SEROQUEL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Seroquel?
• What is an atypical antipsychotic?
• What are the risks of taking Seroquel?
• What are the Seroquel lawsuits about?
• Should I be taking Seroquel?
• Do I have a Seroquel case?
• What are my legal rights?
• Has Seroquel been recalled?

What is Seroquel?

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is a medication approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is an antipsychotic medication, or neuroleptic, used to treat psychotic symptoms, i.e., hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Seroquel helps decrease or eliminate these symptoms and to restore normal thought processes.

Seroquel is also commonly prescribed for other uses not approved by the FDA, i.e., dementia, ADHD, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For more information, see About Seroquel.

What is an atypical antipsychotic?

"Atypical antipsychotics" are a class of antipsychotic medications that emerged in the 1990s. They are considered to be more effective than the older traditional antipsychotic medications, i.e. Haldol, Trilafon, and Thorazine.

Clozaril was the first atypical drug on the market and is referred to as a "first-generation atypical antipsychotic."

Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon, and Abilify are "second-generation atypical antipsychotics."

See Antipsychotic Medications: A Brief History for more information.

What are the risks of taking Seroquel?

Patients treated for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a non-approved (off-label) use other than dementia have an increased risk for diabetes, hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, pancreatitis, and death.

Elderly patients being treated for dementia are at increased risk of death by cardiac events (heart failure, sudden death) or by infections (mostly pneumonia).

See Seroquel Injuries and Warnings for more information.

What are the Seroquel lawsuits about?

For years, the public did not know that Seroquel could cause life-threatening injuries. Millions of people took Seroquel, unaware of the risks. Many have died and countless others have suffered serious side effects. The drug company knew about these risks for years and concealed them from the public. They also unlawfully encouraged doctors to prescribe Seroquel for uses not approved by the FDA. Patients and their families are now suing AstraZeneca seeking compensation for their losses. See Who's to Blame? for more information.

Should I be taking Seroquel?

Studies have shown that Seroquel can cause life-threatening injuries. But severe psychotic symptoms can also be disabling and can lead to life-threatening danger. For this reason, it is important that you talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of your taking Seroquel. Do not stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.

No matter what your diagnosis is, there are several alternative medications available to treat your symptoms, possibly with fewer or less severe side effects.

Seroquel is only approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is not approved to treat other disorders, i.e. depression, dementia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD.

You have the right to be fully informed about the risks of any medication. If you have any questions or concerns about Seroquel safety, talk to your doctor.

Do I have a Seroquel case?

If you have taken Seroquel and suffered from serious injury or illness as a consequence, then you may have a valid claim against the drug company.

You should have your case evaluated by an attorney with experience in the field of pharmaceutical litigation. The Law Offices of Howard L. Nations is a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your case.

Contact our firm for a free case evaluation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

What are my legal rights?

If you have been injured from using Seroquel, you may have the right to be compensated for your losses. To receive compensation, you would need to file a lawsuit against the drug company. Our law firm represents people who have been injured by Seroquel. We are actively prosecuting Seroquel cases.

We are a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with experience in this highly specialized area of law. If you or someone you know has been injured by Seroquel side effects, please contact our offices for a free consultation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

For more information, see Your Legal Rights.

Has Seroquel been recalled?

No, Seroquel has not been recalled.

The FDA notified the public about the risk of life-threatening injuries and ordered the drug company to notify doctors and add warnings to the label. Seroquel is still being produced and sold as before, just with the new warnings on the label.

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