Seroquel Diabetes and Pancreatitis Lawsuits

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is an oral medication used to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. Manufactured by AstraZeneca, Seroquel has been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes. Data from a recent medical conference in Philadelphia showed patients on Seroquel had 3.34 times as many cases of diabetes as those on traditional antipsychotic medications.

Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) and Type 2 Diabetes

Astra Zenecas schizophrenia drug, Seroquel, has been linked with a high incidence of type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar disorders. Seroquel, which was approved by the FDA in 1997, is in the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, which are a newer class of antipsychotics claiming to have a lower incidence of blood sugar disorders than the traditional medications such as Haldol and Thorazine.

Diabetes Study Results

Data from a study that was reported at a conference of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology in Philadelphia August 23 and 24, 2003 showed that patients on Seroquel had 3.34 times as many cases of diabetes as those on traditional antipsychotic medications. The study of 19,878 U.S. military veterans between October 1998 and October 2001 indicated that Seroquel and other members of the new class of anti-psychotic drugs posed a higher risk of diabetes. The effect was most pronounced with Seroquel.

Seroquel Uses

Seroquel is intended to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia including positive symptoms (delusions, thought disorder, hallucinations) and negative symptoms (social withdrawal, lack of energy, apathy, and reduced ability to express emotion). Seroquel affects a broad range of neurotransmitter receptors, including serotonin and dopamine receptors. In addition to schizophrenia, Seroquel has been prescribed for the treatment of acute bipolar mania, agitation and severe anxiety in people with a wide range of psychotic illnesses. It has also been prescribed off-label for many less severe psychological disorders and for disorders in children. Seroquel and the other newer atypical antipsychotic drugs were intended to have full antipsychotic activity, with the advantage of fewer and less severe motor side effects and extrapyramidal symptoms such as akahisia (restlessness and fidgety movements), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary, uncontrollable movements), and akinesia (drug-induced Parkinsonianism, including tremors). Seroquel was approved by the FDA in 1997, and both Seroquel and the other drugs in the class were used by millions of people. Seroquel and the other medications in the class were believed to have fewer side effects compared to the traditional medicines, but unfortunately Seroquel increased the chances of developing diabetes and pancreatitis.

Seroquel and Pancreatitis

Seroquel has also been linked with pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas is a large gland behind the stomach and close to the duodenum (the upper part of the small intestine). The pancreas secrete digestive enzymes into the small intestine through a tube called the pancreatic duct. The enzymes that the pancreas secrete help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in food. The pancreas also releases the hormones insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help the body use the glucose it takes from food for energy.

Seroquel Side Effects

Side effects of Seroquel range from mild to severe and may include:

Diabetes and Hyperglycemia Signs
Excessive urination, frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night (Polyuria)
Intense thirst, dry mouth (Polydipsia)
Extreme hunger (Polyphagia)
Severe fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
Unusual weight loss
Poor wound healing
Itchy or dry skin
Male impotence
Recurrent infections

Pancreatitis Signs include:

Pain in the upper abdomen (sudden and intense or mild and increasing with food intake)
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Rapid pulse

Legal Help for Seroquel Diabetes Victims

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with diabetes during or after taking Seroquel, contact The Willis Law Firm today. We provide a free consultation for Seroquel victims and their families. Fill out our Free Online Case Evaluation or call us toll free at: 1-800-883-9858.