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A recent lawsuit filed by an Arizona woman alleges that pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s anti-epileptic drug Dilantin causes patients to suffer cerebellar brain atrophy.
Dilantin Lawsuit
Plaintiff Meredith T. of Tuscon, Ariz. filed her product liability lawsuit against Pfizer Inc. on May 6, 2019, claiming that Pfizer’s popular anti-epileptic drug Dilantin may result in catastrophic and irreparable injuries.
According to her lawsuit, Pfizer intentionally and materially misrepresented the possible side effects associated with their drug. Meredith claims that the company engaged in fraudulent marketing activities, purposefully concealed results from studies showing a risk of cerebellar atrophy, and failed to inform physicians and patients of the risks of neurological impairments.
Due to these intentional omissions, Meredith claims that she has suffered lasting and debilitating injuries, and that if she had known of the risks associated with the medication, she would never have taken the drug.
About Dilantin
Dilantin
, the brand name for the drug phenytoin, is a medication used for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. It was initially introduced to the market by Pfizer in 1939 and has been a popular drug ever since. Since the product’s launch, Pfizer has sold billions of dollars of Dilantin to patients around the globe.
The drug helps to prevent tonic-clonic seizures, or seizures that affect the entire brain, as well as partial seizures affecting certain parts of the brain. Dilantin may also be prescribed to patients during and after brain surgeries to prevent seizing, or for the treatment of neuropathic pain and irregular heartbeats.
About Cerebellar Brain Atrophy
Cerebellar atrophy
is a process in which neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate and die. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for controlling coordination, balance, cognition, speech, and emotions. When these neurons die, the cerebellum shrinks, leading to permanent and irreversible problems, including deficits with balance, speech, and memory. In some cases, cerebellar atrophy may even lead to death.
Several studies have linked Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy, especially in cases where the patient was prescribed a high dose for many years.
Symptoms of cerebellar atrophy may include unstable eye movements, a lack of coordination or balance, slow or unsteady movements, or slurred speech. The symptoms of cerebellar brain atrophy often mirror the symptoms of a stroke.
Cerebellar atrophy causes include stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and other cerebellar disorders. Cerebellar degeneration has also been linked to toxins in the brain from ethanol, chemotherapy treatments, and Dilantin medication.
Other Side Effects of Dilantin
In addition to the risks of cerebellar atrophy, Dilantin use may also result in a variety of other side effects for patients, including:
- Stomach cramps
- Change or decrease in appetite
- Gum or mouth problems
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Bone marrow issues
- Hypotension
- Liver Damage
- Neuropathy
- Osteoporosis
If you have suffered side effects, including cerebellar brain atrophy, after taking Dilantin, you may qualify to join a Dilantin lawsuit and pursue compensation.
Meredith’s Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit is Case 2:19-cv-02853-DLR, in the Superior Court of Arizona for Maricopa County.
In general, phenytoin lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual Dilantin lawsuit or Dilantin class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.
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