On Friday, a federal judge certified a Zyprexa class action lawsuit for a group of “third party payors” who allege that Eli Lilly committed fraud by selling their anti-psychotic drug at high prices, while exaggerating its benefits and understating the Zyprexa side effects.
Zyprexa was introduced by Eli Lilly in 1996 as a miracle drug for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It quickly became one of the pharmaceutical company’s best sellers, with annual sales of $4.8 billion by 2007.
The class action involves insurance companies, labor unions, pension funds and other companies who made payment toward Zyprexa prescription costs for users. Eli Lilly has already paid about $1.2 billion to settle thousands of Zyprexa lawsuits from individual users who suffered severe weight gain and diabetes from the medication.
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Learn MoreEli Lilly also faced criminal investigations for their marketing practices, which encouraged sales representatives to promote Zyprexa off-label for uses that were not approved by the FDA.
U.S. District Judge Jack B. Weinstein, from the Eastern District of New York, only certified the class action for a narrow group of claims involving the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, and not claims those under state laws. The class certification also only includes payments or reimbursements for Zyprexa prescriptions administered between June 20, 2001 and June 20, 2005, although the plaintiffs had sought reimbursement for claims relating to Zyprexa as early as 1996.
The Judge’s order also unsealed hundreds of confidential documents produced by Eli Lilly as part of the Zyprexa litigation filed by users. Although Eli Lilly sought to keep the public from learning about the contents of the documents, Judge Weinstein indicated that the public’s right to be informed about contents of these documents outweighed Lilly’s interest in confidentiality.
“Public access is now advisable because this litigation involves issues of great public interest, the health of hundreds of thousands of people, fundamental questions about our system of approval and monitoring of pharmaceutical products, and the funding for many health and insurance benefit plans,” wrote Judge Weinstein in a 295 page decision.
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18 Comments
JeanneFebruary 1, 2024 at 2:16 pm
I was put on Zyprexa (among others) for what I was told was bi polar. I did not think I was bi-polar but they let me sleep and I was not warned about the possibility of tartive dyskinesia. I took it for about 6 years , gained 80lbs and felt like a robot. After those 6 years I developed extremely severe anxiety, followed by the mouth movements I could not imagine why . I never knew anything[Show More]I was put on Zyprexa (among others) for what I was told was bi polar. I did not think I was bi-polar but they let me sleep and I was not warned about the possibility of tartive dyskinesia. I took it for about 6 years , gained 80lbs and felt like a robot. After those 6 years I developed extremely severe anxiety, followed by the mouth movements I could not imagine why . I never knew anything like this existed. I finally found out what was going on with me and slowly went off the drugs. It is now 9 years later. I started Ingrezza in June of 2017 and now have oromandibular dystonia, disabling Parkinsonism (drug induced), a constantly sore mouth because of the constant movement. My tongue is pushed up against the roof of my mouth and I don’t ever feel well. The movement disorders specialist cut the Ingrezza dose to 40 mg daily from 80 mg daily There is a lot more to this story but I think you get the gist. I was eventually diagnosed with complex PTSD, to add insult to injury
DianeJune 24, 2022 at 1:24 am
I’ve just realized I have been “brainwashed” by the effects brought on by Zyprexa. I’ve been on it for 30 yrs. I cannot get off it, tried many times! Always comes down to Severe TDK the less I take. It took my life away from me and my ability to have children. Now, I cannot stand for more than 1 minute or walk down the block without the feeling of collapsing. I’ve had a hip replacement and knee su[Show More]I’ve just realized I have been “brainwashed” by the effects brought on by Zyprexa. I’ve been on it for 30 yrs. I cannot get off it, tried many times! Always comes down to Severe TDK the less I take. It took my life away from me and my ability to have children. Now, I cannot stand for more than 1 minute or walk down the block without the feeling of collapsing. I’ve had a hip replacement and knee surgery. I’m told now it’s my back! I refuse surgery-fusion! I have accepted the fact that this drug is killing me slowly, and at this point I don’t care if I die! Sue them somebody! I’m 62 yrs old!
BrendanMay 8, 2022 at 2:40 pm
My name is Brandon Johnson I'm a victim of zyprexa giving me diabetes as well as the team give me psychosis I was told I was depressed on Maryland while walking by a clinic I Heard a voice saying I'm the only one that's not just a crack addict here old hooking I didn't know I was hearing this they also said I'm the only one that's not a fair of horror and that's to remember these words and names o[Show More]My name is Brandon Johnson I'm a victim of zyprexa giving me diabetes as well as the team give me psychosis I was told I was depressed on Maryland while walking by a clinic I Heard a voice saying I'm the only one that's not just a crack addict here old hooking I didn't know I was hearing this they also said I'm the only one that's not a fair of horror and that's to remember these words and names of different specifications of issues they claim that I had depression and that I was manic and then they said that there was no pressure on taking any metal drug cuz I'd be fine but they recommended zyprexa and then he said you know what you should try it there's no risk but then it may cause diabetes stipulation that it may but just said no risk okay let him he said may but no risk may have me here voices and make the voices that I've heard that I've separated get worse which have due to the meds and my system allowing people to speak through me or to me making it feel like you're in my head but since I've been off meds she's trying to force them back on why no more service state recovery I haven't had her voice that's perfectly fine but at the same time you trying to force me to take haldol I've done better on vexistenta or abilify but at the same time was both of those I'm fighting for a dissolution of a large guardian and a mandate of meds because I went to jail for a conviction that was not an incarceration but in evaluation accused and charged with murder and then no proof or conviction but they sounded with on the 368 or 88th day gave me a lesson charge of assault and battery cuz I admit to being involved and I had had put hands on a person and I had him into my stupidity and I lost funding from that statement but at the same time I was not guilty but they found me guilty over something battery so I had already a Rogers from 2006 from being homeless and they say homelessness was illegal they actually took my rights as I went to a place called family then at the side of the hospital and said that I must have difficult for as long as I could and in the sense of taking a double coat I was getting sick everyday I was throwing up vomiting having diarrhea and defecating on myself and was definitely ill and had I was incontinent but I was only 26 27 years old there was no reason for that it was the Mets causing this it was claiming that I was mentally do a pet scan and cat skin I had a purple cerebrum or frontal lobe that was the only one known to me and kind which at McClain's claims diagnostically I'm actually a borderline psychic my psychosis is permanent but it's that I'm manifesting thoughts that are coming true to other people so people are suffering from psychosis of my iterated mindset that I am projecting thoughts that make other people lose your eyes and treat me bad and then claim that they're not doing anything to me so these are my issues so this is my statement please get back to me as soon as you can I greatly appreciate it Brandon Johnson oh yeah the hospitals and clinics where I went to when was in a place called butza but that's the kids is where I received zyprexa I also receives an Orange county at a clinic that said something like hearts foundation or something of some such on School Street p near the shelter day center on School Street across from a school and also at Georgia avenue in silver springs there was a center I forgot the name of it but there was a doctor named Dr groski who also has on record and file that he was supplying and recommending zyprexa and then Springfield hospital in Maryland assumed me that as well as lithium
John sSeptember 7, 2017 at 7:23 am
Eli Lily got fined 4 billion dollars yes that's 4 billion The reason why is because they're lying about everything lied to the whole world $$$ they made over $40 billion in less than 10 years and they should be FINED even more reason being is because they sell insulin to the people who got diabetes they're making money hand over fist either way they win anybody to take Zyprexa lost big even kn[Show More]Eli Lily got fined 4 billion dollars yes that's 4 billion The reason why is because they're lying about everything lied to the whole world $$$ they made over $40 billion in less than 10 years and they should be FINED even more reason being is because they sell insulin to the people who got diabetes they're making money hand over fist either way they win anybody to take Zyprexa lost big even knowing they got a check most people got to check how do use that money to pay for their diabetes problems insulin and getting your feet amputated prosthetics on your feet senators congressman and other high-ranking officials will be notified reason being my insulin alone is 8 Grand a month many people just like me Medicaid or Medicare is the only way I could afford it my other insurance drop me like a bad habit they were laughing all the way to the bank when they got rid of me $$$$$$$$$ I have many friends that are Senators congressmen don't like Eli Lily getting away with ripping off the American people many billions of dollars should be paid out to Medicaid Medicare because of the high cost of all the health problems Zyprexa caused and Eli Lily have made so many billions of dollars it's un freaking real $$$$$$$$$$ Eli Lilly brags about that they settled cases very little compensation getting diabetes most people put a gun to their head pull the Trigger $$$$ Eli Lily is worth 92 billion most of that because the Zyprexa they just laugh all the way to the bank then don't give a shit about people that got Zyprexa problems you got a problem that's your freaking problem !!!!!!! People out there write to your Senators congressmen and try to get the word out how many poor people have to suffer before Eli Lily gets it all they're going to write a statement I'm sorry they're too busy in there Learjet's going around the world on bloodmoney $$$$$&$$$
MikeSeptember 9, 2013 at 2:51 am
I was prescribed zyprexa after Katrina for the scits they thought I had. I took it for about 2 months until i said im not taking another pill. And it's sad how I'm just finding out about the lawsuit. Even to this day I still get those facial twitches, and I'm just finding myself again. I have many questions email me with help please.
RockyOctober 6, 2012 at 6:34 am
I saw ads for Zyprexa in the lobby of this psychiatrist's office. It sounded like a miracle drug addressing every symptom I had. I didn't know a salesman had taken the entire staff from this office for an expensive dinner at a high class restaurant, and they of course were motivated to use this drug. I asked the psychiatrist to put me on it, and he did without any discussion of adverse effects. Th[Show More]I saw ads for Zyprexa in the lobby of this psychiatrist's office. It sounded like a miracle drug addressing every symptom I had. I didn't know a salesman had taken the entire staff from this office for an expensive dinner at a high class restaurant, and they of course were motivated to use this drug. I asked the psychiatrist to put me on it, and he did without any discussion of adverse effects. The year 98-99. I gained 50 lbs the first month and became diabetic. I was so out of my mind, I didn't know what was going on and continued to take the drug hoping to get better. A caseworker finally led me into the psychiatrist's office and told him to take me off of the poison. I owe her my life. I never lost the weight and have struggled with it ever since. I am now above the numbers for normal blood sugar. That stuff was poison, and I have done everything to alert people. No one apologized for what harm it caused me. I have always wanted to join a class action suit, but never had a computer till 2008, and I still haven't found out how to join a suit or if it's too late. I hate those marketeers at Eli Lilly with a passion, since I read the story of how they were pushing the drug as a panacea for mental illness. The stuff is poison. It should have been taken completely off the market by 2000. There is very little justice in matters of corporate greed and deceit in America. What they did was criminal. Many young people died from the poison. The psychiatrists who accepted gratuities to push the drug are responsible as well, though I haven't heard of one losing anything, including sleep, over it. Filthy!
SStevensAugust 1, 2011 at 10:17 am
My son, 39 years old, on Zyprexa having increased hostility and has developed hyperglycemia, taking medication to lower his blood sugar. I can not get through the team of people taking care of him to have his doctor take him off this drug. It is very disturbing that anyone with a wt. problem to begin with would be put on this medication. He was placed on this medication at a local hospital and t[Show More]My son, 39 years old, on Zyprexa having increased hostility and has developed hyperglycemia, taking medication to lower his blood sugar. I can not get through the team of people taking care of him to have his doctor take him off this drug. It is very disturbing that anyone with a wt. problem to begin with would be put on this medication. He was placed on this medication at a local hospital and then it continued at the State hospital he was transfered to. He was in a fight with another patient and had to be transfered to the local ER for stitches in his upper inner lip and mouth. This all caused his mental illness to worsen. After reading all of the warnings and information from a friend who is a nurse in mental health, I am taking my son back to his old doctor who treated him for the last 15 years with no major hospitaltions. My son has been hospitalized 3 times in 6 months. He had not been hospitalized in the past 10 years prior to these episodes.
keithMay 14, 2011 at 10:12 pm
i took geodone for 2 days and almost died, i couldnt breath for hours and had stroke like conditions
mikeJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:23 pm
i was on zyprexa and geodon, ive never had diabeteze, but after taking theses drugs i come up with type -2 and almost died, i need a lawyer and ive been looking, the ones that had the case in pensacola wouldnt help me and ithink they need too be sued, if anybody can help, i take the pill and the insulin.
DawnAugust 31, 2010 at 10:38 pm
I also would like to know how do I go about filing a claim? I was on Zyprexa & gained WAY TOO MUCH weight from this medication. This was given to treat Bipolar & Depression. Which in return made me more depressed as the pounds piled on.
SteveAugust 31, 2010 at 12:57 pm
What are the parameters for a claim and who do I speak to?.....Pretty discusted with what I've gone through....
spirit hawkMay 9, 2010 at 3:01 am
back in 1999, i was placed on zyprexa, which i faithfully took because it was prescribed by a doctor. after going from 168lbs to 280lbs in a short time and in a few short few years i was diagnosed with diabetes.had i known that this drug was going to give me diabetes, they couldnt shove that drug down my throat with a bulldozer. when i had seen on television an ad, telling of the dangers and that [Show More]back in 1999, i was placed on zyprexa, which i faithfully took because it was prescribed by a doctor. after going from 168lbs to 280lbs in a short time and in a few short few years i was diagnosed with diabetes.had i known that this drug was going to give me diabetes, they couldnt shove that drug down my throat with a bulldozer. when i had seen on television an ad, telling of the dangers and that i could be able to recieve a monetory award for my pain and suffering , i quickly contacted a lawyer. that was 3 and half years ago. in decenber of 2009 the lawyer sent me a letter saying that the case was setteled on march 17th of 2009. acorrding to the information on the web, they recieved millions of dollars in awards, of which i was entitled to only 8,000.00 dollars after expenses. i probably will never see any money. BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS. THERE IS A CURE FOR DIABETES. I TOOK IT OVER A YEAR AGO AND HAVE BEEN DIABETES FREE SINCE. I AM GOING TO SELL THE CURE OVER THE INERNET, AND WILL PUT A BIG DENT IN ELI LILLYS POCKET. there are crooked lawyers lining thier pockets off of the the most weak and vulnerable. they are the scum of the earth. we were the guinie pigs, given a drug which was never tested, if you know someone who has diabetes , no matter how they got it, tell them of ths letter. it just may save thir life. spirit hawk helena montana.
sonjiaSeptember 24, 2009 at 6:58 pm
i am very disgusted with pharmeceutical companys that profit off people who take any medication that causes health issues and death.my mother was put on zyprexa and she gained an enormous amount of weight and then got diagnosed with diabetes.my mother suffered from neuropathy ,diabetes and unexplained renal failure in 2005. it took me one year to get her to walk on her own again and then all of a [Show More]i am very disgusted with pharmeceutical companys that profit off people who take any medication that causes health issues and death.my mother was put on zyprexa and she gained an enormous amount of weight and then got diagnosed with diabetes.my mother suffered from neuropathy ,diabetes and unexplained renal failure in 2005. it took me one year to get her to walk on her own again and then all of a sudden in the year 2006 without any notice, my mother passes away in her sleep. shortly before she passed away, she had participated in a lawsuit against eli and lilly. when she passed on, i took over her claim and just got news in 2007 that eli and lilly settled. we are still waiting for the courts to sign off on death cases for the zyprexa claim. no amount of money is going to bring my mother back to me. im angry with all pharmaceutical companys that are only in it for the profit and not the well being of a missed and loved family member.!!
WilliamSeptember 20, 2009 at 7:21 pm
I would just like to vent my frustration about Zyprexa why is there no legal representation for poor people like myself who became terribly disabled from taking Zyprexa for years not only do I have a severe neurological problem from this drug but now I have to be tested for Diabetes symptoms. This is outrageous where aremy legal rights and whee are tese attorneys wo are supposed to care and repres[Show More]I would just like to vent my frustration about Zyprexa why is there no legal representation for poor people like myself who became terribly disabled from taking Zyprexa for years not only do I have a severe neurological problem from this drug but now I have to be tested for Diabetes symptoms. This is outrageous where aremy legal rights and whee are tese attorneys wo are supposed to care and represent me against this drug company who made billions off tis drug and ended up making people like m very sick and disabled!! I am just furious at this crap.
ToimJune 2, 2009 at 1:38 am
I was put on Zyprexa and for only 4 months, but it was enough to blow my weight sky high and give me diabetes which has irreversiblly changed my life
RobertFebruary 5, 2009 at 4:42 am
Since begining use of Zyprexa, have suffered severe weight gain of more than 50 pounds and waist increase of 8 inches. Now a candidate for diabetes. Cannot seem to control weight gain.
SaithiaOctober 11, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I've read that eli lilly is settling with 32 states. But my attorney haven't told me anything. What are they trying to do ? Line their pockets with my money from my injuries. It's already bad enough that my doctor says that zyprexa didn't cause my diabetes. Also, being rediculed for my weight gain by family members that think they know it all. What can a person do when they have no-one standing by[Show More]I've read that eli lilly is settling with 32 states. But my attorney haven't told me anything. What are they trying to do ? Line their pockets with my money from my injuries. It's already bad enough that my doctor says that zyprexa didn't cause my diabetes. Also, being rediculed for my weight gain by family members that think they know it all. What can a person do when they have no-one standing by them? Family is waiting for me to get my money but being degraded by one every time I turn around. Eli Lilly should be paying more than what they have stated. And, I feel the Bush family, FDA and anyone working for/have worked for eli lilly to pay.
Daniel HaszardSeptember 9, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Zyprexa has generated a lot of bad press for Eli Lilly and they still have unresolved Zyprexa settlement claims. Eli Lilly is 'reaping the whirlwind' for aggressive marketing of Zyprexa that has caused suffering and deaths. -- Daniel Haszard Zyprexa patient who got diabetes from it.