The Billion Dollar Antipsychotics Settlement?

Zev Antell

Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 381

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According to an article published in last week’s New York Times, goliath drug maker, Eli Lilly appears poised to agree to a $1.4 billion settlement related to marketing and use of its antipsychotic drug, Zyprexa. The article reports that the suit alleges the company sought to push the drug for sedation of unruly seniors in nursing homes and children with behavioral problems. Like other antipsychotic drugs, Zyprexa was not specifically developed for the purpose of sedating the aged, nor was it developed to treat disruptive children. Antipyschotics like Zyprexa and Risperdal are vastly powerful and demand a healthy respect for potential side-effects. Certainly, when dealing with vulnerable classes like juveniles and infirm seniors, this is especially true. Zyprexa has been a fantastic seller for Eli Lilly, but the article and possible settlement raise questions about some of the marketing and uses that made the drug such a huge commercial success.