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Ditropan Lawsuits Related to Alleged Dementia Risk
All medications on the market undergo a series of tests before their approval. Not only does this ensure their safety, but it also helps doctors understand potential side effects and prescribe medication responsibly. Sometimes, drug manufacturers fail to properly conduct these tests or otherwise don’t provide the public with accurate information.
This is once again the case with the drug Ditropan, which multiple studies have linked to increased dementia risk among elderly patients. As the drug treats bladder issues that are common among the elderly, it’s often been prescribed to those most vulnerable to the reported side effects. If you developed dementia or Alzheimers after using Ditropan, reach out to the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C. at 866-778-5500 for further guidance.
Studies On Ditropan Risks
Drugs such as Ditropan are known as anticholinergenics, which are administered through the body through muscarinic cholinergic transmission. This can increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, harming the health of the brain and producing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimers.
Organizations including the Society for Urodynamics have been able to show in studies that this drug can cross the barrier between the blood and the brain, and that elderly patients are especially vulnerable. Potential symptoms of Ditropan induced dementia may include:
Memory loss
Having difficulties concentrating
Frequent mood changes
General confusion
Having problems performing everyday tasks
These kinds of conditions can have a devastating impact on the quality of life of the elderly. Due to the findings about anticholinergic drugs like Ditropan, many health agencies advise against prescribing them to the elderly. If elderly individuals do use such drugs, it’s advisable to monitor them for signs of early onset dementia.
Conditions Treated by Ditropan
Ditropan is mainly used to treat overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), a medical condition which affects bladder control thus reducing patients' quality of life. Almost 10% of all Americans, including 30% of those over 65 may struggle with OAB. To make matters worse, the seniors who suffer from OAB typically have a weaker blood-brain barrier than younger individuals. Not only are they more likely to receive a prescription for Ditropan, but they’re more at risk for its worst side effects.
Some common side effects that the manufacturer published include:
General dryness of mouth and eyes
Blurry vision
Stomach pain
Dehydration
Pain during urination
Despite the manufacturer publicizing these these side effects, it did not report the risk of reduced recall, dementia, or Alzheimer’s. If you or a loved one have used Ditropan and suffered from its serious, undisclosed side effects, you may be entitled to compensation. Reach out to an experienced Ditropan lawyer such as those at the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C., for further guidance.
Legal Representation for Cases Involving Product Liability Concerning Ditropan
If you have any reason to believe you’re developing Ditropan-related dementia, you may be eligible to sue for a defective drug claim. There are many types of damages you can earn in such a case. The first category is economic damages, such as the cost of dementia treatment and the value of lost income.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, cover your pain, emotional suffering, and declining quality of life related to the defective drug. Furthermore, these kinds of lawsuits are an important way to keep large corporations accountable. Schedule a consultation with the experienced Ditropan lawyers at the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C, at 866-778-5500 to find out more.
