prescribing it for manic depression, Alzheimer's disease, personality disorders, non-psychotic depression and for severe aggression in children. Sales of the drug soared. Doctors wrote close to 15 million prescriptions for Zyprexa in 2002 alone, making it the one of the highest-selling drugs, behind cholesterol-lowering drugs, ulcer drugs, and antidepressants.

Zyprexa is available as tablets that can be taken once a day in varying strengths. It had earlier been prescribed as being easily tolerated for most patients and that routine blood monitoring was unnecessary. Unfortunately, this later was proved to be incorrect.

Zyprexa and other atypical drugs are no longer viewed as “wonder drugs.” Their success is now described as “modest at best.” Researchers increasingly suspect that atypical drugs, such as Zyprexa, may cause serious side effects. Most serious is the development of diabetes that in some cases may lead to death. There has also been a close association between Zyprexa and pancreatitis.

In September 2003, as a result of hundreds of adverse reactions and reported complaints (including hyperglycemia, diabetes, ketoacidosis, pancreatitis, and other related conditions), the FDA ordered that the warning labels be changed on the Zyprexa bottles to alert patients of the severe complications associated with this product. (Japan published safety warnings two years before the U.S.)

Reported side effects associated with Zyprexa have included:

• Weight gains in excess of 65 pounds
• Diabetes, hyperglycemia, or other glucose abnormalities (some patients have even died from developing diabetes after taking Zyprexa)
• Heart attacks and comas
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Pancreatitis

Consumer groups believe that the FDA had done too little too late to warn doctors and patients about the risks associated with Zyprexa. The failure to give adequate, and earlier warnings, is one of the main allegations involved in Zyprexa lawsuits.

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zyprexa, has argued that Zyprexa's safety is supported by two of their self-sponsored studies. These two studies demonstrated that Zyprexa had no diabetes-inducing effects. According to doctors at the diabetes care center at the University of North Carolina, too few patients were studied to detect a less common Zyprexa side effect.

If you, or a loved one has been taking Zyprexa and subsequently developed diabetes, Pancreatitis, hyperglycemia, or you have a family member who has died from a diabetes-induced heart attack, you should consult with an attorney to determine if you may be eligible for compensation.

Commonly Asked Questions Related to Zyprexa

I am currently taking this medication; are there precautions that I should be taking?

• Call your doctor if you feel that you have developed any unusual symptoms since being on the medication.
• Also call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
• Zyprexa may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Zyprexa.
• Avoid becoming overheated. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated while you are taking Zyprexa. Use caution in hot weather and during exercise; drink plenty of water.

Do other medications affect Zyprexa?

In some instances, yes, so it is very important to tell your doctor and your pharmacist about all the medicines (including over-the counter) and vitamins, that you are taking before beginning Zyprexa.

Zyprexa may increase the effects of medicines that are used to control high blood pressure. This could lead to very low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. Zyprexa may also increase the effects of drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and any other drug that makes you feel sleepy or relaxed. Zyprexa may decrease the effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease which could lead to worsening Parkinson’s symptoms.

Why were patients in Japan warned earlier about this drug’s adverse reactions, than US patients?

Drug companies in the United States spend millions of dollars on drug lobbyists and money talks in our economy, but other countries generally have less bureaucratic red tape, which may be the reason that Japan citizens were warned earlier than those in the US.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a Zyprexa lawsuit?

In most cases, it costs you nothing. Most attorneys are hired on a contingency basis meaning they are paid a portion of your settlement. If you do not win your case, the attorney will not get paid. You have nothing to lose by contacting an attorney immediately.

Zyprexa Lawyers / Attorneys Web Links

Kraft & Associates, Social Security Disability, Dog Bites, Truck Wrecks, Auto Accidents, Personal Injury lawyers, Dallas, Texas - (800) 989-9999

The Offices of George W. Lennon, Workers Compensation, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Raleigh, NC - (919) 856-9000

Lichtenstein, Fishwick & Johnson, PLLC - Personal Injury, Employment Law, Medical Malpractice and Negligence, Family Law, Roanoake, VA - (540) 463-6233

Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer – NBALawFirm.com handles serious personal injury and vehicle accident claim throughout LA including: Baton Rouge and Alexandria. 1-800-256-1050

Maritime Lawyers & Offshore Admiralty Accidents Injury

Marks & Harrison, Personal Injury Lawyers, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death, Social Security Disability, Workers' Compensation, Consumer Fraud, Richmond, Petersburg, Charlottesville, VA - (800) 283-2202

McEwen Law Firm, Vioxx Personal Injury Lawyers, Inver Grove Heights, MN - (651) 224 – 3833

Charles R. Ullman & Associates, Attorneys at Law, Family Law - Divorce, Child Support, Spousal Support, Child Custody, Johnston County & Raleigh, NC, 919-829-1006

Birth Injury Attorneys
Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
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New York Attorneys
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Texas Personal Injury Attorneys
Truck Accident Lawyers

Heard & Smith, LLP - Probate, Estate Planning, Social Security Disability
Tampa Family Lawyers: Divorce, Military Divorce, Child Custody, Mediation, Tampa, FL - (813) 254-5455
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Law Offices of Brian D. Iton - Bergen County - New Jersey Family Lawyers: Child Custody & Support, Divorce, Separation, Spousal Support, NJ - (201) 541-6477
Law Offices of Dennis N. Brager, IRS and State Tax Solutions, Los Angeles, CA - (310) 208-6200
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Preferred Communications - Satellite Communications, Asset Tracking & Satellite Communications Products
Precision Walls, Inc. - One of the largest specialty contractors in the Southeast United States

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