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Singulair Linked To Suicide
Singulair, a popular allergy medication which is used to treat stuffy nose, sneezing and other allergy symptoms including asthma, is being investigated by the FDA after reports of suicidal behavior in adults and children. The investigation was prompted by three or four suicides linked to Singulair, including a Florida teenager. Health Canada is also investigating the allergy medication.
| Singulair: Personal Stories and Interviews |
Mood Swings, Depression, and Attempted Suicide While Taking Singulair
Jordon is almost 18 and just about to graduate high school. But earlier this year he didn't think he was going to make either of these landmark occasions. One night in January, to the shock of his friends and family, he tried to take his own life. His actions didn't make sense. But Jordon was taking the asthma drug Singulair-- and had been for the past year.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
A Life Blown to Pieces by Singulair
Christine started taking Singular for her asthma in 2005. Within a year she became depressed and anxious, she lost her job, was hospitalized repeatedly, and declared bankruptcy. Only now, almost four years later, is Christine aware that the mood changes she experienced while taking Singulair could be directly responsible for the complete breakdown of her life.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
Singulair – A Very Close Call
Charyl is happily married with a four-year old son, who, like herself, suffers from asthma and allergies. So, in February 2007 a doctor who specializes in these conditions put them both on the medication Singulair. Shortly afterwards Charyl noticed that she was suffering from depressive thoughts, which she has never suffered from before, and suicidal ideation.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR CLOSE CALL]
"My Daughter Tried To Kill Herself"
Eunice has a beautiful, intelligent 19-year old daughter, Emily, who on the surface, appears to have it all together. She has a good job, and is currently going to college. But Emily has developed depression and suicidal thoughts, and she recently tried to kill herself.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR DEPRESSION]
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| Singulair and Suicide |
Singulair (known as montelukast ) belongs to a group of medications known as leukotriene receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals produced in the body that are released during an allergic reaction and can lead to inflammation, congestion and other symptoms. It is part of a class of asthma and allergy drugs that includes AstraZeneca's Accolate and Critical Therapeutics's Zyflo. The FDA said it is also reviewing reports of side effects with those drugs.
 In the past year, Merck & Co Inc updated Singulair's label four times. It first included information on a wide range of side effects including tremors, anxiousness and depression. Suicidal thinking and behavior was added and most recently, reports of suicide has been listed on the label.
Merck said that none of 11,000 patients enrolled in 40 clinical trials has committed suicide. Nor did the company report any suicidal thoughts or behavior. In clinical trials of asthma patients, the company reported that the most common side-effects were headache, flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain and cough.
The blockbuster drug was first approved in the United Stated in 1998 and is Merck's biggest selling product; global sales of $4.3 billion ($3.4 billion in the US) make Singulair one of the world’s top selling medications.
On its website, the FDA said the review could take up to nine months before its scientists can draw any conclusions. The FDA has been under attack in the past few years from Congress for being too slow to identify and notify the public of possible side effects of drugs. Its quicker response with Singulair has come about due to a program developed in 2007 that notifies the public sooner when the agency identifies a drug’s possible adverse side effects. However, the agency received reports of suicide linked to Singulair in October, 2007.
Until the drug is reviewed, the agency advises healthcare professionals and caregivers to monitor patients taking Singulair for suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior) and changes in behavior and mood.
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| More about Singulair and Suicide |
Allergy and Asthma Sufferers Experiencing Some Suicidal Feelings from Singulair
 Until recently Singulair was viewed as the saving grace for allergy and asthma sufferers everywhere. But, recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is looking into making further investigations into the once heralded allergy and asthma drug. The new research into Singulair's side effects comes on the heels of some people taking the drug and realizing that they were experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR ALLERGY]
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| Singulair Press Releases |
 MAR-28-08: Yet another high-profile drug is suddenly under the microscope after reports of suicidal behavior. Singulair, the popular allergy medication marketed by Pharma giant Merck and Co. and raking in sales of $4.3 billion last year, is being scrutinized after what is described as a handful of patient reports have come into the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
[ MORE: SINGULAIR PROBED]
 MAR-27-08: In an "Early Communication" release, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed healthcare professionals and patients of the possible association between the use of Singulair (Montelukast) and behavior/mood changes, suicidality (suicidal thinking) and suicide.
[ MORE: SINGULAIR PROBED]
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| Singulair Suicide the News |
MAY-07-08: "Happy, athletic" teenager commits suicide a month after starting Singulair -- an allergy drug that has been linked to suicides. [ MSNBC: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
MAY-05-08: FDA investigating Singulair, a popular allergy drug, after getting reports of mood swings and suicidal behavior. [ FREEP: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
APR-08-08: Physicians reluctant to stop prescribing Singulair, even after the allergy medication has been liniked to depression and suicide. [ CLAIRON LEDGER: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
MAR-27-08: FDA working with Merck to investigate possible link between Singulair and suicide ideation. [ WEB MD: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
MAR-27-08: FDA reviewing reports involving mood changes and suicidal behavior in people taking allergy medication Singulair. [ DALLAS NEWS: SINGULAIR SUICIDE]
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Singulair and Suicide Legal Help
If you or a loved one have attempted or committed suicide while taking Singulair, please click the link below to send your complaint to a lawyer who will evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Posted on Mar-28-08
Updated on May-8-08
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