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Levothroid Lawsuit

 

A brief guide to filling a Levothroid lawsuit

 

The prescription drug manufacturer has sold two separate drugs called Levothroid at different times. It is important to understand that one is no longer manufactured or brought to market. The current known Levothroid side effects include the possibility of decreasing bone density, especially in post-menopausal women, as well as serious adverse reactions.

 

However, the major Justice Department Levothroid lawsuit that reached a resolution in 2010 was not related to those adverse effects. In this case, the FDA was concerned that Forest Labs deliberately continued manufacturing a medication for an unapproved purpose even after it had been ordered to stop. This medication had been on the market for years to help treat thyroid conditions but had never been approved by the FDA. In 1997, the organization ordered Forest Labs to submit for approval by the end of 2001. Defying an order to cease production, the company continued to make and sell the drug until August 9, 2003.

 

The Levothroid lawsuit against the company resulted in a settlement that included payments of $88 million to the federal government and in excess of $60 million towards the state. The company was also found guilty of fraudulent marketing. However, since this medication has long been discontinued, this Levothroid lawsuit no longer has bearing upon patients taking the current incarnation. Patients who took the first incarnation of the drug and experienced severe Levothroid side effects may have grounds for litigation. However, it is likely that the statute of limitations in your state for this kind of Levothroid lawsuit has already passed.

 

People who take medium and high doses are more prone to Levothroid side effects concerning bone density. Before beginning a course of treatment with this medication, a doctor should explain that prolonged use of this medication increases the risk of decreased bone density. Such Levothroid side effects may lead to more easily broken bones. In 2011, the British Medical Journey released a study demonstrating a correlation between intake of the drug and the risk of bone fracture. The study surveyed 213,000 patients past the age of 70 who were treated between April 2002 and the end of March 2007. Approximately 10% were found to have Levothroid side effects in the form of bone fractures.

 

It may be difficult to pursue a Levothroid lawsuit regarding such occurrences. Similarly, users should be alert for any Levothroid side effects indicative of an overdose, such as nervousness, significant unexplained weight loss, dizziness and confusion. Acute overdoses require emergency medical treatment. Such reactions are unlikely to serve as the foundation of a strong Levothroid lawsuit, since their risk is clearly indicated in the manufacturer's prescription information.

 

Patients who wish to pursue litigation concerning Levothroid side effects in the form of bone fractures can argue the manufacturer does not provide sufficient warning of this risk. An attorney will need to evaluate the possibility of a successful Levothroid lawsuit concerning such an occurrence. To date, no significant litigation has resulted in a publicly reported settlement regarding such Levothroid side effects.

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