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New York Drug-Induced Liver Damage Lawyer

Liver Injury Attorneys New York City

The liver is a vital organ that, when damaged, can cause serious illness or death. Liver damage can be sustained in virtually any number of ways, including as a result of defective or dangerous drugs. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, blood clots, cell death, and liver failure are just some of the types of damage that have been linked to various prescription and over-the-counter drugs-many of which are still on the market.

If you or someone you love has suffered drug-induced liver damage, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your financial and emotional losses.

For a complimentary consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney who can determine your eligibility to file a legal claim, please contact Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP today.

For more about other supplements linked to health hazards, please click here .

Serving Clients Nationwide

Drug-Induced Liver Damage

The following are a few of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs that have been associated with liver injury:

  • Ketek—a controversial antibiotic that has been linked to numerous cases of liver damage including drug-induced hepatitis, liver failure, and even death
  • Certain anti-thyroid drugs, cancer drugs, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs
  • Naproxen, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Zithromax, Z-Pack (azithromycin)

If you have taken a prescription or over-the-counter medication and are experiencing any symptoms associated with liver injury such as yellowing of the skin, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or loss of appetite, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention.

Apetamin Induced Liver Damage

Apetamin is a drug that stimulates weight gain. It is a drug that is not regulated by the FDA. The federal agency does not have the authority to regulate these dietary products. However, since this product contains the prescription drug cyproheptadine, it would be illegal for someone without the appropriate license to sell this product.

Yet, that is what has happened in New York. Certain grocery stores have been selling this drug illegally and some of those who have purchased this supplement have been diagnosed with liver damage. Apetamin is a supplement designed to help people gain weight. It contains cyproheptadine, lysine, and other vitamins. The following tableTrusted Source lists the ingredients and doses in grams (g) and milligrams (mg) per 5 milliliters (ml) of Apetamin syrup.

Ingredient Dose

Cyproheptadine 2 g

L-lysine 150 mg

Dexpanthenol 4.5 g

Nicotinamide 15 mg

Thiamine 2 mg

Pyridoxine 1 mg

The manufacturer of Apetamin is TIL Healthcare, a company based in Chennai, India. However, there is no regulation of the drug in the United States. The FDA has approved the use of cyproheptadine, the main ingredient in Apetamin, for:

  • seasonal or year-round allergies
  • non-allergic runny nose
  • allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva — the outer layer of the eye — due to inhaling allergens or foods
  • mild, uncomplicated allergic skin reactions
  • cold hives
  • anaphylactic reactions, alongside epinephrine
  • allergic reactions caused by blood or plasma

Although the FDA has not approved cyproheptadine for appetite stimulation, the reported side effects include stimulation of appetite and weight gain. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride is a prescription only drug. It’s only available with a prescription because of its potential side effects and safety concerns, which, on the severe side, include liver failure. Additionally, the FDA has not approved and does not regulate apetamin, which means that some (and possibly many) apetamin products don’t accurately disclose what they contain. This presents the risk of toxicity from any undisclosed ingredients.

If you or a loved one have purchased and taken apetamin for weight gain and been diagnosed with liver damage, please contact us immediately for a free initial consultation.

Your Legal Rights

Individuals who suffer drug-induced liver damage may be entitled to recover compensation related to their losses and injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages or earning capacity, mental anguish, and more. If you or someone you love has developed liver damage that you think may be related to an over-the-counter or prescription drug, you need to ensure your legal rights are protected.

Please contact the attorneys of Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP today for a complimentary consultation. We can evaluate your case, inform you of your legal options, and advise you as to the best course of action.