Merck & Co.’s drug, Suvorexant, has some troubling side effects
Suvorexant is the first insomnia treatment of its kind to be submitted to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for approval. The FDA’s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee is discussing Merck & Co.’s new drug application for insomnia.
Suvorexant side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Excessive Drowsiness
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior
The FDA concluded that excessive drowsiness was strong enough to impact driving safety. An eightfold increase in severe next-day drowsiness from the 40-milligram dosage was among the top adverse side effect concerns. Some participants taking suvorexant had a hard time driving straight and even began dozing off during driving tests.
Five participants, out of approximately 1,300 had suicidal thoughts and behavior during the first three months of taking 40-milligrams of suvorexant. The total increased to eight in the 12-month span.
“These results suggest that a potential for impairment in driving performance exists with suvorexant treatment. The sponsor provided cautionary language in the proposed label, regarding driving and suvorexant treatment, which seems appropriate.” the review said.
You have the right to trust your medication is safe. Tragically, this is not always the case. However, victims may recoup damages through a successful product liability claim against the drug’s maker. Well versed in product liability laws that protect consumers, our attorneys have handled countless lawsuits involving harmful pharmaceuticals. Contact us today to discuss your potential case.
