Introduction
Hundreds of people have filed lawsuits saying Abilify caused them to compulsively gamble, spend money or eat.
Other compulsive-behavior side effects covered in the lawsuits include suicide attempts and thoughts, as well as compulsively viewing pornography and playing video games.
Abilify lawsuits also blame the drug for tardive dyskinesia. This condition causes involuntary movements.
History of the Case
Abilify™ (Aripiprazole) is a brand name antipsychotic drug originally developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturer Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Otsuka”). In 2002, Otsuka partnered with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (“BMS”) and obtained FDA approval to market, distribute, and sell Abilify in the U.S. for the treatment of schizophrenia (NDA 21-436). Abilify was later approved for treating other conditions including bipolar mania and major depressive disorder.
Since its approval, numerous patients reported involuntary movements, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, or increased risk of death that may be related to Abilify/Aripiprazole either for its indicated treatment or off-label use. Compulsive behavior is defined as performing an act persistently and repetitively without it necessarily leading to an actual reward or pleasure. Compulsive behaviors could be an attempt to make obsessions go away. The act is usually a small, restricted and repetitive behavior, yet not disturbing in a pathological way.
In 2016, the FDA issued a warning letter that addressed impulse-control problems associated with mental health drug aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada). Subsequently, Otsuka and BMS updated the drug label, adding warnings and precautions including “Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors.”
Injuries Related to Product
Currently, our firm does not accept or prosecute new claims related to Abilify.
If you experience behavior changes or other issues after taking Abilify/Aripiprazole or have concerns about your prescription medication, please contact your medical providers as soon as possible.
