Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) from numerous patients alleging Abilify side effects. One of the most recent claims comes from a Pennsylvania woman, alleging she sustained serious financial troubles due to Abilify dangers leading to compulsive behavior.

She and numerous other patients claim the pharmaceutical companies either knew or should have known about the potential risks of Abilify, but failed to adequately warn the public.

Plaintiff Sheila M. says she was prescribed Abilify for typical treatment purposes in 2006, and had taken the medication according to prescription instructions and physician advice.

Abilify is an atypical antipyshcotic that is typically prescribed to treat mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This drug works by streamlining the dopamine levels in the brain, which is supposed to produce ideal mood balance.

Even though Sheila followed all safety instructions and used the medication for its intended use, her diligence did not protect her from the alleged undisclosed Abilify dangers. This treatment has been linked to serious side effects described in injury reports, with patients stating they developed sudden compulsive gambling and shopping habits.

Sheila’s situation was no different, according to her Abilify lawsuit. She claims she sustained a number of damages while on her Abilify prescription including mental anguish, need of medical care, and severe economic losses. Even after discontinuing her Abilify prescription in 2017, Sheila says, she continues to suffer from the long lasting effects of Abilify treatment.

Overview of Abilify Dangers

While Abilify has successfully helped many patients with mood stabilization, it has been alleged the drug’s treatment mechanism may do more harm than good.

Abilify works by directly interfering with the brain’s level of dopamine, which is the chemical responsible for pleasure and rewards. Studies have suggested that patients’ inhibitions are greatly reduced when taking Abilify, and they make the pleasant feelings last as long as possible through gambling and other compulsive behaviors.

According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), researchers found that medications that interfere with dopamine receptors can result in “severe impulse control disorders.”

While Abilify did not belong to the medication class in the study, researchers did find problems with compulsive behavior in at least 37 injury reports. ISMP researchers ultimately recommended for further research to be done, and that the FDA should add black box warnings of severe impulse control disorders to dopamine-based antipsychotics.

In addition to the ISMP study, both European and Canadian health agencies have required Bristol Myers and Otsuka to add pathological gambling to the list of Abilify dangers on the drug’s warning label.

At all times relevant, Sheila claims, Otsuka and Bristol Myers allegedly failed to warn her and other patients of potential Abilify dangers. Sheila states she never would have used Abilify if she had known about the potential complications.

Sheila is filing her Abilify lawsuit in MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. By joining an MDL, Sheila’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid problems like conflicting rulings from different judges. Sheila is raising multiple claims in her Abilify lawsuit including negligence, failure to warn, and medical compensation.

This Abilify Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-00872-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.