More Zyprexa Lawsuits

August 10, 2007, 08:45:00AM. By Heidi Turner

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Indianapolis, IN: A 2004 Dear Doctor letter sent from Eli Lilly to physicians in the U.S. noted the risks associated with Zyprexa. According to the letter, "Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Zyprexa."

Now, other countries are also reporting serious problems with Zyprexa. An article in the Daily Telegraph from Australia notes that one law firm is seeing patients, "from across Australia who claim symptoms such as weight gain, diabetes and pancreatitis." Much like in the U.S., people who took Zyprexa allege that Eli Lilly did not properly warn them about the drug's possible side effects.

Eli Lilly faces a class action lawsuit in Australia over its handling of Zyprexa. The suit was filed on behalf of a 32-year-old who developed pancreatitis after taking Zyprexa. A lawyer in Australia said they hope to link the claims in Australia to those in the United States. Zyprexa has been available for use in Australia since 1997. So far, 40 deaths and 1231 adverse reactions have been reported regarding Zyprexa users in Australia.

Zyprexa is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder and symptoms of schizophrenia. A November 28, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association published a warning that patients taking Zyprexa were 10 times more likely to develop diabetes than the general population.

Diabetes is not necessarily a fatal condition, but it is serious. It requires lifelong management and major lifestyle changes. If diabetes is not treated, or if the proper lifestyle changes are not made, diabetes can be fatal. Complications associated with diabetes include damage to the eyes, kidneys, and heart.

Patients who have a higher risk of diabetes and are taking Zyprexa should have their glucose levels regularly monitored.

If you have taken Zyprexa and noticed symptoms similar to those associated with diabetes, seek medical attention. Such symptoms include dizziness, constant thirst, excessive urination, weakness, headaches, numbness, or drowsiness.

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Zyprexa Legal Help

If you have or a loved on has taken Zyprexa and suffered from diabetes or hyperglycemia, please contact a lawyer involved in a possible [Zyprexa Lawsuit] who will review your case at no cost or obligation.