Serzone, or Nefazodone hydrochloride, is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb and has been used as an antidepressant drug. Its claimed advantage over other antidepressants is the ability to heal some patients who have a problem with other antidepressant drugs, lowering the possibility of sexual dysfunction or sleeping disorders. Nefazodone is also considered to be carcinogenic, and it is often used in the production of chemical-related products. If used uncharacteristically, by a person who is unaware of its possible traumatic effects and without the advice of doctor or psychologist, the results of treatment may be tragic.

Due to major issues concerning its relevance as a medicine, some countries stopped its availability in 2003. Issues of hepatic (liver) injury caused several protests and complaints to ban the drug temporarily. With findings about severe liver injury/damage, a liver transplant was performed immediately to avoid a possible death of a patient. This is a slap in the face for those who are unaware of the medicine’s lethal side effects. Some less-serious side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness/sedation, nausea, dizziness, visual problems, weakness, lightheadedness, confusion and orthostatic hypotension.

Giving important information to a doctor before taking medicine is significant in preventing possible harm to a patient’s health. A patient should avoid any circumstances by telling the doctor that he/she has had heart or liver problems in the past, has used other over-the-counter medicines or vitamin supplements, has history of manic episodes, suicidal tendencies or seizures, or is currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

In March of 2004, a group of concerned citizens representing the consumers, called Public Citizen, took legal action against the Food and Drug Administration for the failure to act in time on the petition to ban and forbid the distribution of the Serzone, or nefazodone hydrochloride. Citing several cases of deaths and complications, the group was able to collect the data, and analysis has discovered that at least 53 cases of liver damage, as well as 21 cases liver failure and 11 deaths have been the result of the use of Nefazodone since its release date in 1994.

The United States Food and Drug Administration required the manufacturers of Bristol-Myers Squibb to add “black box” warnings on the packages of Serzone to warn consumers about possible severe effects the drug could cause and that they should inquire their doctor’s prescription or advice before taking it. However, complainants weren’t convinced that the warning is enough to protect the patients from having lethal liver problems. Both parties provided several solutions to solve the case but the main option is to be taken off the market.

The case developed positive results and with the proper guidance of lawyers, the complainants’ lawyers were able to establish proper infractions to the developers of Serzone. Bristol-Myers Squibb now has to manage a monitoring program to periodically test the chosen class and detect any possible development of any injury caused by the use of the drug. Lastly, the lawyers were able to squeeze in a series of compensations for the disciplinary damages, refunds, courts and attorney costs, and for mental and emotion distress in the past and future.

If you know someone who has been harmed due to use of Serzone, it’s only a matter of time before you take action. We are confident that we can help you in taking legal action against any damages, no matter how big or small. Failure to do so will lose your compensation for the harm inflicted by the subject. All states have mandatory periods of time in which lawsuits should be filed with the courts. An appointment with an attorney will preserve your right to file legal claims.

Don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer to gain further knowledge about us and how extensive our ability is in drug-related cases. A matter of health infringement is a major issue that should be taken seriously. Get in touch with us and we will make sure that we are indeed the best there is for you.