A cerebellar atrophy symptoms lawsuit has been filed in New York, citing manufacturing defects related to the anti-seizure medication Dilantin.

Plaintiffs further allege that the manufacturer failed to warn patients and doctors about the risk of cerebellar atrophy symptoms. The complaint also lists claims for fraudulent concealment, breach of warranty and negligence.

About Dilantin

Dilantin (known generically as phenytoin, or PHT) was first developed by a German chemist in 1908. The patent was sold to Parke-Davis (now a subsidiary of Pfizer), but it was not until 20 years later that a group of unaffiliated medical researchers found it to be useful in controlling epileptic seizures. The drug was approved for this use by the FDA in 1953. Unfortunately, stringent testing requirements for New Drug Applications were not imposed until almost a decade later.

PHT has been associated with numerous side effects that include hypotension (dangerously low blood pressure), arrhythmia, blood and skin disorders, reduced bone density and birth defects similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. It has also been known to aggravate clinical depression.

In 2008, the FDA placed PHT on its list of Potential Signals of Serious Risks, including a rare, but serious skin condition known as “purple glove syndrome.” A label warning for this side effect was added in 2011.

Current Allegations

The recent lawsuit was filed by six men and four women from eight states, all of whom are between 42 and 72 years of age. They allege that taking Dilantin caused them to suffer from cerebellar atrophy symptoms.

Cerebellar atrophy is a degeneration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain controlling muscle coordination and speech. People who suffer from cerebellar atrophy symptoms exhibit impaired ability to walk, poor balance, slurred or inarticulate speech, and tremors. There is no known cure, although such symptoms have been known to improve in patients when they were removed from PHT.

The complaint states that the defendant has long included a warning label about cerebellar atrophy symptoms on packages of Dilantin sold outside the U.S. However, the plaintiffs say no such warnings were included on the domestic labeling until 2016, even though similar products from other drug manufacturers have long done so. They further allege that neither did the defendant or its subsidiaries advise patients and physicians about genetic tests that can measure a person’s risk of developing cerebellar atrophy symptoms.

Plaintiffs also cite over 100 scientific studies since the late 1940s that have linked PHT to cerebellar atrophy symptoms.

Have You Experienced Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms?

If you have been prescribed Dilantin and have been diagnosed with, or have been experiencing cerebellar atrophy symptoms, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the company.

The current Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms Lawsuit is Case No. 159346/2018 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York.