Abilify (generic name: aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic drug linked to compulsive behavior in some patients. Despite consistent scientific and anecdotal evidence, Abilify’s manufacturers, Otsuka and Bristol-Myers, failed to warn patients about this possible side effect. Drug labels didn’t warn consumers about strange side effect until the FDA issued a 2016 safety communication. That’s 14 years after its launch to market, and why patients are now filing Abilify lawsuit claims for gambling addiction.

Compulsive gambling as well as other risky behaviors cost patients thousands and negatively affected their personal and professional lives. Affected patients can now seek compensation and justice through an Abilify lawsuit for failing to disclose this risk to consumers.

Abilify Lawsuit Information for Patients Who Developed Compulsive Gambling Behavior

In 2016, a judge approved at least 750 Abilify lawsuit cases for consolidation into a Multidistrict Litigation under MDL 2734. MDLs are intended to streamline court proceedings for complex federal cases that share similar facts and allegations. By moving all cases to a single district, plaintiffs as well as defendants will save time and money. U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Northern Florida will preside over Abilify lawsuit claims under this MDL. However, affected patients can still transfer their claims and join the MDL, regardless of where they live. If you suffered negative side effects after starting this prescription drug, you may have a valid Abilify lawsuit claim.

Time is running out to join this MDL, though, since manufacturers settled the first three Abilify lawsuit claims before bellwether trials could begin. To qualify for compensation, you must file your Abilify lawsuit right away, before the statute of limitations runs out. If the statute of limitations expires, you won’t qualify for a cash settlement — even if you have extensive damages.

What to Look for in an Attorney to File Your Abilify Lawsuit

While all Abilify lawsuit claims can join the MDL, it’s important to have the right lawyer help you file. Your lawyer will document your injury and damages as well as represent your case.

Here are some qualities to look for in a mass tort lawyer before filing your Abilify lawsuit claim:

• Expertise. A judge will take your case more seriously if your attorney’s a subject matter expert. Abilify is an antipsychotic (in other words, it’s a very complex drug with behavior-changing side effects). Being able to present the drug’s specifics while pleading your case for damages is vital for a fair settlement.
• Experience. Ideally, your attorney will have MDL litigation experience, though it’s not required. Joining the MDL will get your case reviewed faster and is more likely to result in a settlement.
• Detail-Oriented. Even the smallest details can win or lose your case. Look for an attorney that cares about small aspects of your injury or claim. Getting a thorough Abilify lawsuit claim review likely indicates your lawyer is detail-oriented.

What Are Some Abilify Lawsuit Allegations From Plaintiffs?

Pathological gambling is the most common Abilify lawsuit claim allegation — and there’s evidence to back it up. Researchers published two different studies on Abilify’s compulsive gambling side effect in 2014. The March 2014 study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors linked aripiprazole (Abilify) to pathological gambling. In fact, researchers stated the “dopamine partial agonist mechanism of aripiprazole could explain the occurrence of pathological gambling.” The December 2014 study confirms that dopamine receptor agonist drugs (like Abilify) can lead to impulse-control disorders in patients.

The FDA’s warning asserts that in most cases, patients had no prior history of gambling or other compulsive behaviors. In fact, patients didn’t experience these behaviors until after their doctors prescribed Abilify for mental health issues. “Within days to weeks of reducing the dose or discontinuing aripiprazole, these uncontrollable urges stopped.” Compulsive gambling can cause serious adverse effects on individual and their loved ones. These can include:

• Debt
• Emotional trauma
• Bankruptcy
• Divorce
• Unemployment

While compulsive gambling is the most common compulsive behavior associated with Abilify, it’s not the only one. Reports of other compulsive behaviors include:

• Sex addiction
• Erratic behavior
• Compulsive shopping/spending
• Binge eating
• Overeating

Calculating Damages for Abilify Lawsuit Plaintiffs

The court calculates damages for every successful pharmaceutical claim, which may also apply to your own Abilify lawsuit. The best way to calculate how much Abilify’s manufacturer owes you involves determining what harm the drug personally caused you.

Any behaviors listed above have the potential to financially devastate an individual or family. Broken marriages and homes, loss of trust, loss of health, and economic losses are just the beginning. Abilify has a unique effect on each individual. To see if your particular damages are eligible for compensation, click the “Qualify for Settlement” button at the bottom of this page now.

Bristol-Myers’ Abilify Lawsuit Settlement History

While Abilify lawsuit trials are just starting, litigation against the manufacturer for illegal marketing practices is nothing new. Otsuka’s U.S. unit paid $4 million in 2008 for an off-label Abilify lawsuit settlement. In that case, the Federal government alleged that Otsuka promoted Abilify illegally from 2002-2005 for off-label use in children.
Then in 2016, Bristol-Myers and Otsuka paid $19.5 million to settle Abilify claims from AGs in 42 different U.S. states. The main complaint alleged Bristol-Myers illegally promoted Abilify for use in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s as well as dementia. Additional allegations stated that Bristol-Myers promoted Abilify for use in children.

Have Any Individual Abilify Lawsuit Claims Reached a Settlement?

Recent news about the first three bellwether trials selected from MDL 2734 shows a promising settlement climate for new claimants. Judges select bellwether trials for every MDL to help set litigation benchmarks and expectations on future proceedings for plaintiffs and defendants alike. Bristol-Myers chose to preemptively settle the first three cases set for bellwether trials before jurors could hear any testimony.

If you have been economically, personally, emotionally, or professionally harmed after starting Abilify, you may qualify for compensation. Manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and prescribing doctors about the compulsive behavior risks associated with this drug.