If you were prescribed lithium, you may be suffering from lithium toxicity
Doctors prescribe lithium for a variety of reasons. Lithium has been proven to be an effective treatment for certain medical conditions, including bipolar disorder. But if lithium is not taken correctly, it can have serious health consequences. If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of lithium toxicity, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
If you were prescribed lithium, you should be aware of the risks associated with this powerful drug. Injuries caused by lithium have been well documented for over a century. That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of lithium in 1949. The government allowed the drug to be prescribed again starting in 1970 after researchers demonstrated the beneficial effects of lithium to treat mania in people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Risks associated with lithium
Even so, injuries caused by lithium do occur and can be extremely serious. The greatest danger posed by lithium involves ingesting too much lithium, resulting in lithium poisoning or lithium toxicity. There are a wide variety of symptoms of lithium poisoning. The effects of lithium toxicity can include memory problems, movement disorders, tremors, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea.
Lithium overdose injuries can also be much more serious, even life threatening in some cases. When not used correctly, lithium toxicity can cause permanent kidney failure, resulting in patients having to receive dialysis treatment. Lithium toxicity has also been linked to severe dehydration that causes a pulmonary embolism, a sudden blockage in a lung artery. And in certain cases, lithium toxicity has put patients in a coma or even result in death.
Doctors, pharmacists and other medical professionals have an obligation to carefully monitor patients taking lithium. When medical professionals fail to do so, they put people’s lives at risk.
Choose an experienced lithium toxicity lawyer in Phoenix
At Israel & Gerity, PLLC, we believe doctors and other medical professionals should be held accountable for their actions. Contact us if you believe you’re suffering from the effects of lithium toxicity. If you choose us to represent you, we promise we will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today.