Eli Lilly Tries to Block Cymbalta Victims' Brain Zap Lawsuits
Just as Cymbalta victims are getting closer to having their day in court over serious withdrawal side effects, the maker of the drug is trying to block their lawsuits. Last week, Eli Lilly filed a motion to dismiss a New York Cymbalta lawsuit filed by a man that suffered severe electrical brain zaps when he tried to stop using the drug. The company claimed the label has always warned of such side effects since it was introduced in 2004.
Just as Cymbalta victims are getting closer to having their day in court over serious withdrawal side effects, the maker of the drug is trying to block their lawsuits.
Last week, Eli Lilly filed a motion to dismiss a New York Cymbalta lawsuit filed by a man that suffered severe electrical brain zaps when he tried to stop using the drug. The company claimed the label has always warned of such side effects since it was introduced in 2004.
Lawyers representing the patient, however, pointed out to the judge testimony by the man’s doctor saying he would not have prescribed it had he known over 40% of users can suffer withdrawals. Also, warning labels on the European version of the drug are much more detailed.
The lawsuit is one of several dozen that centers around Eli Lilly’s failure to properly warn patients of the Cymbalta withdrawal side effect risks. While the drug label claimed around 1% of users may experience withdrawals, the company’s own studies found the true occurrence rate was over 50%.
The severe symptoms of Cymbalta withdrawal can range from headaches, nausea and bad tempers to painful electrical sensations in the brain that mimic seizures.
At this time, the judge has not yet ruled on whether to dismiss the New York suit. However, a federal panel is also preparing to decide whether to transfer all outstanding cases to a special Cymbalta multidistrict litigation (MDL) court for faster handling.
Doing so would provide a more efficient means of handling the claims that are growing quickly and expected to number in the thousands.
Right now, lawyers are offering free help to those who suffered severe withdrawals while trying to stop Cymbalta. Substantial compensation may be available and there are no case costs or attorneys fees unless you recover an award.
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