California Strattera Side Effects Lawyers

As with any new pharmaceutical drugs, proceed with caution when taking Strattera.

In January 2003 the pharmaceutical corporation Eli Lilly and Company introduced the much anticipated Strattera (generic - atomoxetine). This drug is marketed as the first and only FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved non-stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children, adolescents, and adults. Strattera accounted for retail sales in excess of $390 million in 2003 and $667 million in 2004, with over 2 million patients being prescribed the drug.

The drug works as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a neurotransmitter of specific nerve cells in the brain. This action amplifies the accessibility of norepinephrine, which is vital in regulating impulse control, improving organizational skills, and building improved focus.

Now that Strattera has been prescribed for a few years, side effects yet unseen have surfaced. On December 17th of 2004 an article in the Wall Street Journal described the serious liver side effects that have appeared in two patients taking Strattera and warned of the possibility of the side effects leading to liver failure, the need for liver transplant and possible death. In response to these findings the FDA has required Eli Lilly Company to include a warning in the Strattera packaging explaining signs of possible liver problems, including jaundice, dark urine, unexplained flu-like symptoms, upper right-side abdominal tenderness and a form of itchy skin known as pruritus. Doctors were also warned to discontinue prescriptions to patients with jaundice or existing liver damage.

As with most prescription drugs clinical tests for Strattera were performed by its manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company. Though a number of the 6000 clinical trial patients discontinued use of the drug for various reasons at that time no cases of liver damage were reported. It was only after putting the drug out into the public and reaching over 2 million patients that the danger of potential liver damage was exposed.

In the first case a 14 year-old who had taken Strattera for four months developed what appeared to be flu-like symptoms that, upon blood tests results, revealed that his liver functions were diminished. He was immediately taken off of Strattera and his health improved after several weeks. A few months later, the child was put back on Strattera because it appeared to ease his ADHD better than other drugs but this time he was hospitalized after developing jaundice. He was again taken off of Strattera and his condition improved. In the second case a 31 year-old woman developed flu-like symptoms and jaundice after taking Strattera for only one month. After terminating use of the drug she recovered.

Strattera was linked to these side effects by noting when the symptoms worsened and improved in relation to the patient taking the drug. In response to this revelation, Eli Lilly Company, manufacturer of Strattera, has updated its product information to include a warning to both doctors and patients that the drug can cause severe liver injury. Currently the noted cases were in relation to taking Strattera for a short period of time but the potential of long-term damage is still unknown.

If you or someone you love is currently taking Strattera and show any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately, then contact the dedicated Strattera lawyers at The Law Offices of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP for a free consultation. We have 8 offices located throughout California for your convenience. Our experienced lawyers are devoted to our clients and will aggressively obtain the best results possible. At The Law Offices of Nadrich & Cohen, LLP, we take great pride in the integrity, honesty and professionalism of our attorneys and can enjoy the excellent reputation made in the legal industry. Please contact us for a free consultation today.