Cymbalta Suicidality Lawsuit

Cymbalta, Diabetes and MDD

The FDA recently approved the first drug indicated for the management of peripheral neuropathy accompanied by pain that is associated with diabetes. The drug is trademarked as Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) and it's manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co. Cymbals, an SSNRI, was also recently approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus, affecting up to 62% of American diabetics. It's usually associated with long-standing diabetes or poor glucose control, and it's typically characterized by burning, tingling, and numbing sensations that begin in the feet, and later affect the legs or hands. Some patients report significant discomfort in association with these symptoms, often to the point of near or complete physical disability.

Major Depression is a severe condition affecting millions of Americans, with most adults experiencing some form of depressive episode at some point in there lives. Major Depression is characterized as an especially severe form of depression, but is not associated with the mood swings seen in bi-polar disorders and it affects the patient's life more dramatically than chronic depressive conditions like dysthymia or for a longer duration than the depression that typically accompanies mourning. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have been diagnosed with the disorder and many more remain undiagnosed. Intensive PR campaigns have helped reduce the stigma attached to depressive disorders, so more people are diagnosed with the condition every year.

Cymbalta and Suicide

The FDA stated in a warning issued in October, 2004 that "Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children and adolescents with MDD and other psychiatric disorders." The agency further states, "Anyone considering the use of an antidepressant in a child or adolescent for any clinical use must balance the risk of increased suicidality with the clinical need."

During recent drug trials, there have been several reported suicides committed by patients either while taking Cymbalta or shortly after stopping the medication.

Cymbalta and Liver Toxicity

On October 17, 2005 the FDA expanded its warning about liver related issues with Cymbalta, warning physicians and clinicians about its use in patients with Chronic Liver Disease. The new labeling includes reports of hepatitis, jaundice and other liver related disorders in patients prescribed the medication. The reports received appear to indicate that the medication should not be used at all by anyone with known liver damage or disease

In a letter to doctors dated October 5th the company states, "Cymbalta should ordinarily not be prescribed to patients with substantial alcohol use or evidence of chronic liver disease." Previously the warning mentioned only alcohol use.

Cymbalta - Am I Qualified to Complain?

If you or a family member have taken Cymbalta and have experienced any of these reported side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. This includes attempted suicide, suicide, reports of liver damage, elevated liver enzyme testing and any other significant untoward side effect(s) possibly related to the prescribed utilization of Cymbalta.

Register your Cymbalta Complaint

If you or a loved one has attemted suicide or has liver damage, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your Cymbalta complaint.

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