What is Seroquel?
Risks
What legal action has been taken regarding Seroquel?
Have you been injured by Seroquel side effects?

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved by the FDA in 1997 to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. Seroquel is also prescribed for conditions like dementia, psychotic depression, autism, and some developmental disorders, which are NOT approved uses of the drug.

Seroquel, manufactured by AstraZeneca, is an oral medication that is taken two to three times a day to control psychotic symptoms. This prescription drug has a broad effect on neurotransmitter receptors (special chemical communicators in the central nervous system), including serotonin receptors.

Not long after Seroquel was approved for use in the United States, evidence began to mount regarding the serious side effects associated with this and similar medications. Serious Seroquel side effects can include diabetes and related medical complications, increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, and other serious adverse events. These will be discussed in detail below.

What are atypical antipsychotics?

In the 1950s, antipsychotics were first introduced to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and related mental health conditions. Traditional antipsychotic medications, such as Phenothiazines, Haloperidol (Haldol®), and Pimozide, were associated with serious side effects including severe muscle and movement disorders. In the 1990s, atypical antipsychotics, such as Seroquel, were developed and marketed as effective and safe treatments with a lower risk of the adverse effects caused by traditional antipsychotics. However, since their introduction on the market, atypical antipsychotics have been linked to a number of serious side effects.

What are the risks associated with Seroquel?

Seroquel is associated with a number of serious side effects. If you or a loved one is taking this medication, it is important to be aware of these risks and speak with your health care professional to learn more. It is also crucial to speak with your doctor before starting, stopping, or otherwise modifying use of Seroquel or other antipsychotic medications. You should also speak with your doctor about your medical history, use of drugs and supplements, and current health before beginning any new medication. If you have been seriously injured by Seroquel side effects, please contact us to learn more about your legal rights and options.

→ Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal condition that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms of NMS can include sweating, fast or abnormal heartbeat, stiff muscles, high fever, blood pressure changes, and confusion. This condition is a medical emergency, which requires immediate medical attention.

→ Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious movement disorder, which also requires medical attention. This serious condition is characterized by uncontrollable rhythmic movements of the face, jaw, mouth, and tongue TD-induced muscle problems can produce lip pursing, chewing movements,
or protrusion of the tongue.

→ Diabetes Studies show that use of atypical antipsychotics like Seroquel can significantly increase a patient’s risk of weight gain, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and diabetes. In fact, Seroquel can more than TRIPLE a patient’s risk of developing diabetes. Evidence of these serious Seroquel dangers was discovered in August 2003. In response, the FDA ordered AstraZeneca to change Seroquel’s label to inform consumers about the serious risk of diabetes, but the company did not comply with this request.

Eventually, in January 2004, AstraZeneca changed Seroquel’s labeling to warn of the serious increased risk of diabetes and related health complications, such as hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, coma, and death. Evidence shows that patients with schizophrenia are already at an increased risk of diabetes, yet use of drugs like Seroquel can increase this risk even more. Patients with risk factors for diabetes—such as obesity or family history of diabetes—should be carefully monitored for signs of Seroquel side effects. Fasting blood glucose testing should be initiated at the onset of antipsychotic treatment.

→ Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is a complication of diabetes, which can be caused by Seroquel use. Symptoms of hyperglycemia can include frequent and increased hunger (polyphagia), thirst (polydipsia), and urination (polyuria). Other symptoms of hyperglycemia can include weakness, blurred vision, dry mouth, itchy skin, male impotence, and increased vulnerability to infection. Note: frequent hunger may also be a symptom of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. In some cases, hyperglycemia is resolved after terminating use of Seroquel, though in some cases diabetes treatments must be continued to treat the serious health conditions caused by Seroquel.

→ Death Evidence from more than seventeen clinical studies shows that Seroquel can increase the risk of death in elderly patients taking Seroquel for the treatment of dementia. These Seroquel deaths were most commonly the result of heart-related events (i.e. heart failure) or infections (i.e. pneumonia).

In April 2005, the FDA ordered AstraZeneca to add a black box warning to Seroquel labeling, informing consumers about the increased risk of Seroquel death. The FDA also emphasized at that time that Seroquel is NOT approved to treat elderly patients with dementia.

→ Other serious side effects Seroquel is also associated with an increased risk of low blood pressure (which can cause fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, and/or increased heart beat), cataracts, seizures, thyroid problems, high cholesterol, abnormal body temperature, trouble swallowing, liver problems, and drug interactions. Seroquel can also impair judgment, motor skill, and cognition.

What legal action has been taken regarding Seroquel?

In 2004, soon after the discovery of diabetes-related Seroquel side effects, a Seroquel class action lawsuit was filed in the United States on behalf of all patients who had taken Seroquel. The Seroquel lawsuit sought the establishment of a medical monitoring fund, which would provide free periodic testing for diabetes and related conditions for patients taking Seroquel. Numerous other Seroquel lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who have been seriously injured or killed by Seroquel side effects.

Have you been injured by Seroquel side effects?

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious adverse event you believe was caused by Seroquel, you may wish to contact our qualified attorneys at Oshman & Mirisola to learn more about your legal rights and options. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical expenses and more. We will evaluate your case FREE OF CHARGE to determine the best way to pursue your claim while protecting and maximizing your legal interests. Please contact us today for more information about Seroquel.