Thousands of patients added to Zyprexa lawsuit

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on April 21, 2006

The initial lawsuits, filed within the last five years, alleged that Eli Lilly failed to warn doctors and patients that Zyprexa increases the risk of diabetes and other conditions. In addition, the suits claim that the manufacturer attempted to promote Zyprexa for so-called "off-label" uses, or treatments not approved by the FDA.

In 2005, Eli Lilly settled around 70 percent of the cases; the total cost to the company amounted to some $700 million after legal fees.

Since the initial settlement, more patients have come forward, saying that their diabetes was caused by Zyprexa. In addition to the individual lawsuits, Eli Lilly is being sued by both West Virginia and Alaska for off-label use marketing. New York has instigated its own suit on behalf of private insurance companies in the state.

Some experts believe that the current rash of lawsuits could be even more costly than the $700 million settlement reached last year. A spokesperson for Eli Lilly has stated that the estimated number of new lawsuits is grossly overrepresented.

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