Consumer Alert: Lariam Antimalarial Drug and Permanent Neuropsychological Side Effects

Attorneys at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi are investigating reports of serious neurological and psychiatric side effects associated with mefloquine hydrochloride—a drug used in the prevention and treatment of malaria. Reports have linked the drug to thousands of adverse reports of psychiatric problems, including suicide, attempted suicide, aggression towards others, psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety, panic, dizziness, loss of balance, and depression. 

On July 29, 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert to doctors and the public regarding updated warnings of long lasting neuropsychiatric side effects associated with mefloquine.  The FDA noted that some of these side effects may persist or become permanent.  Mefloquine now has a Black Box Warning on its label—most serious kind of warning about potential side effects. 

Mefloquine is commonly used by international travelers, including vacationers, military service members, Peace Corps Volunteers, and business travelers. Mefloquine has been a popular antimalarial drug, particularly because consumers need only take the drug once a week rather than daily. Yet, alternative antimalarial medications not associated with permanent neuropsychological side effects exist on the market. 

Mefloquine was originally developed by the United States Army and entered the commercial market in 1989. It has also been referred to as Lariam, Mephaquin, or Mefliam. There have been four manufacturers of Mefloquine in the United States market:

• Hoffman La Roche  (brand name Lariam)
• Boehringer Ingelheim, Roxane Laboratories  (generic version)
• Sandoz Inc.  (generic version)
• Teva Pharmaceuticals  (generic version)

If you have taken Mefloquine or Lariam and have experienced Mefloquine side effects, please contact the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi for a free consultation. We have attorneys and legal nurse consultants on staff ready to assist you. All calls are kept confidential. You may be entitled to compensation.

© 2013 Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P.