Seroquel Attorneys

Seroquel, developed for the treatment of schizophrenia, was approved by the FDA in 1997. Manufactured by Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Seroquel has been associated with a high incidence of diabetes. An abstract from a study on atypical antipsychotic medications reported that Seroquel users had a higher rate of diabetes than patients taking older medications. The findings from this study were detailed in a Wall Street Journal article on August 22, 2003. The article reported that the study was conducted on U.S. military veterans and demonstrated that Seroquel and other members of a new class of anti-psychotic drugs were linked to a higher risk of diabetes, but the risk of diabetes was greatest with Seroquel.

Extensive clinical trials show that Seroquel is effective in the treatment of all manner of symptoms of schizophrenia, from delusions to apathy. Seroquel affects a range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin receptors. Users of Seroquel have found the drug to be as effective as traditional antipsychotic medications, including Thorazine (chlorpromazine) and Haldol (haloperidol). Until recently, it appeared that Seroquel was a new miracle drug, effectively controlling symptoms of schizophrenia, while avoiding the side effects that many patients found irritating or embarrassing.

Seroquel manufacturers AstraZeneca have been requested by US regulators to include warnings about the risk of elevated blood sugar and diabetes. The Japanese Seroquel label includes a prominent warning, specifically stating that there is a link between diabetes and the use of Seroquel. The United States label, however, does not reflect this known problem, meaning that Seroquel users and their physicians may be unaware of the need to monitor for signs of diabetes.

If you or a loved one has used Seroquel, you may wish to seek medical advice regarding the specific risks involved. Seroquel users who believe they have suffered adverse effects from their use of the medication should contact an attorney who is familiar with the issues surrounding Seroquel and other antipsychotic medications to investigate potential recovery of funds related to the side effects, including medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and punitive damage levied against the makers of Seroquel.