Chris Hellums Joins Colleagues in Abilify Litigation

If Abilify is a familiar sounding name to you, that may be because it is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.Abilify, used to treat major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, has been associated with compulsive gambling behavior while using the drug. Thousands of Americans who were using Abilify, often at the recommendation of physician, received no proper warnings of the compulsive gambling habits, and, in turn, many have lost all of their savings or retirement.

Legal Action

On December 16th, 2016 in United States District Court, Northeastern District of Florida's Pensacola Division, the Chief Judge M. Casey Rodgers ordered firm partner Chris Hellums to be appointed to the plaintiff's leadership council. This leadership position, alongside a number of distinguished colleagues, will oversee the litigation on behalf of thousands of claimants from around the United States.In addition to being named to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee, and in light of his experience, skill, and knowledge in this area of law, Mr. Hellums has also been appointed to the Plaintiff's Fees and Common Benefit Fund Committee.

The History of Abilify

Developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical giant, Otsuka, in 2002, and marketed jointly with Bristol-Meters Squibb, it is one of the most profitable drugs in US history and it is was reported that the drug earned the company more than $6 billion in 2013. In 2007 the drug maker reached a settlement with the Justice Department for improperly marketing the drug for use in children just after its approval in 2002 through 2005.

The Recent Science

In July 2011 a study in the British Journal of Psychiatry revealed three case studies showing “distinct changes in their approach to gambling”, and most importantly, that the urges to gamble ceased once the use of Abilify was discontinued.The 2014 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed unusual and severe impulse control disorders for dopamine receptor agonist drugs. These impulse control disorders frequently involved behaviors such as pathological gambling, hyper-sexuality, compulsive shopping, and while less frequent, binge eating.

The Losses

According to The Economist, Americans lost nearly $120 billion in 2013 alone, with a considerable amount of those losses at casinos.

Most casino players keep a player card which tracks wins and losses, and depending on the location, may offer benefits "comps" or other rewards. These cards do potentially include a record of losses over the years, and if you or someone you know has lost a considerable amount of money gambling while taking Abilify, it is encouraged to contact our firm for a free consultation.Scientific studies have stated for more than five years that Abilify is linked to gambling and other compulsive behaviors, but have failed to adequately warn consumer on the financial risk. To begin a consultation, contact us at (205) 322-8880 today.