Trileptal Prescribed Off-Label
August 12th, 2010
Trileptal is a drug approved by the FDA for epilepsy. However, it has been prescribed to many individuals to treat bipolar disorder and neuropathy. Prescriptions of Trileptal for the purposes of treating bipolar disorder and neuropathy have not been approved by the FDA. Consequently, when Trileptal is prescribed for bipolar disorder or neuropathy, this is an “off-label” use of the drug. Other “off-label” uses have been to treat depression, schizoaffective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Although many studies have looked at the use of Trileptal to treat bipolar disorder, none have conclusively shown, with statistical significance, that Trileptal is effective in treating bipolar disorder. Therefore, many individuals who have been prescribed Trileptal to treat bipolar disorder may not be receiving any benefit from the drug. Despite this, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp. has allegedly promoted Trileptal to doctors as an effective treatment for bipolar disorder.
The U.S. Department of Justice has alleged that the maker of Trileptal, Novartis Pharmaceutical Corp., has unlawfully marketed Trileptal in the United States. As a result of those allegations and others, Novartis recently entered into a $185 million settlement with the U.S. Government.
Pendley, Baudin & Coffin, L.L.P., is currently investigating claims for individuals who have taken Trileptal for the purpose of treating bipolar disorder or preventing neuropathy. If you or a loved one has taken Trileptal for either of these reasons, please contact Pendley, Baudin & Coffin, L.L.P. to have your case confidentially evaluated.
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