Neurontin Lawsuits

Neurontin is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat partial seizures and nervous system pain. Some serious side effects have been reported. These include respiratory disease, allergic reactions, and suicidal thoughts. 

There were lawsuits filed against the drug companies behind Neurontin for trying to get doctors to prescribe the medication for unapproved uses. Health care and insurance providers filed lawsuits against the drug maker for improper drug marketing as well. If you have questions about injuries after taking Neurontin, talk to an experienced drug defect lawyer about your legal options.

What Is Neurontin?

Neurontin is an anticonvulsant prescription drug approved for treating epilepsy-related partial seizures and postherpetic neuralgia caused by shingles. The brand name drug also goes by the generic drug name gabapentin.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neurontin in 1993. Parke-Davis, a subsidiary of Warner-Lambert, originally marketed Neurontin. The drug company was later acquired by Pfizer in 2000. Generic versions of gabapentin have been widely prescribed in the U.S. since 2004. 

Generally, doctors can prescribe medications for off-label use or for conditions other than the approved use. Many doctors prescribe Neurontin for off-label use to treat anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and non-neuropathic pain. However, drugmakers cannot market these off-label uses. In 2004, the drug maker settled criminal charges and civil claims under the False Claims Act for $430 million.

What Are the Side Effects of Neurontin and Gabapentin?

Prescription drugs often have reported side effects ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common side effects of Neurontin include dizziness and sleepiness. According to the FDA-approved Neurontin label, some of the side effects and adverse reactions include: 

• Lack of coordination
• Fever
• Jerky movements
• Double vision
• difficulty speaking
• Swelling in the legs and feet

Serious side effects include suicidal thoughts. Patients reported suicidal ideation or suicidal actions. You should contact a health care provider right away if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or aggressiveness. Your health and safety take priority over any legal action.  

Was Neurontin Ever Recalled by the FDA?

There has not been a recall of all gabapentin or Neurontin. However, the FDA has warned about breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medications, including gabapentin, Neurontin, and pregabalin (Lyrica). This applies to patients with respiratory risk factors, including: 

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Opioid pain medication use
• Drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS)

Risk factors plus gabapentin or pregabalin use carries an increased risk of respiratory depression. 

What Is a Defective Medication Lawsuit?

Companies are liable for injuries caused by defective consumer products. Pharmaceutical companies can also be liable for manufacturing and selling defective drugs to patients. A defective drug lawsuit is a product liability claim related to injuries caused by drug defects. 

Drug defect cases include injury claims related to contaminated drugs. These cases occur when problems occur during the manufacturing process, including problems with sterilization procedures, temperature control, or quality control. Manufacturing problems can produce drugs that are not as safe as designed.

In 2014, Aurobindo Pharma USA voluntarily recalled certain gabapentin supplies because of manufacturing defects. The drug makers sold the medications, with some containing empty capsules. This could result in adverse health consequences, including seizures and withdrawals. 

What Are Your Legal Rights After a Drug-Related Injury?

Patients should have accurate information about the risk factors involved in taking certain drugs. This gives you the information necessary to make the best health care decisions for your needs. If a drug does not have accurate warning labels, you may not be aware of the known risks. 

When a drugmaker markets the drug for off-label use, a doctor may prescribe a drug without the drug having gone through the regular approval process for that use. This can present a risk of injury or serious harm. If you or a loved one was injured after taking a dangerous drug, talk to an experienced defective drug lawyer for legal advice about your case.