Ditropan Lawsuit
Overactive Bladder (OAB) drug may have caused dementia
There is a potential connection between the use of Ditropan and Ditropan XL, medications for overactive bladder (OAB), and an elevated risk of dementia, especially among the elderly. Janssen, the drug manufacturer, and the parent company, Johnson & Johnson, could be confronted with multiple lawsuits concerning the link between Ditropan XL and dementia.
What is Ditropan XL?
The FDA approved the sale of Ditropan XL, an overactive bladder (OAB) medication, in 1998. This medication, also known as oxybutynin chloride, was marketed by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Janssen, as an “extended-release” form of oxybutynin. Subsequently, in 2007, generic versions of extended-release oxybutynin became accessible in the market.
What is the risk of dementia for users of Ditropan XL?
The use of Ditropan XL has been associated with the development of dementia, according to multiple studies. The risk of dementia could be 1.5 to 2 times higher in individuals who have taken Ditropan XL. Furthermore, research suggests that this increased risk may persist for up to 20 years, even after discontinuing Ditropan XL.
Middle-aged individuals who have taken Ditropan may face an elevated risk of developing dementia later in life. The link between Ditropan XL and dementia is particularly concerning for the elderly who are already at risk for the disorder. The use of Ditropan XL in this population may further exacerbate their susceptibility to dementia. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the medication’s usage in individuals with existing dementia.
The risk of Ditropan XL-related dementia may be heightened in individuals who are concurrently taking other anticholinergic medications such as antidepressants and antihistamines.
What are the symptoms of dementia?
- Loss of concept of time
- Memory issues
- Language difficulties
- Personality changes
- Difficult with Impulse control
- Lack of ability to care for oneself
Does the amount of time you used Ditropan XL matter?
Research indicates the risk of developing dementia is observed after as little as 90 days of taking oxybutynin with a substantial increase in risk after one year or more of usage. Symptoms of oxybutynin-associated dementia do not manifest immediately; instead, they may take anywhere from 4 to 20 years to develop into a diagnosed case of dementia.
AWKO is here for you
AWKO is currently examining legal claims for individuals aged 55 to 79 who have used Ditropan XL and have subsequently been diagnosed with dementia. Individuals who have taken Ditropan or Ditropan XL, or their loved ones, might have been exposed to a heightened risk of dementia and could be eligible for compensation. If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by using Ditropan XL, contact us today to see if you are entitled to a claim.