Neurontin

Overview

Neurontin, a product of Pfizer Inc. was approved by the FDA in 1994 for treatment of partial seizures usually associated with epilepsy. It was later approved for pain management associated with postherpetic neuralgia as a result of shingles.

Most side-effects of Neurontin are relatively mild and fairly common. Some examples of common side-effects are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Unfortunately, Neurontin has also been linked to other, more dangerous side-effects including:

Loss of Memory
Viral Infections
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Convulsions
Mood Swings
Suicidal Tendencies and other Psychological Effects (children have been shown to be more susceptible to psychological effects of Neurontin)

Pfizer Markets Neurontin for Off-Label Usage

Shortly after Neurontin appeared on the market in 1994 the drugs manufacturer, Pfizer Inc. began intensive marketing of the drug for off-label purposes. It has been shown that Pfizer was marketing the drug for purposes unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration. Such purposes included bipolar disorder, attention deficit disorder, migraines and drug and alcohol withdrawal.

Pfizer Inc. also marketed the drug for use as a first line monotherapy treatment for epilepsy, which the FDA had previously rejected. Pfizer continued to implement marketing techniques that illegally promoted Neurontin, influencing off-label uses based on unproven claims. These actions may have caused both patients and doctors to be unable to weigh both the benefits and risks of using the drug. It has been estimated that approximately 90 percent of Neurontin sales have been attributed to off-label sales.

To learn more about legal claims relating to Neurontin, you should consult an attorney who practices in the area of drugs and medical devices.

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Neurontin

Overview

Pfizer Markets Neurontin for Off-Label Usage

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