Two plaintiffs in a federal court recently told the jury that drug manufacturer Eli Lilly deemphasized the risk of withdrawal effects from one of its popular antidepressants, Cymbalta.

The women claimed the lack of importance the company placed on the side effects was to the point of fraud.

Both women had taken Cymbalta to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia and discontinued the drug in 2012. After stopping the drug’s use, the women complained they suffered from depression, fatigue, migraines, pain and electric shock sensations in the head, commonly known as “brain zaps,” for months as they tapered their Cymbalta use.

According to the drug label for Cymbalta, it states that “1% or greater” patients may experience the listed side effects. According to the plaintiffs’ attorney, Eli Lilly conducted its own studies and found side effects occurred in 45 percent or more of the patients, with one study showing as much as 74 percent of patients experiencing these withdrawal effects.

The plaintiffs’ attorney also argued on behalf of his clients, “If they had known this one percent was actually 45 percent, they never would have taken the drug. You cannot blame a person for being misled.”

The attorney for Eli Lilly asserted that the label did include the symptoms of withdrawal that the plaintiffs experienced and provided information to doctors on how to help patients deal with the withdrawal effects and how to taper off the use of the drug.

The counsel for the company also stated that the women did not have any current medical records that stated their supposed symptoms, and that their symptoms they disclosed as withdrawal symptoms were actually symptoms they had complained of before.

The Cymbalta Withdrawal Lawsuits are Case No.1:14-cv-01614 and Case No. 1:14-cv-01615, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Use and Side Effects of Cymbalta

Cymbalta was originally approved to treat depression and then was later approved to treat fibromyalgia pain. Cymbalta is also prescribed to treat anxiety, peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes, muscle pain, and urinary stress incontinence.

Cymbalta had some serious side effects and in 2010, the FDA gathered to discuss the drug’s safety and risk-benefit analysis. It was allowed to continue to be used despite any concerns raised. Cymbalta side effects include complications in pregnancy, birth defects, skin disorders, thoughts of suicide, liver toxicity, and discontinuation syndrome.

Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome, a form of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, occurs when the drug is discontinued, as the plaintiffs allegedly experienced above.

Withdrawal syndrome symptoms include brain zaps, dizziness or lightheadedness, vertigo, thoughts of suicide, anger, weight gain, burning sensations, nightmares, insomnia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mood swings, fatigue and flu like symptoms, among others.

As some individuals try to discontinue using the drug, they find the effects of the withdrawal may be worse than the symptoms that led them to take the drug in the fist place.

Cymbalta Withdrawal Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has suffered from negative side effects as a result of discontinuing Cymbalta, you may have a legal claim. Our experienced lawyers can assist you in learning more about your legal options through a complimentary consultation.