Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate)
Gynecomastia (breast development in boys), Diabetes, Tardive Dyskinesia, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Death
Seroquel® (quetiapine fumarate) has been linked to serious and potentially permanent side effects or death. One of the class of atypical antipsychotic drugs, Seroquel® was originally approved for use in adults with schizophrenia and, later, for treatment of acute mania or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder in adults. Seroquel® is manufactured by AstraZeneca; the generic version, quetiapine fumarate is made by other manufacturers.
Sheller, P.C. attorneys provide free consultations to families whose sons have been diagnosed with or who are suspected of having gynecomastia.
The serious and potentially permanent side effects of Seroquel® include:
- Gynecomastia: in boys and young men, growth of breasts that may require a partial or full mastectomy, surgical removal
- Tardive Dyskinesia: an involuntary movement syndrome involving uncontrollable muscle movement of the arms, legs, tongue, face, mouth or jaw. Some of the specific uncontrollable movements in the face may include tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering and chewing movements
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): a possibly fatal syndrome, with symptoms including stiff muscles, sweating, fever, confusion, abnormal thinking, and fast or irregular heartbeat
- Increased risk of sudden death from heart attack (cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiac causes)
- Diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar side effects and abnormalities, particularly in children and the elderly
- Weight gain, potentially rapid and extreme
- Suicide, suicidal thoughts
- Pancreatitis
- Cellulitis: increased edema (swelling) that may be severe enough that it increases the risk of cellulitis, a severe inflammation of often several layers of skin and connective tissue
- Neutropenia: Decreased white blood cell count which can harm the immune system and contribute to cellulitis and other infections
- Increased mortality in the elderly with dementia and related psychosis.
Though approved for adults, until recently the use of Seroquel® in children was not approved by the FDA and only approved now for very limited use in pediatric patients.
If doctors believe a drug can be an effective treatment for a patient’s condition, they can prescribe the drug “off label,” meaning they may indicate the use in a population not approved by the FDA. In the last few years, Seroquel® has consistently been prescribed “off label” for children to treat autism, irritability, aggression and Seroquel® has also been prescribed to treat irritability, aggression and other behavior disorders in the elderly.
Boys may be at particular risk of growing breasts (gynecomastia) that require surgery
While anyone taking Seroquel® may be at risk for harm, children and the elderly are at a significantly higher risk. Some children have experienced the significant, dangerous and potentially permanent side effects listed above. Children are especially at risk for additional side effects including severe weight gain, extreme rapid onset of diabetes and other blood disorders, and more pronounced movement disorders including tardive dyskinesia.
Boys may be at particular risk of breast development (gynecomastia). Due to an increase in the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in blood boys may experience growth of breast(s), possibly with pain or nipple discharge. A mastectomy may be required to remove the breast(s).
Attorneys of Sheller, P.C. are currently investigating these cases with particular attention to harmful side effects in children
If you, your child or someone you know has experienced and/or has been diagnosed with any of these side effects while taking Seroquel® or any other antipsychotic medication such as Risperdal®, Invega®, Geodon®, or Zyprexa®, contact us now to learn your rights and protect your health or the health of your child.
Click here to read full attorney disclaimers
