Anti-Psychotics Linked to Diabetes in Children
The use of anti-psychotic medications by teens and adolescents is tied to more than 3x the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This is according to new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association – Psychiatry.
Popular Antipsychotics Hurt Children
Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration, the May, Clinic and respected universities found this link in some of the most popular antipsychotics prescribed to young people. The drugs linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes are:
- Risperdal (risperdone)
- Zyprexa (olanzapine)
- Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate)
- Abilify (aripiprazole)
Some of these medications have been prescribed for off-label purposes, such as treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. In fact, the manufacturers of all of these drugs have been subject to criticism or fines. They received the fines for attempting to boost sales by marketing them for off-label uses, which is not allowed.
Researchers: Higher Dosage, Higher Diabetes Risk
The study looked at more than 40,000 individuals. The subjects either took one of the above drugs or did not. The study found subjects between ages 6 to 17 were at a 3.14x higher risk of developing diabetes from one of the listed anti-psychotics. Researchers documented risk increases “significantly” as dosage increases. Researchers noted the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was highest among younger users.
This diabetes link was apparent after a year of taking one of the medications, and it can even persist up to a year after treatment with the medication is stopped, according to the study.
Legal Responsibility for Antipsychotic Side Effects
The makers of these drugs each take in billions of dollars annually selling these anti-psychotic drugs. As pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, they are responsible for ensuring that people are warned about the negative effects associated with the medications. If people are not told about all of the dangers associated with a drug, they cannot make the best choices about their health.
That is what happened in this case. Parents were not able to make a truly informed decision about the health of their child. Children who take anti-psychotic medications have enough to deal with without a diabetes diagnosis, and so do their families.
Get Legal Help
If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after taking Risperdal, Abilify, Zyprexa or Seroquel, you should speak with an attorney experienced in holding drug manufacturers accountable for their products. The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is committed to aggressively litigating these cases on behalf of affected children and families.
Contact us today by calling (877) 513-9517 or completing the form to the right for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your rights and options.