Studies of Pregabalin/Lyrica Show a Risk of Dementia

Pregabalin is a drug also known by the brand name Lyrica. It’s used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. It is sometimes used off label to treat chronic back pain, anxiety, or insomnia. Several studies show that pregabalin use is linked to cognitive decline. A study of 2 million people in Taiwan also shows that there is a link to increased risk of dementia, one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders worldwide, which causes progressive impairments in executive function, memory, learning, and ability to perform daily activities. The research data for the study, which also included gabapentin, was collected from January 2000–December 2017. Around 206,802 patients were involved with the study. Around 34,467 of those taking pregabalin or gabapentin and 172,335 non-exposed people were analyzed. The risk of dementia increased with higher cumulative daily doses during a follow-up period. Moreover, the risk of dementia associated with pregabalin exposure was higher in patients under the age of 50 than older patients. If a loved one is experiencing dementia or cognitive decline and you believe it’s the result of exposure to pregabalin, you should consult the seasoned Chicago-based product liability attorneys of Moll Law Group to determine whether you have a viable claim.

Contact Moll Law Group About Your Pregabalin or Lyrica Claim

Originally, pregabalin was approved for neuropathic pain and partial seizures. However, it is increasingly used off-label, and often it’s prescribed for young people. Numerous factors can go into the risk of developing dementia, and around 50 million people live with dementia around the world. The prevalence of dementia is rising, and so the increase in pregabalin prescriptions and the associated cognitive adverse effects is of particular concern.

If you or a loved one were harmed by pregabalin or Lyrica, you may have grounds to sue for damages by bringing a product liability lawsuit. These are lawsuits that allege a product was defective in terms of its marketing, manufacturing or design, and that the defect caused injuries. Many patients are suing the manufacturer of pregabalin and Lyrica for marketing defects, such as failure to warn, and also for marketing the drug for off-label unapproved uses.

In addition to establishing that pregabalin has a defect, we would need to prove a theory of liability in order to recover damages. Each state follows different rules of liability; applicable theories may include strict liability, negligence, breach of warranty, breach of contract and statutory violations. Often, strict liability is the theory that most helps plaintiffs. Under this theory we would need to establish: (1) there was a marketing, manufacturing, or design defect, (2) the defect caused your injuries, and (3) damages.

When we are able to establish a theory of liability, we may be able to recover compensatory damages on your behalf. These include both economic and noneconomic damages such as wage loss, medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Discuss Your Pregabalin Injuries With a Product Liability Attorney

If you suffered Pregabalin-related cognitive decline or other injuries, please call the knowledgeable Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group to determine whether you have a viable claim. Complete our online form or call us at 312.462.1700.