Neurontin - Recent News

On January 31, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality) in patients who take drugs called antiepileptics to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and other conditions. The drugs that are subject to the warning include Neurontin. FDA analysis of recent studies showed patients taking antiepileptics had about twice the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, compared with patients receiving placebo. Read the FDA Press Release.

A number of lawsuits have been filed alleging that Neurontin causes suicidal or suicidal thoughts (called "suicidality"). Plaintiffs in these cases allege that Neurontin-maker Pfizer Pharmaceuticals failed to disclose the risk of suicidality.

Pfizer has responded to the allegations, stating that there is no scientific evidence linking Neurontin to suicide. In December 2005, Pfizer changed the Neurontin prescribing information to include "suicide" and "suicide attempt" as infrequent adverse events.

In 2004, Pharmaceutical manufacturer Warner-Lambert, a subsidiary of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, agreed to plead guilty and to pay more than $430 million to resolve criminal charges and civil liability in connection with the illegal and fraudulent promotion of unapproved uses for Neurontin. Click here to read more from the FDA.