What is Serzone?
Serzone, which has the generic name nefazodone hydrochloride, was introduced in 1994 and was prescribed to treat people suffering from depression. Serzone was produced and marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb, until the pharmaceutical company voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market in 2004. Serzone was linked to multiple cases of severe liver damage and liver failure in some patients to whom it was prescribed. A number of the liver problems believed to be caused by Serzone led to the need for a liver transplant or, at worst, resulted in death. While posing a risk of significant liver damage, Serzone allegedly provides no additional benefits compared to other antidepressants on the market.
Serzone Black Box Warning
As reports of Serzone causing severe liver damage came about, the FDA took steps to warn physicians and patients of the dangerous side effect. In 2002, Serzone was required by the FDA to have a "black box warning" concerning liver damage, added to its packaging. The black box warning is the strongest warning available to the FDA without banning a drug from the market. The black box warning concerned the possible liver damage associated with Serzone and advised patients and physicians to watch carefully for liver problems. Patients were warned to watch for symptoms of liver disease, which include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and dark urine.
 Contact us regarding Serzone; attorney consultations are free.
Serzone Removal from the Market
The group Public Citizen reported that even after the black box warning was implemented, the number of people suffering from liver failure linked to Serzone continued to rise. Some reports have Serzone associated with as many as 55 cases of liver failure and 39 separate cases of severe liver damage. At least 20 deaths have been associated with liver failure from Serzone. The number of reported instances of liver problems may be low as the FDA estimates that its reporting system may only receive reports of about 10% of the side effects caused by medications, including Serzone. Liver failure reports prompted health officials in Canada to ban Serzone in the Canadian market. Canadian health officials reported that they saw no way to predict which patients would be at risk of liver failure even with the administration of regular liver tests. Sales of Serzone have also been ceased in Australia and New Zealand.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member has used the prescription drug Serzone and noticed adverse side effects, such as liver damage, you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on Serzone litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP’s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning Serzone. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Serzone Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Pharmaceutical-Injury-C1/Serzone-P31/'>Serzone: Lawyer Seek</a> |
|
