GlaxoSmithKline faces Seroxat legal action

GlaxoSmithKline is facing legal action in the UK over its anti-depressant Seroxat.

The case is being brought by 1,500 litigants who claim they were not warned that the drug could lead to addiction, reports The Business.

The action is to be launched in the spring next year and is being led by Mark Harvey, a partner at Cardiff solicitor Hugh James.

Concerns over the additive properties have led Seroxat to be no longer prescribed to people under the age of 18. Those bringing the case also claim that the drug causes aggression and suicidal thoughts among its side affects.

GlaxoSmithKline has responded by saying the claims were groundless.

A spokesman told Reuters: “We do not accept the allegations in the potential class action and will address the issues raised if litigation is pursued.”

The news follows warnings last week that Seroxat could lead to heart defects in unborn children if mothers took the drug and a Norwegian study in August that suggested it increased the risk of suicide in adults.

© Adfero Ltd