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Generically known as nefazodone hydrochloride, Serzone was approved for the US market by the Food and Drugs Administration in December 1994. Manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb, the drug was approved for use in the treatment of depression and anxiety. This drug was welcomes by many because, unlike many other anti-depressants, the sexual side effects and weight gain were minimal. The drug became quickly popular with nearly three million prescription issues in one year alone.
If so, you may have a possible legal case against the manufacturer of the potentially dangerous drug or medical product. Simply fill out the short form below and an experienced legal expert will contact you as soon as possible!
However, other side effects of this drug began to come to light – not necessarily ones associated with other anti-depressants, but ones that were more sinister and deadly. Serzone has already been linked to a number of liver failures and deaths, and it is thought that the figure could be far higher than shown because of unreported incidents. The patients at greatest risk of serious side effects from taking Serzone were thought to be those with an existing liver condition or with a family history of such a condition.
American watchdog, Public Citizen, submitted a petition to the FDA in March 2003 to pull Serzone from the US market. Nothing was done at this time, and so another petition was submitted in October of the same year, again by Public Citizen. Health officials in Canada stated that they would be imposing a ban on the drug doe to the potentially lethal side effects, but in the Unites States once again no action was taken by the FDA, although in 2002 the manufacturer of the drug was ordered to add a black box warning to the packing of the drug to provide information about the potentially deadly side effects.
This led to Public Citizen suing the agency for failure to act. Finally, in 2004 the manufacturer of the drug announced that Serzone would be pulled from the market, but that generic variations of the drug would still be sold. Public Citizen was unimpressed with decision and immediately lobbied for generic version of the drug to be pulled, as well as insisting that the lawsuit against the agency for failure to act previously would still go ahead.
In the meantime, patients that have taken Serzone or are taking any of its generic variations are advised to remain vigilant and look out of r signs of any sinister problems. Signs to look out for include:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. Also, anyone that has suffered ill effects from taking Serzone could be entitled to compensation, and so should seek immediate legal assistance. The many drugs litigation lawyers in operation today can help affected patients put together a solid case, depending on the circumstances. The amount of compensation to which you may be entitled will be dependant upon the severity of these effects.
If you are unsure as to whether you can make a claim, you should still contact a Serzone lawyer. An experienced lawyer can go through your legal options and can advise whether you have grounds to make a claim. However, you should bear in mind that there are statutes of limitation in each state, and you should make sure that you initiate legal action before the deadline, as otherwise you may find yourself no longer able to claim. Your Serzone lawyer will be able to offer advice on the best course of legal action to take, and what your chances of success might be.