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ReQuip claims against drug giant GlaxoSmithKline successfully settled

Parkinson's disease sufferers compensated after developing compulsive behaviour

Posted on 07 November 2011

The top-ranked product liability team at Leigh Day & Co has recently settled claims on behalf of four Parkinson’s disease sufferers following  their use of the drug ReQuip, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

ReQuip, also known as Ropinirole, is a dopamine agonist drug which is used to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Some people, including our clients, went on to develop pathological behaviour such as compulsive gambling and hypersexuality, after taking ReQuip.

Our clients argued that medical studies highlighting the potential link between dopamine agonists and sudden pathological behaviour had been published from as early as 2000.  It was not until March 2007 that GlaxoSmithKline first included warnings in its product literature about the potential links between ReQuip and pathological behaviour. 

In the absence of such warnings, our clients maintained that neither they nor their treating doctors were able to identify a link between their compulsive behaviour and ReQuip.

Our clients accrued large financial debts as a result of their gambling. Their behaviour also had a devastating impact on their personal lives, as well as upon the lives of their loved ones, in some cases leading to marriage and family breakdowns.

GSK denied liability in each case.

The ReQuip claimants were represented by Boz Michalowska Howells and Jill Paterson, partners in the product liability team.

Jill Paterson, partner, said:

“Claims brought against drugs companies can be highly complex and are nearly always defended robustly by the pharmaceutical industry. We are delighted that we have managed to achieve a positive outcome for our clients, and hope that they will now be able to begin the process of rebuilding their lives.”

Leigh Day and product liability claims

Leigh Day & Co’s product liability team has unrivalled experience in dealing with defective product claims and faulty consumer goods claims. It has particular experience in successfully handling multi-party, or group claims, or behalf of people who have been injured by faulty consumer goods, drugs or medical devices. The team is has been top-ranked in the field of product liability by legal directories Chambers guide to the legal profession and the Legal 500 for the last six years.  To speak to a member of the team please contact us on 020 7650 1219 or email Jill Paterson.