An Ontario law firm has launched a class-action suit against Eli Lilly on behalf of Canadians who took the anti-psychotic drug Zyprexa and were subsequently diagnosed with diabetes.
The firm, Stevenson & Associates, alleges that the drug increases the risk of developing the illness -- and that the pharmaceutical manufacturer failed to warn doctors and patients of the danger.
The company, which is facing similar liability lawsuits over Zyprexa in the United States and at least one other in Canada, has vigorously denied the accusations.
The Ontario lawsuit, announced Feb. 4, is against Eli Lilly & Co. and Eli Lilly Canada Inc. for damages of $900 million.
It was brought on behalf of Andrea Heward of North Bay, Ont., who took Zyprexa and was subsequently diagnosed as diabetic.
Heward says she can no longer work and blames the drug for causing her poor health.
Class-action lawsuits filed in Ontario can also apply to other Canadians who may be affected by the claim.
A B.C. man launched a class-action lawsuit against Eli Lilly in January, alleging that it minimized Zyprexa's health risks.
Zyprexa is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, among other illnesses.
Available in Canada since 1996, the drug is Lilly's top seller with total sales of $223 million in Canada in 2002 and $4.42 billion worldwide in 2004.