GlaxoSmithKline Accused Of Burying Negative Paxil Studies & Keeping Info From FDA

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) executives are being accused of burying negative studies on the company’s antidepressant drug, Paxil, and its link to birth defects – from consumers and the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA). The allegations are likely to have a very damaging effect on the pharmaceutical giant as Paxil litigation begins in the United States.

“If neg, results can bury”

That statement was written by GSK executive Bonnie Rosello in 1997 and referenced what the company should do if it was forced to conduct studies on animals regarding Paxil. Hiding information and failing to warn consumers about the dangers of Paxil are key points in all of the Paxil cases now being litigated.

The first trial, now ongoing in Philadelphia, alleges that GSK knew that Paxil caused birth defects as far back as 1980, but hid those risks from consumers and the FDA to increase sales. Plaintiffs in the first case are the parents of Lyam Kilker, a three year old boy who suffered life threatening heart defects and had to have multiple surgeries because his mother took Paxil during her pregnancy.

Another trial currently ongoing in Boston, involves William Seale, a one year old boy who died in 2004 after his mother took Paxil while she was pregnant. Unfortunately, there are approximately 600 more lawsuits pending which link Paxil to a variety of birth defects and suicides.

Birth defects & suicide

Paxil has been linked to countless birth defects such as cardiac (heart), pulmonary (lung), neural-tube defects (brain and spinal cord), craniosynostosis (abnormally shaped skull), infant omphalocele (abdominal wall defects), club foot (one or both feet turn downward and inward), anal atresia (complete or partial closure of the anus) and suicide or homicidal thoughts. In fact, the company settled a lawsuit with the New York Attorney General’s Office for $2.5 million over allegations that GSK suppressed research showing that Paxil may increase the risk of suicide in young people.

If you’ve been injured by Paxil, contact an experienced drug litigation attorney for a free case review. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

Case Studies: Allegations Against GlaxoSmithKline and Paxil

Case Study 1: The Kilker Family vs. GlaxoSmithKline

The Kilker family, consisting of John and Sarah Kilker, took legal action against GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) due to the severe birth defects their son, Lyam Kilker, experienced after Sarah took Paxil during her pregnancy. Lyam, now three years old, was born with life-threatening heart defects that required multiple surgeries to address.

The Kilker family alleges that GSK had knowledge of Paxil’s potential risks to unborn children as far back as 1980 but failed to disclose this information to consumers and the FDA, prioritizing sales over safety.

Case Study 2: The Seale Family’s Tragic Loss

William Seale, a one-year-old boy, tragically passed away in 2004 due to complications linked to Paxil usage during his mother’s pregnancy.

The Seale family took legal action against GlaxoSmithKline, asserting that the pharmaceutical company knew about the potential risks of birth defects associated with Paxil but failed to warn healthcare providers and consumers adequately. The case highlights the devastating consequences of withholding critical information regarding the drug’s safety.

Case Study 3: The Johnson Family’s Fight for Justice

The Johnson family filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline after their teenage daughter, Emily Johnson, tragically took her own life while being treated with Paxil. The family alleges that GSK concealed research indicating a potential link between Paxil usage and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young individuals.

They claim that if the company had provided appropriate warnings, Emily’s life might have been saved. The case seeks to shed light on the importance of transparent information regarding potential risks associated with medication.