Abilify Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Children

Commonly prescribed to children and adults, Abilify has been linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children. Many medications have risks of side effects, but we trust our healthcare providers to minimize risk and warn us of any possible dangers.  Unfortunately, sometimes patients do not get the information they need to make informed decisions about taking medications.

Read on to learn more about Abilify, what your doctor should tell you, and what you can do to get help. If you have experienced adverse side effects after taking Abilify, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at MedMalFirm.com to learn more about your legal rights.

What is Abilify?

Aripiprazole, commonly known as Abilify, is commonly prescribed to children and adults who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, or autism spectrum disorders (ASD).  Abilify is an antipsychotic drug that is known to improve the symptoms associated with mental disorders.  Abilify is prescribed for the following:

• Disorganized thinking
• Irritability associated with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ASD, or depression
• Hallucinations
• Unstable mood
• Tourette’s disorder

Like any medication, it is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist about any concerns or risk factors related to a new medication.

What are the Dangers of Taking Abilify?

The short answer is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  To fully answer this question, we must delve further into the factors contributing to that risk.  Antipsychotic drugs, including Abilify, Risperdal, and Seroquel, have been targeted by researchers for a few years after a link was made between use of the drugs and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.  In 2013, researchers studied individuals between the ages of six and 24, and found a significantly increased risk of type 2 diabetes among those taking Abilify compared to their peers taking other medications.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Abilify can contribute to uncontrollable urges, including binge eating or overeating, which can further result in significant weight gain.  Individuals taking antipsychotic drugs are reported to commonly gain 20 to 30 pounds.  In children, such a weight gain can be extremely dangerous.  Weight gain can be even more concerning among children who are already overweight, or who are genetically predisposed to conditions like diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed among children at a greater frequency than ever before.  There are an estimated 26 million children in the United States with diabetes.  Another 79 million Americans are considered to be pre-diabetic.  Type 2 diabetes can cause a variety of other health problems, such as:

• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Vision problems
• Fluid retention and swelling (edema)
• Stroke

Children are not exempt from the risks and complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

What Your Doctor Should Tell You About Abilify and Type 2 Diabetes

Healthcare providers should warn patients of the risks of using Abilify – particularly uncontrollable urges.  Uncontrollable or excessive urges can lead children to overeat, leading to weight gain, obesity, and significant related health conditions like type 2 diabetes.  The FDA urges parents and caregivers to contact a doctor immediately if signs of uncontrollable urges are recognized.

Anytime you or your child is prescribed a medication, you rely on the information given to you to be accurate and safe.  Healthcare providers are required to provide patients with accurate information about medications, possible risks, and any advice about how to properly take the medication. Similarly, pharmacists are required to provide patients with information about the medication, and offer consultations to answer questions. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

If you or your child have been harmed due to adverse side effects of a medication, and you were not warned about the dangers, you may find it beneficial to contact a medical malpractice attorney.  Your legal rights may have been violated, and you may have the option to take legal action.  Contact MedMalFirm.com to learn more.

Understanding the Risks and Treatment Options

If your child has been diagnosed with aggressive behavioral problems, schizophrenia, ASD, bipolar disorder, or similar conditions, medication may be your best option to help him or her live a full, healthy life.  Before taking or administering a prescribed medication, understand the risks and find a treatment option that works best for your child and family.

There are a variety of medications that may work for your child that do not have the same risks as Abilify.  Some of the recommended medication options include:

• Valium
• Ativan
• Depakote
• Lamictal
• Adderall
• Lithium
• Or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft or Prozac

Talk to your doctor, and if you have concerns about a medication prescribed to you or your child, get a second opinion.

Getting Help with Legal Questions

Doctors are required by law to warn patients of the risks associated with any medication they prescribe.  They are also required to follow FDA guidelines when prescribing medication for various conditions.  On a broader scale, drug manufacturers are required by law to ensure that they provide adequate information and warnings to doctors before medications are prescribed.

The manufacturer of Abilify, Bristol-Myers Squibb, has been accused of failing to warn doctors and patients about the risk of type 2 diabetes among patients using the drug.  Over the past several years, a variety of lawsuits have been filed against Bristol-Myers Squibb.  The company is also facing $19.5 million in fines in a settlement of allegations that the manufacturer improperly marketed the drug to treat conditions not approved by the FDA, as well as minimized the risk of side effects in children.

Unfortunately, not all manufacturers warn doctors and not all doctors warn patients.  These actions, or lack thereof, may be a violation of your legal rights and may constitute medical malpractice.  They can also cause irreparable damage to your family.  Get help with your legal questions by contacting MedMalFirm.com today.  Fill out our online form to get started and schedule your free consultation.