Have you been affected by Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome?

Several plaintiffs have joined together in a lawsuit filed against Eli Lilly, manufacturer of the popular anti-depressant Cymbalta (duloxetine). The complaint alleges plaintiffs suffered damages as a result of Eli Lilly’s failure to warn of symptoms experienced from Cymbalta withdrawal.

Cymbalta is a drug prescribed to treat depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. It is also used to treat nerve pain stemming from peripheral neuropathy in people with diabetes, and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. It belongs to a sub class of anti-depressants known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Cymbalta helps to increase naturally occurring substances in the brain such as serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being, and norepinephrine, associated with sustained concentration.

Approved by the FDA in 2004, the complaints assert that Eli Lilly “aggressively marketed” the drug to the general public and medical community, but failed to include adequate warnings describing the “frequency, severity, and/or duration of Cymbalta withdrawal.”

Assertions that Eli Lilly defectively designed Cymbalta pills by making them only available in delayed released capsules, with “beads” available only in 20, 30, and 60 mg doses. Accompanying instructions on Cymbalta packages advise users to only use the drug in the whole capsule form without providing any alternative dosages and prevented users from gradually tapering off of Cymbalta, as the instructions also advised.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with Cymbalta are not related to a patients pre-existing conditions, but rather the drug’s half-life. The effect of Cymbalta’s short half-life is a higher risk of withdrawal of symptoms. This condition is known as Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome. Lawsuit complaints assert that although Eli Lilly knew of the condition citing “a January 2005 article in the Journal of Affective Disorders,” which noted “that 44.3% and 50% of Cymbalta patients suffered from” these withdrawal effects, Lilly omitted this information instead marketing the occurrence as rare “stating that certain symptoms are experienced at a rate of 1% /2% or greater.

Rachel Anne Ben, a woman from Sacramento, California, alleges that she experienced dangerous withdrawal symptoms including “extreme mood swings, agitation and irritability, electric shock-like sensations in her head, nightmares, sleep disturbance, vertigo, dizziness and suicidal thoughts” upon trying to discontinue her use of Cymbalta. The complaint asserts that if Eli Lilly had “adequately and properly warned” of the symptoms associated with Cymbalta withdrawal, her physicians would not have prescribed the drug to her, and the injuries she sustained could have undoubtedly been prevented.

This lawsuit is only one of many lawsuits filed against Eli Lilly due to Cymbalta Discontinuation Syndrome.

Whether you were harmed by Cymbalta or any dangerous drug, you can rely on the skills and experience of Jacoby & Meyers lawyers for effective representation. To learn more about how we may be of service to you, please contact us today to arrange a free consultation and case evaluation.

Zachary Mayberry, student intern Jacoby & Meyers, LLC.