Pfizer Inc., the world’s largest pharmaceutical company, has agreed to plead guilty and pay more than $430 million to settle all criminal charges and civil liabilities related to the illegal and fraudulent promotion of unapproved uses for its top selling epilepsy drug Neurontin by Warner-Lambert’s Parke-Davis Division, the Justice Department said in a prepared statement issued on Thursday.
“The Department of Justice is committed to rooting out and prosecuting health care fraud,” said Associate Attorney General Robert McCallum. “The Department’s commitment to effective health care fraud enforcement is driven by a mandate that wrongdoers be brought to justice, to deter conduct which threatens the safety and welfare of all Americans, and the need to protect the resources of the Medicare Trust Fund, state Medicaid programs, and other government health programs.”
Neurontin
=======
Neurontin was approved in 1993 for the treatment of partial seizures with and without secondary generalization in adults with epilepsy. In 2002, Pfizer received approval for Neurontin for treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia.
Once approved, the drug may not be marketed or promoted for so-called “off-label” uses - any use not specified in an application and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Off-Label Uses
==========
However, Warner-Lambert’s strategic marketing plans, as well as other evidence, show that Neurontin was aggressively marketed to treat a wide array of ailments for which the drug was not approved, the Justice Department said. The company promoted Neurontin for the treatment of bipolar mental disorder, various pain disorders, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, attention deficit disorder, migraine, drug and alcohol withdrawal seizures, restless leg syndrome, and as a first-line monotherapy treatment for epilepsy (using Neurontin alone, rather than in addition to another drug).
Warner-Lambert promoted Neurontin even when scientific studies had shown it was not effective, the Justice Department said. For Example, the company falsely promoted Neurontin as effective for treating bipolar disease, even when a scientific study demonstrated that a placebo worked as well or better than the drug.
“This illegal and fraudulent promotion scheme corrupted the information process relied upon by doctors in their medical decision-making, thereby putting patients at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan.
Consequence of Illegal Marketing Scheme
============================
As a consequence of the unlawful promotion scheme, patients who received the drug for unapproved and unproven uses had no assurance that their doctors were exercising their independent and fully-informed medical judgment, or whether the doctor was instead influenced by misleading statements made by, or inducements provided by, Warner-Lambert, the Justice Department said. Potential problems that can arise from off-label use without the benefit of careful FDA oversight include the occurrence of unforeseen adverse effects because the drug was not studied in the type of patient it is being used for off-label and the appropriate dosage and course of treatment have not been established.
“The plea agreement and settlement announced today marks the end of an exemplary effort to use all of the appropriate anti-fraud weapons available to us in a concerted manner to send clear and unequivocal messages to the pharmaceutical industry,” said Assistant Attorney General Peter D. Keisler. “To insure a just result, we in the Civil Division will vigilantly join our tools for fighting fraud on consumers with those available to remedy fraud on the federal health care programs.”
Illegal Marketing Tactics
================
Warner-Lambert used a number of tactics to achieve its marketing goals, including encouraging sales representatives to provide one-on-one sales pitches to physicians about off-label uses of Neurontin without prior inquiry by doctors, the Justice Department said. The company’s agents also made false or misleading statements to health care professionals regarding Neurontin’s effectiveness. The company also utilized “Medical Liaisons,” who represented themselves (often falsely) as scientific experts in a particular disease, to promote off-label uses for Neurontin.
Warner-Lambert paid doctors to attend so-called “consultants meetings” in which physicians received a fee for attending expensive dinners or conferences during which presentations about off-label uses of Neurontin were made, the Justice Department said. These events included lavish weekends and trips to Florida, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and Hawaii. There was little or no significant consulting provided by the physicians.
The pharmaceutical company implemented numerous teleconferences in which physicians were recruited by sales representatives to call into a pre-arranged number where they would listen to a doctor or a Warner-Lambert employee speak about an off-label use of Neurontin.
The company also sponsored purportedly “independent medical education” events on off-label Neurontin uses with extensive input from Warner-Lambert regarding topics, speakers, content, and participants.
Warner-Lambert paid physicians to allow a sales representative to accompany the physician while he or she saw patients, with the representative offering advice regarding the patient’s treatment, which was biased towards the use of Neurontin, the Justice Department said.
These tactics were part of a widespread, coordinated national effort to implement an off-label marketing plan. At the same time, Warner-Lambert decided not to seek FDA approval for any of the new uses because it was concerned that approval for any of the non-epilepsy uses would allow generic competitors of Neurontin, which was expected to go off-patent soon, to compete with a “son of Neurontin” drug that Warner-Lambert hoped to have approved by the FDA for both epilepsy and non-epilepsy uses, the Justice Department said.
Building a Blockbuster Drug
===================
Neurontin was launched into the marketplace in February of 1994; from mid-1995 to at least 2001, the growth of off-label sales was tremendous. While not all of these sales were the consequence of Warner-Lambert’s illegal marketing, the marketing scheme was very successful in increasing Neurontin prescriptions for unapproved uses, the Justice Department said.
The state Medicaid programs were harmed by Warner-Lambert’s aggressive promotion for off-label uses in numerous ways. The conduct caused doctors to write prescriptions for Medicaid patients when those medications were not eligible for Medicaid reimbursement in that the prescriptions were fraudulently obtained through false statements to doctors and by payment of illegal kickbacks, including so called “consulting fees” and trips for physicians.
The Whistle-blower
=============
The investigation was commenced in the District of Massachusetts when a former medical liaison for Warner-Lambert, Dr. David Franklin, filed a suit on behalf of the U.S. government. Private individuals like Dr. Franklin are allowed to file whistleblower suits under the federal False Claims Act to bring the United States information about wrongdoing. If the United States is successful in resolving or litigating the whistleblower’s claims, the whistleblower may share in part of the recovery. As a part of today’s resolution, Dr. Franklin will receive approximately $24.64 million of the civil recovery.
Under the Agreement
===============
(a) Warner-Lambert has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of violating the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act with regard to its misbranding of Neurontin by failing to provide adequate directions for use and by introduction into interstate commerce of an unapproved new drug. Warner-Lambert has, as punishment for these offenses, agreed to pay a $240 million criminal fine, the second largest criminal fine ever imposed in a health care fraud prosecution. The Plea Agreement between the United States and Warner-Lambert specifically states that Warner-Lambert’s criminal conduct caused losses of $150 million and that the violations are felonies as a consequence of Warner-Lambert’s prior Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act conviction.
(b) Warner-Lambert has agreed to settle its federal civil False Claims Act liabilities and to pay the United States $83.6 million, plus interest, in civil damages for losses suffered by the federal portion of the Medicaid program as a result of Warner-Lambert’s fraudulent drug promotion and marketing misconduct.
(c) Warner-Lambert has agreed to settle its civil liabilities to the fifty states and the District of Columbia in an amount of $68.4 million, plus interest, for losses the state Medicaid programs suffered as a result of Warner-Lambert’s fraudulent drug promotion and marketing misconduct.
(d) Warner-Lambert has agreed to settle its civil liabilities to the fifty states and the District of Columbia in an amount of $38 million, plus interest, for harm caused to consumers and to fund a remediation program to address the effects of Warner-Lambert’s improper marketing scheme. This part of the global settlement agreement was negotiated by the Consumer Protection divisions of the fifty State Attorneys General.
(e) Pfizer Inc, Warner-Lambert’s parent company, has agreed to comply with the terms of a corporate compliance program, which will ensure that the changes Pfizer Inc made after acquiring Warner-Lambert in June 2000, are effective in training and supervising its marketing and sales staff, and ensures that any future off-label marketing conduct is detected and corrected on a timely basis. In addition, Warner-Lambert agreed to an injunction by a state court against continuing the improper conduct that was the subject of the States’ Consumer Protection Divisions investigation.
Pfizer Inc, the owner of Warner-Lambert since June of 2000, has also agreed to institute a compliance program. The charged conduct occurred prior to the acquisition.
(via U.S. Department of Justice)
56 responses so far ↓
Caleb E. Molpus // May 14, 2004 at 7:25 pm
Good for him. It has been going on for a long time now. But what about all of the patients that have been buying the overpriced drug and had no good affects
I started having such strange effects that I quit taking the drug completely against my doctors orders, They did nothing for my chronic pain from Peripheral Neuropathy at all. I am currently looking for another Neurologist and see if he recomends Neurontin at all.
M. Flynn // May 14, 2004 at 11:19 pm
I have been using Neurontin for Spinal nerve damage almost since it came on the market. Pfizer’s machinations notwithstanding, it is the only drug that gives me almost instant relief when I need it. I am very cautious about pain-relieving meds; consequently I take even the Neurontin sparingly and have never experienced any side-effects nor any dependency. Re:I am sorry for him that Neurontin could not help him and I hope that he can find something that will. However , I have a close friend, also diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, who was started on a daily regimen of Neurontin approx. 7 weeks ago and cannot believe how much better she is. As with any medication,not all patients react the same. I am not connected with Pfizer in any way, but i must say that I am very grateful that they have produced this drug. As to “overpricing”, what else is new? Try Canada it’s Garapentin there and less expensive and just as effective!
MISS DEAN // May 19, 2004 at 1:42 pm
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE ONE MIGHT OBTAIN A COPY OF THIS FEE AGREEMENT, RE: PFIZER (NEURONTIN)?
Davina // May 20, 2004 at 8:20 pm
I would like more information regarding
this neurontin issue
Ari // May 21, 2004 at 12:01 pm
Hello,
I have bipolar disorder. I have been taking Neurontin for about 10 or so years?? My insurance has been paying for the maximum dose of 3200mgs for that entire time.
Now I see that it has absolutely no use for bipolars and that my insurance companies have been defrauded, and I have been taking a drug, with serious side effects, with possible permanent side effects for NOTHING.
I am IRATE. I even have had the suicidal ideation problem occuring immediately after I was given Neurontin. However, that was over 10 years ago and I’m not sure what the statute of limitations are.
I’m not sure exactly what we’ve spent on Neurontin, but I’m sure it’s now over $10,000. I’m sure that at least my current insurance would like their money back for this fraud!
Ari
Ari
David Wright // Jun 3, 2004 at 5:49 am
I have been taking 400mg per day of Neurontin (Gabapentin), in conjunction with Tramadol and Carbamazepine (Tramadol) for relief of pain due to chronic post-herpetic neuralgia and have found it remarkably effective with no significant side-effects. It has made a great contribution to improving my quality of life.
EILEEN M. GONZALES // Jun 4, 2004 at 4:26 pm
I have been on Neurontin 400Mg for almost 3 years. Kaiser no longer pays for brand name drugs and it is too expensive now for me. I think that I too will be trying the generic Gabapentin 400Mg. Would like more information on this generic. Also, is the patent almost over on Neurontin?
Thank You
Deborah Porcaro // Jun 4, 2004 at 5:26 pm
I was recently given neurontin by my Dr. after complaining about headaches relating to stiffness in my neck, probably the result of arthritis or the begining of it.. I was first given 600mg. which I complained was way to strong so we dropped it down to 100mg nightly. I have been happy with the results after one month of being on it. Is this safe for me, or should I be concerned.
Mark Smith // Jun 4, 2004 at 7:41 pm
I attempted suicide for the first and only time about 30 days after starting Neurontin for depression 2 yrs ago. Where do we find information about this lawsuit?
Bonnie H. // Jun 4, 2004 at 11:12 pm
I was given Neurontin and OxyContin with Oxycodone combination for pain following surgery. This was the magic answer for me. After having surgery previously 4 months prior and having no pain relief this was a much welcomed cure.
Bonnie
Outraged Daughter // Jun 5, 2004 at 6:24 pm
I am outraged!
I am the daughter of a Diabetic mother who suffers from Diabetic Neuropathy. She was prescribed, by her Neurologist, 3,200 mgs DAILY for her condition. In Novemeber of 2003, I noticed she began slight tremors (shaking). Her condition worsened to the point of what seemed to be seizures. Of course, I had notified her doctors when the condition started and asked them if this was MS or Parkinson’s - both conditions were ruled out. In March of 2004 my mother lost control of her legs (she would colapse in an instant), her speech became extremely slurred and her memory was failing. She was rushed to the hospital 5 times in 6 weeks due to her legs colapsing which caused injuries. During her many hospital stays, she was tested for: brain tumor, viral brain infection, spinal tap, brain/spinal cancer and variuos other conditions, all revealed negitive results. Her doctors were mystified over her condition. They started to think it maybe drug related and took her off Neurontin. I contacted Pfizer and questioned the medication. I explained EXACTLY the dose and that she was using it for Diabetic Neuropathy. They took my phone number and promised me a return call to answer my concerns…they NEVER RETURNED MY CALL…I called three times, I wanted to understand and asked specifically how this medication helped her condition and were these just side effects of the medication.
After “magically” getting better…the doctors have put her back on Neurotin because they truly felt it was a viral condition…she is back on 2,500 mg DAILY again. I see the tremors starting and her walk is becoming stagered…then I saw the Dateline news clip on June 4. I am so upset.
So Pfizer, yes, I will be contacting you once again to tell you what you did to our my Mother and our family. Her falls were not minor…we prayed that she would make it through each day with these massive tremors. I will call her doctors first thing in the morning to GET HER OFF the medication, but knowing them, they will probably call me first if they have beome aware of the disgraceful act that you company has willing created.
Mr. CEO…is my Mother’s life so meaningless to you because you want a better vacation for you and your family while my Mother is suffering in the hospital from you injustice?
I am outraged.
Marilena Cruz // Jun 5, 2004 at 7:14 pm
I was prescribed Neurontin about 2 years ago, for the treatment of my diabetic neuropathy symptoms, which include pain in lower extremities, burning sensation in my feet and hands, weakness in legs, and numbness in hands and feet. I started taking about 600mg a day and now have been taking 2100mg a day. My physician says this is the only drug on the market that helps my symptoms. I did see some improvement, but the side effects really affect my daily living. I’m constantly tired and have no energy. I’ve been losing my coordination, memory, and I lose track of things very easy. I’m not sure what’s worse living with constant pain & tingling or not being able to live a normal life?
My sympathy Marilena but there is hope // Jun 6, 2004 at 7:04 am
Marilena,
First I would like to express my sympathy for your condition of Diabetic Neuropathy. Please speak with your doctors. I am not a doctor by any means, but I have some knowledge of this disabilitating condition. It is my belief, that as you increase in dosage of Neurontin the side effects will start to intensify much greater than other medications which out weigh the benfits. Diabetic Neuropathy is extremely painful, I have seem the pain in my Mother. My heart goes out to you…but I truly beleive there is hope for you. Unfortunatley, our Doctors were misinformed by Pfizer of this particular medication and its uses.
I have found, through research on my own, that an antiseizure drug in combination with an anti-depressant (of which you do not need to have either condition) has shown to be extremely helpful to diabetic neuropathy patients. The medications work (in combination) with the Neuro transmitors in your brain to send signals to your nerve endings which helps your condition. Again, I am not a Doctor, just a person that does not take medication lightly.
I visualize that your syptoms of Neuropathy range from extreme pain in your legs and feet in which you needed to lie down and lift your legs (not that this helps), numbness in your toes and feet and hands which feel cold all the time, an others such as a burning sensation as you mentioned. My Mother puts three blankets on her legs.
Back to the issue, if your anti sezuire drug NEURONTIN (which the company made false claims about) has not been tested for this condition or side effects regarding this condition, please consider switching to a different medication like Tegritol (not sure of the spelling). Tregritol (anti-sezuire medication) has been on the market for a long time, if Pfizer manufactures it try a different one.
Neurontin is a fairly new medication on the market about 8 years or so. I think Pfizer used other Pharma company’s research and actual findings for anti-seizure drugs and simply descided to lie about the “new medication” for the shear pleasure of profit with no regard to humans, I am sickened.
There is hope for your condition and I wish you well. Find a different anti-seizure medication not manufactured by Pfizer (becasue others did their research) and use that instead, maybe it will work for you without these nightmare side effects.
Memory loss, forgetfulness, lack of coordination, are the first syptoms that started with my Mom and they were minor. As time progressed, so did her condition worsen. Please, consult your Doctor. I do not want you to get to the point my mother was at - total loss of leg function, severe tremors, inability to speak - no, it sounds like a stroke but that was ruled out also. We NEVER thought it was the nasty side effects of Neurontin. I had her checked for EVERY condition known to man and they all came back negitive.
I know that if Neurontin had been tested like it was required to be, this medication would not have been promoted as the drug to use for Diabetic Neuropathy but that does not mean all hope is lost…please, inquire about another Medication from your Doctor.
Best of health to you…there is hope, do not give up!
Virginia L. Becker // Jun 11, 2004 at 12:49 pm
I had been treated with Nuerontin for TMJ for 2 months, first with 100 mgs four times a day and when that did nothing, he upped the dose to 900 mgs a day. I was having severe head and neck pain. It didn’t ease up with Nuerontin. I went to the hospital and they refered me to an internist who said that Nuerontin was my only hope.
He has me on a 1800 mg a day dose and the head and neck pain will not go away. All I think all day long is suicide. During the day, my head feels like it’s going to explode. At night, all I feel is pain. I cannot live like this. After reading the latest news about lawsuits and suicide due to off use of Nuerontin, I am not taking any more! The doctor said that Neurontin was my only hope. If that’s the case, then suicide would be my only option. I am not a depressed person. Never have been. I have a healthy body but with a head that is harder and harder to keep on my shoulders each and every miserable day.
My eyes are blurry and I can’t turn my head to drive so I never travel over a mile and am at the mercy of others. I’m constantly nervous and cannot relax. I just muddle through the day and suffer through the night. I feel like I’m dying a slow death!
Janice Rawlins // Jun 25, 2004 at 6:16 am
I had currently taken neurotin about two years ago, and I thought I was going crazy. I would forget things and do some stupid stuff that I have no memory of at all. I ended up in the hospital from a overdose that was never intended. I am not the type person who would commit suicide I have to much to live for. This drug was given to me for bi-polor disorder, and it did not help except bring bad side effects from it. It was starting to take a toll on my marrigae, and I have been married for twenty eight years.
Barbara // Jun 28, 2004 at 8:13 am
I was prescribed Neurontin from my MD in March when I had an ankle fusion. The pain I am in is so unbearable and he refuses to prescribe pain meds except for ultram and neurontin.In June, I told him about the lawsuit for neurontin and he said not to worry. It’s just a technicality that the drug company did not submit to the appropriate agency. Who am I to believe? The only depression I’m in is for the constant pain. It hasn’t done a thing for me and the MD said I could take up to 900MG at a time. I am forgetting things and am off-balance but I figured it’s just because of walking on one foot. Help!!!! The MD is aware of this and still insists on prescribing. Have these MD’s been notified? Anyone please let me know. Thanks!!
Jan Boeykens // Jun 28, 2004 at 7:09 pm
Dear Sir,
Dear Sir,
I am a belgian epilepticus.
Some months ago, I had a non-epileptic crisis. I feeled an enormous pain that was so terrible that was falling in a kind of coma. I had only the time to ask my friend to call the hospital.
In the hospital, they gave me Haloperidol while I am using Diphantoine. The use of the two medications together can be dangerous and there were some very serious complications.
I refused to pay the bill of the hospital (5 days) and started a juridical action against the hospital.
The judge condemned me to pay because my history was “too personal (subjectif)” while I have all the necessary documents.
Are there some other people with the same problem and is it possible to take international action against this kind of errors ?
Jan Boeykens
Werkgroep Morkhoven
Sanders Williams // Jul 1, 2004 at 5:37 am
I have been taken neurotin for my nerve damage in my right arm. The side effects that I have discussed with my doctor, he stated that they are were normal side effects. I don’t think so. Please send me information on this law suit and how I can be apart of it.
paul B. Alexander // Jul 1, 2004 at 7:51 am
I have been taking Neurontin for my sciatica without any results . Is Neurontin a prober drug for sciatica ?
d johnson // Jul 1, 2004 at 11:31 am
Please help me find a lawyer for this lawsuit.
calvin nunies // Jul 8, 2004 at 9:40 am
Dear Sir ,
I have been taking neurontin for nerve damage and for blood flow i have taken up to 8 cpsules a day and it started with only 2 they kept increasing it because they said it would help me but it did not now im taking morphine can you help me Kaiser is my HMO
Greg Schrandt // Jul 15, 2004 at 7:38 pm
I have taken gabapentin for 3 years, what shoud I do ?
Maryann // Jul 16, 2004 at 7:53 pm
Has anyone had any problems with arm swelling from taking Neurontin? My arms were swollen, became very painful over the course of 6-8 weeks, the pain did not go away. After several months of physical therapy, an MRI was done that revealed a labrum tear in my shoulder which will require surgery.
Anyone else have any of these type of problems?
Susan M. Wolf // Jul 21, 2004 at 12:24 pm
Please send more information about neurontin and the issues discussed here.
I have been taking this medication for over a year for nerve pain in my legs, although there has been no relief for this, I have continued usage in hopes that it may help. But at this time I am having many signs of having seizures which I have never had before. And after stumbling upon this article I am concerned this the medication may be causing this??? There are several other factors concerning my health since I began taking neurontin that have concerned me. Thank you
Megan // Jul 22, 2004 at 10:58 am
PLEASE NOTE: Neurontin has also been linked to suicide. I learned this after my father committed suicide a year ago. Please be aware.
james Mc Graw // Jul 25, 2004 at 7:01 am
thanks to all who came forward to describe their symptoms. I was prescribed Neurontin after haveing an ischemic stroke. Almost immediately, I began having swollen hands, pain in my
arm & face that never ends day or night, and each time my Neurologist indicated it was a safe medication & that the pain was neurologic in nature and uncurable. I have developed uncontrollable arm jerks, twitching in my back and pain in my right face that
never ceases.
Research has indicated that strokes do not increases in intensity since the damage has been done at the time of the stroke. I am in constant unremiting pain in my shoulder and leg. I have been to every reputable clinic in Houston Tx but have completely lost faith in the drug or the Drs who seem to
be so willing to dispense it.
Sharee' Loudermilk // Jul 26, 2004 at 8:13 pm
I was told 3 years ago I had Peripheral Neuropathy in my feet and legs. The first doctor put me on Neurontin just 300mg’s 4x a day.. it worked for a while, then the pain came back. Sharp shooting pains like knives in my feet and legs, my doctor told me to up the dose, not only did she say up the dose she increased it to 400mg’s 6x aday.. over a course of 12 months, i battled with severe weight gain, the doctor told me that was normal, the pain would subside for awhile, then come back even strong and more intense, i complained about being tired all the time and my memory and lack of concentration was so bad i slipped into a depression, my doctor changed my anti anxiety meds.. still the pain would be so bad in my feet and legs i swore to her that it wasn’t doing a bit of good.. after nearly 3 years, i finally took myself off of the Neurontin 6 weeks ago, my doses had gone up to 8 400mgs 4xaday… i feel better since being off of it, my feet are still hurting but nothing like they were before, i actually was starting to believe that the Neurontin was making the pain worse. i’ve looked into finding a lawyer to help me be apart of this lawsuit, but unfortunatly there are no pharmary malpratice lawyers in the State of West Virginia. I am looking for compensation for the agony this so called med has caused me for the past 3 years.
Kathleen Plaine // Aug 11, 2004 at 10:58 am
I have been taking Neurontin for 2 years. I am taking 3,000 mgs. per day. I take it for migraines. I am constantly dizzy and lightheaded. I have tremors too. I had no idea about the side effects. I am so tired all the time, not being able to sleep at night and during the day at work I feel like I could fall asleep. I never have any energy. It is hard to wake up in the morning.
catharine a fish // Aug 18, 2004 at 7:02 am
I have been taken neurotin for almost 2 years. I have been in a huge custody battle that lost me my kids, because I stated suicide idiation to the cops after my husband sent them to my house twoice. PLease help me. I am a fully fuinctioning individual and RN in fact, but at this point am considered a danger to my children, why I am not sure, please help me seek some justice. I have been played by a system that does not hold justice to mean anything. Do my children have to suffer the rest of their lives. Please help me.
La-Tannya Banks // Aug 24, 2004 at 7:43 pm
I was prescribed Neurontin for Fibromyalgia and it didn’t help at all. Neurontin gave me nightmares and daymares. It also made me off-balanced and extremely fatigued!
June Herrington // Aug 31, 2004 at 3:18 pm
I am very concerned about my mother who suffers from diabetic neuropathy. She has been taking neurontrin for the past couple of years and lately she has been having some real problems with weakness in the legs and extreme fatigue. She was recently hospitalized for a week and a half trying to figure out what the problem was. She was getting so weak at home that she wasn’t eating and sleeping all the time. At one point I just took her to the emergency room since none of her doctors could tell me why she was getting so weak and fatigued.
She has visiting nurses come in now and has gotten a little of her strength back, but not much. She was always such an active person until the past six months, I’ve noticed things have gotten worse.
ken reali // Sep 10, 2004 at 12:27 pm
Braoder use of an approved drug. Beyond product labeling. Recent consequences because the company was promoting its off-label use.
Donna R // Oct 4, 2004 at 10:54 am
I have just come across all of this info, i’m not sure i understand what is going on. Could i get some info on all this? My daughter was just recently placed on neurontin for ADHD is this an acceptable medication for this dignosis?
Karlin Klavin // Dec 1, 2004 at 9:25 am
I was given Gabapentin THIS WEEK [Nov 25 2004]for off label use - Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Isn’t the word out to the doctors yet? I am in Canada, but that should make no difference, eh?
Not that I want a settlement for being given this prescription, but if there is harm from an off-label application of a drug, shouldn’t it be stopped?
Tyra // Dec 4, 2004 at 6:31 pm
I was given the medicine 3 yrs. ago for cluster headaches I was a minor at the time whom should I speak with about this ??? =
sunshine simpson // Dec 5, 2004 at 7:15 pm
i had a head injury 4 years ago and 21/2 years ago i was given neurontin for migrains and dystonia here recently i have gotten violent and in tears daily, thoughts of suicide and depression,weakness these are all things that are listed as affects but what to do , who to turn to. if i stop are there going to be worse effects and if i contiue to stay on what will happen. there is no lawyers regarding this in AZ. who do i turn to now?
Larry Phillips // Dec 13, 2004 at 12:44 pm
I have been on pain medication for 2.5 years after a back injury. The last tie I saw my doctor, 12/09/04, he prescribed Neurontin. Is this irregular and should I continue to take this medicine?
Kim Freitag // Dec 17, 2004 at 9:13 am
I have reflex sympathetic dsytrophy, diagnosed in 1996 and put on Neurontin/gabapentin almost immediately. In 2001 I overdosed due to drug interaction, and possibly Neurontin usage. I have been in physcal therapy for years, learning to walk again and neck and shoulder muscle problems, dr.s are calling it frozen shoulder–but it goes down int my shoulder blade. I don’t know if my balence problems are RSD or drug related after reading this. Please contact me with more info and lawsuit/ lawyer info. Thank you for this forum.
Cristan // Dec 28, 2004 at 5:56 am
I only took Neurontin for 3 days for bipolar but also had mild seizure disorder. After the first night, I had strange dreams. After the 2nd night, it was like Nightmare on Elm Street where I had horrible nightmares and even after waking up, I would go right back to sleep and have them again. I haven’t had nightmares since I was a kid. I called the on-call Dr. and almost called for an ambulance. It was a horrible experience. Did anybody have these problems with Neurontin? I quit immediately.
Jon // Jan 6, 2005 at 5:19 pm
I started Taking Gabapentin on 06/19/97 and ended in 2000. It was prescibed for Migraines. I developed hypertension, eye pain, leg pain, paranoia, anxiety/depression, hallucinations, chest pain, abdominal pain and naseau. I had to start taking medicine to bring down my blood pressure 2 months after starting the Gabapentin. I also had to take other medication(Darvicet) for the eye and abdominal pain. I had an acute episode of abdominal pain in July, 1998 and got dizzy, then passed out. I was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The diagnosis was an acute syncopal episode caused by vasovagol secondary to acute abdominal pain secondary to gastritis. Also acute exacerbation of chronic cephalgia. I referred to a psychiatrist by my primary care doctor in 1999 due to my anxiety, depression and mood changes. I was suicidal at the time. I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist and psycologist since Jabuary, 2000. They advised me to stop taking the Gabapentin, which I stopped taking in 2000. I still have sharp eye pains, leg pains, abdominal pains, numbness in my foot, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts, etc. I was taking 300mg doses of Gabapentin daily from 1997 through 2000. How can I get a good lawyer?
jim // Feb 10, 2005 at 10:42 pm
i am on 3600mgs a day for FM and have been having heart pains, fatique, anger alot and feel like everyday i am taking it i am getting worse.I don’t know what to do at this point,it really scares me to come off of it yet,if anyone would like to talk to me and give me more info on this med and talk about FM,CFS,and MFPS. I would like to talk , please e-mail me anytime to chat
THANXS JIM
Paula // Mar 9, 2005 at 7:56 pm
my daughter has been taking Neurontin since she has been about 7-she is now 12. It seemed to help the seizures-but the migraines continued. I guess I should explain-she had extreme headaches since was about 2 yrs old. They finally tested her at about “7″, and found signs of epilepsy-they being the neurologist. I was told that neurontin would help the mirgraines and as well as the seizures-so this was the best medication. Well, don’t you always believe what the doctors says?
Anyway, my daughter is now 12 and has thoughts of suicide!! It scared me to death, I kept thinking why - - why would she feel this way?
I then seen an ad on TV then mentioned something about Neurontin causing suicide. I couldn’t believe it!
I wasn’t able to write down the number, I waited for hours for the commercial to come back on. I then decided to go on-line- and here I am.
mike // Mar 17, 2005 at 3:12 pm
i have been on neurontin for two years, at first i had back surgery for a hernaited disk, then my doctor gave me neurontin for my nerve pain in my leg, two years later i am worse then i have ever been,, i take 3600mg a day, i am suicidel, have anger and temper problems, i have worse pain in both of my legs now, my ankles are always numb…. and i also have cronic gastritis as well…. on top of all this when i try to stop the drug i get with drawl symptoms and very bad ibs….please can any one help me.. if there is a good lawyer in ftlauderdale area please contact me…..thankyou….
diane // Mar 26, 2005 at 4:53 pm
I HAVE BEEN TAKING NEUROTIN SINCE IT HAS BEEN ON THE MARKET. I HAVE BEEN NAUSTED, I HAVE BEEN HAVING THE FEELING THAT I AM ABOUT TO PASS OUT COBSTANTLY. I AM VERY WEAK. I CANNOT DO MY HOUSEWORK. ALL OF THE TIME I HAVE TO HAVE SOMEONE HELP ME DRESS MYSELF. MY FEET AND LEGS FEEL AS IF I AM WALKING THROUGH HOT WATER ALL THE TIME. I STAGGER WGEN I WALK I CAN NOT WALK IN A STRAIGHT LINE. MY KNEES GIVE OUT ALL THE TIME I WALK WITH A CANE MOST OF THE TIME WHICH WAS PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR. I HAVEN!T MUCH OF A MEMORY SHORT OR LONG. NEUROTIN WAS PRESCRIBED TO ME BY A NEUROLOGIST MANY YEARS AGO I GUESS ABOUT THE SAME TIME IT CAME ON THE MARKET. I CAN!T SEEM TO REMEMBER WHEN. MY LEGS BUCKLE OUT FROM UNDER ME CONSTANTLY. I FALL IN THE FLOOR. IF SOMEONE DOESEN!T CATCH ME OR I FALL ON FURNITURE IF SOME IS AVAILABLE. I AM A DIABETIC WITH NEUROPTHY. I ASK MY SISTERS WHO ARE ALSO DIABETIC IF THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I HAVE. THEY SAY NO. I ALMOST PASSED OUT AT THE DOCTORS OFFICE ONE TIME AND ASKED TO BE PUT IN THE HOSPITAL. SHE SAID UNLESS I PASS OUT THEY WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO CONSTANTLY ASKS ME TO BE CHECKED FOR MS OR PARKINSONS DISEASE BECAUSE OF THE TREMORS. IF MY HANDS ARENT SHAKING THEN MY NECK IS. I WAS TAKING 1500 MGS OF NEUROTIN NOW THE DOCTOR HAS CHANGED MY MEDICATION TO GABAPENTIN 1500 MGS A DAY. I DONT FEEL ANY BETTER WITH THE GABAPENTIN. IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE BEEN TAKING SOME DIFFERNT TYPE OF NERVE PILL FOR YEARS. PAXIL OR VALIUM OR DIASAPAM
Joette Lee // Mar 26, 2005 at 6:06 pm
I have been taking Neurotins for my nerves for almost 1 year. A couple of months ago I tried to kill myself. I just recently heard about the possibility that Neuronton could have been the reason. I am here searching for more information.
J. Craft // Mar 31, 2005 at 2:19 pm
I was prescribed neurontin for bi-polar disorder and took the medicine for about one or two years. At one point my dose was about 2,400mg(that’s one dose) 3 times a day, for a total of about 7,200mg per day. I complained of increased moodswings, blurred fuzzy vision, slurred speech, headaches,feeling alternately sluggish to racey in thoughts and body, very forceful muscle spasms, drastic changes in apetite, upset stomach. I also explained to my doctor that I felt a fluttery feeling in my chest as if I were about to fall from a cliff.I told him I had morbid thoughts and that death often entered my mind. I was accused of “dreaming up side effects”, and was told “…that’s not the medicine, that’s you.” When I finally said that I didn’t think I was benifitting from the neurontin my doctor told me to “…just lay it down and stop taking it.” Previously to this I explained the withdrawls I experienced at times when I ran out (which I can only describe as a progressive day-to-day fullbody hangover of the worst kind). I was quickly corrected and reassured that neurontin is neither addictive or habit forming. I’m not sure of the damage neurontin can cause, but I still experience jerks and twitches that I never noticed prior to use, seemingly more frequent headaches, and increased occurence of loose bowels. I’ve not consulted a doctor about these in specific because if the prescriber didn’t believe me who would? I don’t know much about any lawsiut but I would very much like to know what,if any, damage may have done to my body. If anyone out there has the time I would sincerely appreciate any advice or news you may have to offer. E-mail to lil_chief_redeyes@yahoo.com
Bitsy // Apr 27, 2005 at 10:18 am
Please don’t take my Neurontin away. It has been a lifesaver for me. I have temporal lobe epilepsy (partial complex seizures) and was taking Tegretol for years with bad side effects. Talk about nightmares - take Tegretol. Neurontin keeps the mood swings level. I don’t have the nightmares, dry mouth, constant hunger and sleepiness like I did with Tegretol. I love Neurontin. My behavior has improved greatly. For once, I don’t dread having to take a maintenance medicine. I agree it is overpriced but don’t the companies do that on all drugs. I will argue fiercely if anyone tries to take Neurontin off the market. I need it and I deserve to be able to use something that works for me.
Georgia Waterbury // Jun 3, 2005 at 10:44 pm
I started taking Neurontin for mood stabilization and it worked well for several years. I am also someone who suffers from severe migraines and chronic pain. My general practitioner finally sent me to a pain clinic where my neurontin was increased from 3600mg a day to 4800mg a day. I was also put into a stress reducing clinic. I have found that there has been a reduction in migraines and that the cronic pain has been more manageable. It was difficult to convince my regular doctor to raise the dose so high. When she agreed, I looked on line to see if there were any side effects I should be wary of, and the most frightening thing I found was that I should keep track of the creatinine level in my blood. I am not concerned too much with what I have read because I have experienced a lot of side effects over the years with many drugs. If I have a question about something I am taking, I research it and make someone listen or I find out the safest way to discontinue taking the suspected drug. I educate myself before going into the doctor’s office. I suggest you do the same. The information is out there if you look hard enough. If you don’t feel your doctor is looking out for you, look out for yourself.
Sheridan Peterson // Jul 6, 2005 at 10:29 pm
I have been taking Gabapintin for four years for restless leg syndrome and a ruptured disc.I switched to Pramipexole the other day. The neurologist at the VA hospital was rushed and didn’t tell me how to make the switch. Realizing the the change might be dangerous I phoned her but she had no time to speak with me. Final an intern gave me rather sketchy and most inaccurate instructions. The consequences were startling.I thought I had pneumonia - I coughed up thick solid congestion.Had very high fever followed by chills, sore throat, bloody nose, sore eyes, extreme fatigue, dizziness, drowiness, dry mouth and throat, excessive perspiration, wobbliness, loss of appetite.My condition has eased somewhat, however this morning I awoke with a palpitating heart and chest pain. I don’t know how much of this was due to Galapentin or to Pramipexole. I am also dubious about Pramipexole.
linda shellenberger // Aug 17, 2005 at 11:35 am
im linda and i do take this same medicine ifeel tire all the time, futigue, chronic fitugue, and filiamogia, and i stay sick all the time and all i want to do is rest all day long myself, if you have some ideal you can e-mail me ok bye for now
Adrian // Aug 22, 2005 at 4:21 pm
I have been reading some of the other comments to see if anyone was having the same problems that I have. I was shot in the back 14months ago which left me paralized waist down and praying everyday to get back up on my feet to walk again. My injury level is L2 complete and i’m on gabapintin. I take 3 300mg 4x’s daily for the pain in my legs and lower back. A couple months ago I started having pains on my right side on my stomach just above hip and reading some of the other comments I’m thinking of just taking myself off this med because for me to have this pain this long,I might as well stop taking it because it’s not working. I don’t know any of yall, but yall are in my prayers to get well again and I hope i’m in yours for them same.
A,from phila.pa
Melanie Gibson // Aug 31, 2005 at 7:38 pm
I’m bipolar, and Neurontin has changed my life for the better–much better. It disturbs me when people blame the drug, when it’s obvious by these posts that their doses are far too high. It’s the dosage, not the drug, causing the problems. I get good results and I only take 1100 mg per day in total–thus I get the benefits without the side effects. I mean, if any patient is dumb enough to take more than 7000 mg of ANYTHING a day, they deserve what they get. Take that much aspirin in a day, and you’ll be in ER before bedtime!
When are people going to realize, the medicine that harms one person will help another, and vice-versa? If it doesn’t work for you, DON’T TAKE IT, it’s that simple. Stop depriving those of us who need it of a drug that has given us a second chance at life!
frank leone // Sep 29, 2005 at 7:19 pm
I have just been on neurontin for about 2-3 weeks. I have been experiencing nightmares/dreams of death dying and etc. Anyone elso?
KAYE STULTS // Oct 20, 2005 at 7:53 am
I started taking neurontin in 2004 for peripheral neuropathy. At first it seemed to help but then my pain started to increase so the doctor increased my med. from 900 mg a day to 1800 mg . Now my pain has intenesified. My feet feel like I am walking on fire, my knees hurt so bad I don’t know if the will hold me up, the joints in my fingers hurt I can hardly close them, the numbiness in all my joints is extreme, my neck and elbows hurt all the time and my vision has gone hayware. Now my doc. wants to increase my meds, but after reading all this I think it best I get off them completly. Yes I have had sudicial thoughts, nightmares, forgetfullness, and tremors. I am going to talk with my pharmitist about this drug because he knows alot more about it than the doctors.By the way, I have no health insurance and I am paying for my neurontin on a weekly basis($60.00). HOW CAN A HUMAN BEING BE SO GREEDY AS TO JEOPERIDISE ANOTHER HUMAN BEING SIMPLY FOR FIANANICAL GROWTH. I HOPE THEY GET WHAT THEY DESERVE. I INTEND TO LET YOU KNOW HOW I AM DOING AFTER I STOP TALKING NEURONTIN. SINCERLY KAYE
Mory // Oct 25, 2005 at 9:44 pm
I take Gabapenton for severe depression. Gabapenton has saved my life. I’m so grateful to the Dr. who invented this miracle medication. I’ve been taking this medication for the past six months with absolutly no side effects. I feel great and hope you all feel better.
William Hawthorne // Nov 17, 2005 at 6:50 pm
From reading most of the previous comments I can’t help wonder if only those with poor experiences post on this site (with one exception).
My experiences were good. My diagnosis is a wastebasket: “unspecified encephalopathy,” another way of saying, “We don’t know what the heck it is.” My problems are too numerous to list here, but I have severe reactions to anything that affects the central nervous system - except Lamictal. Neurontin helps me a lot, and Lamictal removes the Neurontin side-effects
Without the two meds my problems are so severe that I feel painful squeezing sensations and hear roaring sounds. My blood pressure shoots up from 120/80 to 190/135 every day late in the day. I lose balance, can’t sleep.
Thanks to Neurontin, I’m able to work for a living. Other side-effects include weight-gain (maybe I’m just looking to offset the blame) and sluggishness. The side effects are the price I have to pay to be able to function. Neurontin saved my life.
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