Humira Neurological Injury

In 2002, not too long after Humira was released by Abbot Laboratories, the FDA received multiple complaints from people who experienced serious neurological problems.

The victims experienced various health problems, such as brain injuries, including optic neuritis. Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed. The victim experiences vision problems and an intense level of pain discomfort. The problem with the manufacturers of this drug is that they failed to reveal ALL of the potential risks involved.

When Abbott Laboratories finally revealed the risks, it was a little too late. Many patients were suffering from disorders that weren’t included in their drug labeling. A victim of a Humira neurological injury should be compensated for his or her painful injuries in full. Drug manufacturers should be held responsible for their intentional mistakes.

Humira is a popular injection drug used to treat various inflammatory diseases, like Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Humira did the right thing by revealing its potential health risks, but it proved to be insufficient. On their labeling, they posted ‘certain’ risks, known as the black box title.

The warning mentioned that people who use HUMIRA gave greater chances of developing “serious infections and malignancy” that may result in either hospitalization or death. The side effects include the following disorders:

• aspergillosis
• candidiasis
• blastomycosis
• pneumocystosis
• coccidioidomycosis
• histoplasmosis
• invasive fungal infection

The manufacturers also warned about a “reactivation of latent TB.”

Additionally, doctors were warned about viral, bacterial and other infections. These infections are due to Listeria and Legionella. Doctors who prescribe this drug were advised to monitor their patients in the event they experience symptoms of infection. Unfortunately, Abbot’s black box warning was lacking crucial side effects.

When a drug manufacturer releases a new drug to the market, it should provide adequate warnings. A warning should be enough for a patient to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with Humira.

According to the FDA, Abbott failed to reveal all of the potential warning signs and side effects in a timely manner, during the Humira’s release in 2002 - 2003. They warned consumers about certain risks and complications, but it simply wasn’t enough.

The problem with the secrecy of Humira is that Abbot continued to fire up their marketing campaign, even though they were aware of its potential health risks.

They hid the fact that the drug could potentially cause neurological injuries, such as brain injury and vision problems. Other hidden risks include Hepatitis B, lymphoma, fungal infections and even cancer. To this day, there are patients out there that are currently experiencing permanent neurological injuries.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a Humira neurological injury, you may be entitled to compensation or your medical injuries. To find out how our personal injury lawyer in Nashua may be able to help you, contact us or call Anzalone Law Firm PLLC for a free consultation at: 603.548.3797.