GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil

In an internal 1998 memo, GSK admits that its "TARGET" was "To effectively manage the dissemination of these data in order to minimize any potential negative commercial impact" and that "it would be commercially unacceptable to include a statement that efficacy had not been demonstrated, as this would undermine the profile of [Paxil]." Not until pressure from European regulatory authorities did GSK make a label change informing the public that PAXIL was ineffective and not to be used in patients under the age of 18. However, this action was taken only in Europe and still today GSK has not taken any affirmative steps to make this same change in the United States. In 2002, there were 10 million anti-depressant prescriptions for children ages 1-17 years of age in the United States, and approximately 2.2 million of those were written for PAXIL.

In August of 2004, a class action lawsuit by the Minneapolis law firm of Meshbesher & Spence, Ltd. was filed seeking reimbursement for purchases of PAXIL by children and their families based upon GSK's fraud and misrepresentation. If your child took Paxil, and you are interested in being part of the class action, or if you are just seeking information, please fill in our form on the right to submit your complaint. There are statutes of limitations governing these claims, and so you should act promptly to protect your rights.

If your injustice does not match the complaint described above, please use this form to register your complaint. Thank you.