MARSHALL -- A Las Vegas resident claims his compulsive gambling and sex addiction was caused by his use of Mirapex, a drug used to treat the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome.
Brian Ridenour filed suit against the drug's manufacturers, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Pharmacia Corp., and Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. on March 8 in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas.
In addition to treating the symptoms of RLS, Mirapex is prescribed for treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
The plaintiff argues that the defendants' massive marketing campaign failed to warn physicians and potential patients that Mirapex could cause compulsive behaviors like a pathological gambling addiction.
The lawsuit notes that the drug's manufacturers changed the labeling in the adverse reactions section in March 2005 to include compulsive behaviors.
However, the lawsuit alleges the defendants failed to also include that change in the warnings section of the label.
Causes of action filed against the defendants include strict liability in design, manufacturing, and warnings, breach of express and implied warranties, negligence, negligence per se, negligent misrepresentation and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practice Act.
Ridenour is seeking damages for actual damages incidental to the purchase and ingestion of Mirapex, costs of treatment for injuries, physical pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, pre-and post-judgment interest, court costs and attorneys' fees.
Dallas attorneys Thomas M. Corea and Jeremy R. Wilson of the Corea Firm PLLC are representing the plaintiff.
U.S. District Judge T. John Ward is assigned to the litigation.
Jury trial is requested.
Case No 2:10cv00076