Aripipirazole, more commonly known as Abilify, is a prescription drug that treats symptoms associated with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Aside from common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and anxiety, Abilify presents other, more serious side effects including increased risk of stroke, increased blood sugar levels, changes in cholesterol and fat, weight gain, decreased blood pressure, and seizures. Elderly people with dementia who use Abilify tend to be more susceptible to these symptoms than others.
The drug was created by Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd, based in Tokyo, Japan. It was marketed and distributed by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical located in Maryland. The FDA approved Abilify in 2002, and the drug was then introduced as a ‘third generation’ antipsychotic drug.
In 2007, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the company at that time responsible for promoting Abilify, settled a lawsuit with the United States government for over $515 million in part because of whistleblower allegations. The government alleged Bristol Myers fraudulently inflated the cost of drugs, illegally paid physicians and other health care providers to purchase Abilify, promoted Abilify for “off-label” uses to children, adolescents, or geriatric patients who have dementia, and overcharged federal health care programs who reimbursed them based on the inflated prices. Some attorneys have started looking for clients and have filed lawsuits over Abilify.RD Legal Can Provide Funding on Abilify SettlementsAttorneys and plaintiffs who have a settlement from an Abilify case, but are facing a delay in payment are urged to contact RD Legal Funding. RD Legal is able to provide post-settlement funding. To accelerate your legal fees or settlement award, please fill out the brief online application located on this page. Or you can call RD Legal toll-free at 800-565-5177 to speak with one of our legal funding experts.
