Abilify is one of the top selling drugs in the world, with 2015 sales estimated at more than $6 billion worldwide. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 for the treatment of a number of psychological problems, including autism, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia in adults and children.
But recent research suggests side effects of Abilify may impact an individuals impulse control, potentially leading to gambling addictions or other unusual behavior that can have a devastating impact on an individuals family, employment, financial position, and overall quality of life.
As a result of the drug maker’s failure to adequately warn about the potential impulse control risks, people who have suffered damages as a result of compulsive gambling have began filing lawsuits against the makers of Abilify.
In fact, lawsuits against the makers of Abilify have increased to such a level that attorneys are now requesting the court to set up a multi-district litigation to consolidate all Abilify lawsuits filed throughout the federal court system. This would centralize all claims brought on behalf of individuals who developed gambling problems or engaged in other compulsive behaviors while using the popular antipsychotic medication.
Several hundred lawsuits are expected to be filed in the coming months. As of today, 26 cases are pending in 12 different U.S. District Courts nationwide.
People who filed lawsuits claim that gambling addictions caused by Abilify led to:
- lost of savings
- substantial debt
- divorce
- unemployment
- reputation damage
- severe emotional damage
Plaintiffs say if adequate warning had been provided about the Abilify risk of compulsive gambling, they may have been able to avoid long-term damage and problems by recognizing the symptoms of the behavior and obtaining counseling or therapy.
Our firm continues to investigate hundreds of potential Abilify lawsuits from people across the country. If you or a loved one suffered from compulsive gambling after using Abilify, contact our office immediately.