Settlement for Seroquel Lawsuits Reached in More Than 200 Cases: Report
AstraZeneca has agreed to settle Seroquel lawsuits filed by about 200 people who claim that the drug maker failed to adequately warn about the risk of diabetes and other side effects of their antipsychotic drug. The Seroquel settlements are reportedly the first payments AstraZeneca has made out of an estimated 26,000 claims that have been presented against the company.
Bloomberg News reports that AstraZeneca has agreed to pay $2 million as a settlement for the Seroquel lawsuits, which comes out to an average of about $10,000 per claim. It is not clear what injuries were involved in these claims, or what the circumstances are for the cases. All of the settled lawsuits involved plaintiffs represented by one attorney, and Bloomberg News reports that the agreement came as a result of court-ordered mediation.
Although AstraZeneca has previously indicated that they would fight all Seroquel cases at trial, company officials now indicate that they will continue to negotiate with plaintiffs’ attorneys.
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Learn MoreSeroquel (quetiapine fumarate) is an atypical-antipsychotic that is a top selling drug for AstraZeneca, generating nearly $5 billion a year in sales. Originally approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of schizophrenia, it has been frequently prescribed off-label for uses that were not approved as safe and effective at the time, such as anxiety, obsessive dementia, compulsive disorders and autism.
In July 2006, all Seroquel lawsuits filed in federal courts throughout the United States were consolidated for pretrial litigation before U.S. District Judge Anne Conway in the Middle District of Florida as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL). In May of this year, Judge Conway determined that the majority of the work in the Seroquel litigation was complete, and began remanding cases back to the original jurisdiction where they were filed for trial.
AstraZeneca had opposed the remand of cases, arguing that the court should continue with mediation attempts that were ordered in November 2009. However, plaintiffs pushed for cases to be remanded now, indicating that AstraZeneca has spent over $1 billion in legal costs largely facilitating the defense strategy of delaying progress on the cases.
The prospect of thousands of lawsuits over Seroquel being scheduled for trial throughout the country has placed substantial pressure on AstraZeneca to discuss resolving claims.
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27 Comments
stephenNovember 8, 2023 at 10:33 pm
Seroquel gave me liver decease and failure I survived but the damage is done and irreversible all because I had depression. They made billions and I get to die nice one. I hope they all meet a horrible demise.
StanleyJuly 11, 2023 at 7:13 pm
I have been taking 800 mg. Seroquell since 2016. It was dropping my blood pressure from 150/xx to only 70/xx and I was passing out every night. (I thought it was just the sedative effect until I checked my blood pressure. I was also waking up every morning with what felt like a dehydration hangover. My doctor reduced it from 800 mg. to only 200 mg. but I was still having the same problems. Un[Show More]I have been taking 800 mg. Seroquell since 2016. It was dropping my blood pressure from 150/xx to only 70/xx and I was passing out every night. (I thought it was just the sedative effect until I checked my blood pressure. I was also waking up every morning with what felt like a dehydration hangover. My doctor reduced it from 800 mg. to only 200 mg. but I was still having the same problems. Unfortunately, I decided to quit on my own. I immediately started feeling much better. But I started feeling TOO GOOD but didn't realize I was becoming manic. I ended up homeless and flat broke even though I was on Social security. My x wife was my SS payee and just dumped me, leaving me with no income. I lost my car and all my possessions. My 2 children are afraid to talk to me.
ShyJune 26, 2022 at 6:49 am
After I started things it I noticed great changes and inquired and was told the benefits outweigh the side effects. I now take diabetes meds
InanOctober 5, 2021 at 5:06 am
I wonder why. My blood sugar and blood pressure is so high .can you please help me
JerrySeptember 3, 2021 at 7:20 pm
Seraqural did severe damage too my body kidneys and brain
StephanieMay 11, 2020 at 5:03 pm
The Virginia correctional institution put me on Seroquel for sleep in the mid-90s I did not realize until recently just how damaging Seroquel was little earned the withdrawals to come off the Seroquel I was never informed of any of these. I've often been told but the penitentiary system is a nice lab for pharmaceutical companies. haven't never been incarcerated before and not being incarcerated si[Show More]The Virginia correctional institution put me on Seroquel for sleep in the mid-90s I did not realize until recently just how damaging Seroquel was little earned the withdrawals to come off the Seroquel I was never informed of any of these. I've often been told but the penitentiary system is a nice lab for pharmaceutical companies. haven't never been incarcerated before and not being incarcerated since that time I believe them.
E MICKJune 11, 2013 at 2:03 pm
THE SETTLEMENT IS A JOKE, THE DAMAGE IS PERMANENT AND AstraZeneca GETS OFF WITH A BAD REVIEW ! IT KILLED AND MAIMED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, WE DIDN'T SPILL HOT McDEE COFFEE IN OUR LAPS! THEY 'HURT AND KILLED' US, AS FOR MYSELF I CAN'T WALK, THATS AFTER A HEART ATTACK FROM 1200-MG A DAY OF PRESCRIBED SEROQUEL FOR CHRONIC INSOMNIA !, FIRST IT'S THE WEIGHT GAIN, OH, YOU WILL LOOSE THAT Y[Show More]THE SETTLEMENT IS A JOKE, THE DAMAGE IS PERMANENT AND AstraZeneca GETS OFF WITH A BAD REVIEW ! IT KILLED AND MAIMED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, WE DIDN'T SPILL HOT McDEE COFFEE IN OUR LAPS! THEY 'HURT AND KILLED' US, AS FOR MYSELF I CAN'T WALK, THATS AFTER A HEART ATTACK FROM 1200-MG A DAY OF PRESCRIBED SEROQUEL FOR CHRONIC INSOMNIA !, FIRST IT'S THE WEIGHT GAIN, OH, YOU WILL LOOSE THAT YOU ARE TOLD ITS A SIDE EFFECT, THEN FOLLOWING LIVER PROBLEMS YOUR TEETH GO BRITTLE , EDEMA CAN MY MOUTH BE ANY DRIER? ETC. NO ! IT DOESN'T STOP, WHY DO APPOINTED PEOPLE IN OUR GOVERNMENT ALLOW THIS? AstraZeneca MADE BILLIONS ON THIS DRUG ALONE!, PAID LOTSA TAX BUT WOW 10K!.. I MADE THAT IN TWO MONTHS WORK BEFORE SEROQUEL RUINED ME AND MY LIFESTYLE! MY FRIENDS GRANDFATHER WAS A ASBESTOS VICTIM, ALL THE FAMILIES IN THAT GOVERNED SETTLEMENT COLLECT 25K FROM 'EACH' SETTLEMENT, NOT JUST THE ONE, WERE LIKE PEOPLE IN THE U.S. SERVICES THAT DO THEIR JOB GET HURT AND COME HOME MISSING PIECES AND RECEIVE NOTHING!, THATS UNCONSTITUTIONAL !, LAW IN OUR GOVERNMENT: WHEN ANYONE COMMITS MURDER THEY DO NOT GET A FINE THEY PAY WITH AT TIMES WITH THEIR LIVES, HEAR US LIKE WHEN WE STEAL MONEY OR FAIL TO PAY OUR TAXES, GO GET AstraZeneca & CHANGE 'THEIR' LIVES AS THEY CHANGED OURS, MAKE'EM HURT! I DO 'EVERY DAY', GO HAVE THEM PAY US VICTIMS WHAT IS FAIR IN THIS COUNTRY! WHERES THE JUSTICE IN THIS LAWSUIT?
carolynJanuary 23, 2013 at 3:00 am
help seriquile is making me sicker. i now after 4 year have dibeites high blood presher high clostestal arthrites and some type of autoimune disorder it looks like lupus but cannt effort the test to find out. i have talked to my mental dr for 3 years and medical drs for the last 2 years they say i can not stop or get off this med what can i do i feel like i am dieing
FrancisJanuary 12, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Seraquel gave me heart disease
SharonJanuary 5, 2012 at 8:48 pm
Its been mounths since I received the letter that a check was comming soon. What gives? Let us know whats going on!!!!
TerriOctober 22, 2011 at 8:29 am
I have taken Seroquel for years an have Diabetes and Tardive Dyskinesia as a result of taking the medication an I have been contacted by mail an phone about receiving my settlement for this for 3 years now an I still have not received anything. I would like to know when and how I can receive my settlement for this since I have been laid off of work as a result of this an can no longer work or do a[Show More]I have taken Seroquel for years an have Diabetes and Tardive Dyskinesia as a result of taking the medication an I have been contacted by mail an phone about receiving my settlement for this for 3 years now an I still have not received anything. I would like to know when and how I can receive my settlement for this since I have been laid off of work as a result of this an can no longer work or do anything as I used to. Please let me know some thing soon.
MaureenSeptember 27, 2011 at 4:39 pm
I have been taking seroquel since 2004 and now I suffer with diabetes, has become insulin dependant, gained quite a bit of weight. While taking Seroquel I have a hard time copeing with daily tasks, my children say that I am short tempered and disorganized. On Sept 26 2011 I recieved a letter from my lawyer to let me know that settlement papers are on the way ! WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.
RobertaJune 21, 2011 at 4:42 pm
I think all people that have seroquel settlements coming,should find a legal person to get after these attorneys that have thier case,and make these attorneys do things in an orderly time span, instead of lying to thier clients about when the settlement money will be paid to them, and the attorneys should be watched legally, that a fair amount of the seroquel settlement money will be paid to all t[Show More]I think all people that have seroquel settlements coming,should find a legal person to get after these attorneys that have thier case,and make these attorneys do things in an orderly time span, instead of lying to thier clients about when the settlement money will be paid to them, and the attorneys should be watched legally, that a fair amount of the seroquel settlement money will be paid to all the victims of seroquel,
luisApril 7, 2011 at 7:03 pm
i was waiting for some help about the serocuel and now im using insulin,my case its getting worse and i need all the help of the world.
DavidApril 2, 2011 at 5:34 am
4 years ago my 6 year old son was perscribed this drug (seroquel) against my wishes by a pedatrician recieving information from his drug addict mother. She used this drug to knock him and out and make him sleep, even going to her own doctor and getting the same perscribed for herself so she could double his dosage without running out. He gained 20 pounds in a very short time, and started showi[Show More]4 years ago my 6 year old son was perscribed this drug (seroquel) against my wishes by a pedatrician recieving information from his drug addict mother. She used this drug to knock him and out and make him sleep, even going to her own doctor and getting the same perscribed for herself so she could double his dosage without running out. He gained 20 pounds in a very short time, and started showing other symptoms, for which other meds were perscribed. Worried, I took my son to the emergency room, and asked that the seroquel and other levels of drugs in his body be checked and measured to make sure they are what the doctor had perscribed. They refused, and said they could not check the levels. I have the doctors names, and also had the presence of mind to record the entire visit on 4-27-08. Why did the doctor perscribe this drug to my 6 year old when he knew it was not to be used on children younger than ten? Too often, i have seen when these drugs are credited for positive accomplishments, but when they go wrong, the patient is blamed! It makes me SICK!
curtisMarch 19, 2011 at 2:32 am
if u can afford a lawer try to ask a lawer to set up fee being payed when the case if over i guess.have u asked around julie..i am going to make calls tomorrow or the next day if i find one that will help i will posted his name up here as well if any one else finds one do the same if we work togher we can beat this lil life problem..but we got to all be a team on it. curtis stroud
curtisMarch 19, 2011 at 2:29 am
i also have teeth problems like $6000 dollar problem as well that i fell mighted be related as well too.why would they give out such a drug to people that make's them more worse then better as well i keep woundering.and take this drug is like take herion people r injection it on the street as well who in there right mind approuved this..who can i send a letter too i want some action done one this [Show More]i also have teeth problems like $6000 dollar problem as well that i fell mighted be related as well too.why would they give out such a drug to people that make's them more worse then better as well i keep woundering.and take this drug is like take herion people r injection it on the street as well who in there right mind approuved this..who can i send a letter too i want some action done one this one my life is too fucked not sure if i got diabeties might going to get checked now and i know my mind is all fucked up too cant rember thing some times can sleep and sometimes cant my leags fell itchy alot off the time i can comperheand when people r talking to me and more i am snappy depperessed and way more probley too much to put in this box..soo if any one can help set me in the right path that would be much appereacheated we need to take controle off are own lifes back.and it starts now.
curtisMarch 19, 2011 at 2:20 am
i take soraquil and dont want too i was not told at the time about diabites and its like a baby herion as well never knew that one ither lost my family lost my firends lost my life all mosted died as well cause i did not know what the docotors were giveing me how can i get a hold of a good lawer..hade some crazy side effes like noise bleeds and pass out spells and more i am done with this crap in [Show More]i take soraquil and dont want too i was not told at the time about diabites and its like a baby herion as well never knew that one ither lost my family lost my firends lost my life all mosted died as well cause i did not know what the docotors were giveing me how can i get a hold of a good lawer..hade some crazy side effes like noise bleeds and pass out spells and more i am done with this crap in my bodie and need some help with it.
julieMarch 15, 2011 at 10:56 pm
I just faxed a letter to the President of where seroquel is made. My 5 teeth on top are brittle and following apart. My front left tooth fell out. My side tooth is wobbly and ready to fall out. My long hair is brittle. My nails are brittle. My Dr. Emslie in Regina, Sk Canada finally took me off it. I gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years. I am almost 62. Seroquel is not approved by the FDA in[Show More]I just faxed a letter to the President of where seroquel is made. My 5 teeth on top are brittle and following apart. My front left tooth fell out. My side tooth is wobbly and ready to fall out. My long hair is brittle. My nails are brittle. My Dr. Emslie in Regina, Sk Canada finally took me off it. I gained 40 pounds in the last 4 years. I am almost 62. Seroquel is not approved by the FDA in the U.S. I am looking for an out of court settlement. Is anyone out there in a class action lawsuit? I can't afford a lawyer.
nicolleMarch 11, 2011 at 2:01 am
i was perscribed seroquel about 5 to 6 years ago for insomnia, i gained weight from sleep eating, i was never warned about this i got off this drug and got a new pychiatrist after not being able to convence the first........ i would cook sometimes and that is just plain dangerous!!!!
DarleneMarch 9, 2011 at 10:58 pm
My husband took Seroquel for about 8 months. Less than 6 months after he started taking it, he had Diabetes and high Chlosterol. Now he will have to buy Diabetes medications, test strips, special foods, follow a special diet and maybe, someday be on Insulin. $11,000 for a settlement is a slap in his face. Who is going to pay for all of the things he now has to have for the rest of his life. $11,00[Show More]My husband took Seroquel for about 8 months. Less than 6 months after he started taking it, he had Diabetes and high Chlosterol. Now he will have to buy Diabetes medications, test strips, special foods, follow a special diet and maybe, someday be on Insulin. $11,000 for a settlement is a slap in his face. Who is going to pay for all of the things he now has to have for the rest of his life. $11,000 won't pay for these things for 20+ years.
joyceFebruary 8, 2011 at 6:30 pm
well i am thinking here astra zenca is drawing this out hoping most of us will die waiting or they claim they are broke cannot pay them go to some banruptcy situation hopefully they have ins back up wouldn;t they have to?
AngelaNovember 4, 2010 at 1:22 am
I took this drug and atr first it seemed nice to sleep for days....untill i found out it was tripling my blood sugars my sugar already runs in the upper 200s and I believe it pout me into diabetic comas . I think it damaged my mind also because my memory is shot
ronaldOctober 5, 2010 at 1:37 pm
i take seroquel and now i have alot of weight gain and diabeties i need a lawyer so i can get comp. for all my problems from taken seroquel
TimSeptember 18, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Well Joan, I initiated legal process against AZ in April of 2005. My case was handed off to differant Law Groups , because the smaller ones found it to large for there firms, so it's been going through the mill for five and a half years. I developed Diabetes. and perepheral neuropathic disorders, not to mention other Diabetic caused problems in the Fall of 2000, after injesting Seroquel for a year[Show More]Well Joan, I initiated legal process against AZ in April of 2005. My case was handed off to differant Law Groups , because the smaller ones found it to large for there firms, so it's been going through the mill for five and a half years. I developed Diabetes. and perepheral neuropathic disorders, not to mention other Diabetic caused problems in the Fall of 2000, after injesting Seroquel for a year. My Attorney has told me that mediation is in process, and that I'll be receiving correspondance explaining what is going on, havn't seen or heard anything yet. So goes the "Dog and Pony" show. It's amazing the disparancy between what AZ has payed for their defense, coupled with what they were fined and payed to the FDA, and what WE may receive for being poisoned due to this toxic drug (Seroquel). I was able to stop taking this drug (Seroquel), on advice from my Attorney in May 2007. Withdrawing from it was terrible. But alas, I still and always will have physical problems due to it. All we can do is hope for the best, I don't know how long I'll be angry with the system, I can only pray for guidance, and some peace of mind. But as the saying goes "The Rich Get Richer, and the Poor Get Poorer".
DanielJuly 27, 2010 at 5:52 am
Zyprexa legacy The Lilly Zyprexa settlement saga is still ongoing and in default as some patient victim claimants like myself have not been payed. I took Zyprexa for 4 years got diabetes classic case
JoanJuly 24, 2010 at 6:27 am
I took Seoquel up until 2005.lllll I have suffrered with diabetes thyroid problems,heart attacks,,weightgain,,,,and other diseases too numerous to mention here,,,All of this happened because of Seroquel,,,I was never warned of the side effects,,I took my self od Seroquel and hired a lawyer ,,,,It has been about 5 years of waiting and i asm getting angry,,,I haven't received a penny,,,and i am down[Show More]I took Seoquel up until 2005.lllll I have suffrered with diabetes thyroid problems,heart attacks,,weightgain,,,,and other diseases too numerous to mention here,,,All of this happened because of Seroquel,,,I was never warned of the side effects,,I took my self od Seroquel and hired a lawyer ,,,,It has been about 5 years of waiting and i asm getting angry,,,I haven't received a penny,,,and i am down to using food stamps and taking furniture that ppl throw away..One time I even had to get food from a dumpster,,,MY God,,,,,This is so disgussting what AstraZeneca did,,,,Where is my compensation?