Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel are less effective, yet more expensive
A study funded by the British government found that newer atypical antipsychotics (Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel) could be less effective in treating schizophrenia, even though they are more expensive than older medications. The study calls into question why doctors are increasingly prescribing these newer atypical antipsychotics.
The Washington Post reported on this study and indicated that many experts believe aggressive marketing of these drugs by the pharmaceutical companies has contributed to a perception that they are more effective, even though there is no empirical evidence supporting that.
The British study was funded to determine whether Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel are worth the increased cost when compared to older medications. These atypical antipsychotics can cost ten times more, yet the study found they are no more effective than older psychiatric drugs for treatment of schizophrenia.
Recently Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel Lawsuits have been filed across the country for side effects causing diabetes. Saiontz & Kirk is currently representing individuals who have been injured by the atypical antipsychotics’ side effects.
If further research confirms that these more expensive drugs are no more effective, we will likely start to see lawsuits filed by health insurers and governments to recoup benefits paid for these prescription medications.
4 Comments • Add Your Comments
Daniel Haszard says:
My issue is Zyprexa which is only FDA approved for schizophrenia (.5-1% of pop) and some bipolar (2% pop) and then an even smaller percentage of theses two groups.
So how does Zyprexa get to be the 7th largest drug sale in the world?
Eli Lilly is in deep trouble for using their drug reps to ‘encourage’ doctors to write zyprexa for non-FDA approved ‘off label’ uses.
The drug causes increased diabetes risk,and medicare picks up all the expensive fallout.There are now 7 states (and counting) going after Lilly for fraud and restitution.
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Daniel Haszard
Posted on November 13, 2006 at 7:04 pm
jarred says:
I was on seroquel for about a week when i had a reation, and almost had a heart attack. I also had uncontrolable jurking and moving of my legs and arms. I was also hullucinating. Its now been about 4 weeks and still cant control my legs and arms as well as my face going numb. Dont know if anyone else has the problem but would love to know what to do.
Posted on March 22, 2007 at 9:00 pm
JUSTIN says:
SINCE TAKING ZYPREXA SINCE 2003 I HAVE HAD MAJOR SIDE EFFECTS. IN TWO YEARS MY WEIGHT GAIN WAS 100 POUNDS, AND HAVE DEVELOPED A CONDITION CALLED TARDIVE DYSKINESIS, WHICH IS IRREVERSIBLE. MY NURSE HAS ALSO COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I HAVE A BLOOD SUGAR DISORDER CALLED HYPOGLYCEMIA, WHERE MY BLOOD SUGAR GETS SO LOW THAT I FAINT, PASS OUT AND IT COULD RESULT IN COMA, HEART ATTACK, OR EVEN DEATH. AM CURRENTLY SEEKING REPIRATIONS FOR THE PAIN AND PERMANENT DAMAGE DONE BY THE DRUG. AND IT IS MESSED UP IF THEY KNEW BOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS BUT DID NOT WARN ANYBODY, I KNOW I WAS NOT WARNED.
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 2:40 am
dana says:
my son took zyprexa gained 70lbs and had a major stroke, jerking and borderline diabetes. he is only 33. he had also tried serequel and had horrific “wake dreams” of little people burnning down his home. i did some research and found out it supresses yoiur “rem” sleep, which is vital to your health! i used to be an eeg tech. people please research all new drugs given to you! it could save your life! we learned the very hard way!!!
Posted on March 10, 2008 at 3:40 pm