Several lawsuits filed against Novartis Pharmaceuticals alleging that its drug, Elidel, prescribed to treat treat eczema, rosacea and atopic dermatitis, causes cancer have been remanded to state court as a federal judge says that there is no federal question – such as preemption – that needs to be answered.
Elidel lawsuits a state matter
Federal judge Jerome B. Simandle of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey recently remanded six lawsuits against Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation to the New Jersey Superior Court because they did not involve an interpretation of federal law. Novartis had claimed that that injured victims were preempted from filing lawsuits against it.
The Elidel product liability lawsuits alleged that the Novartis drug used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and atopic dermatitis is an immunodepressant which lowers the body's normal immune response to cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, basal cell carcinoma (the most common form of skin cancer), vitiligo (a loss of skin pigmentation) and other diseases.
Elidel black box warning
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) only approved Elidel, a non-steroid treatment that supposedly can be used by adults and children, in 2001. However, the FDA added a black box warning to Elidel in January of 2006 after receiving over 75 reports of users developing cancer. A black box warning is the most serious warning the FDA can give. Consumer advocate groups and products liability lawyers say that it may take 10 years to fully understand the drug's link to cancer – leaving injured consumers to wonder why the drug was put on the market in the first place.
Elidel side effects
Side effects associated with Elidel use can include, headache, a warming or burning sensation where the drug is applied, cold symptoms, viral skin infections, cancer and others. If you've been injured by Elidel use, contact an experienced Elidel injury attorney to discuss your situation. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries including past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages.