The overactive bladder medications Ditropan and Ditropan XL have been linked to a higher risk of dementia, especially for elderly adults.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Ditropan and Ditropan XL induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with dementia after using Ditropan or Ditropan XL, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overactive Bladder Drugs Linked to Dementia
At least 5 million people in the U.S. are living with dementia, a condition that causes progressive loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Recent studies suggest that Ditropan and Ditropan XL may increase the risk of dementia, especially for older people who have been on these medications for years.
What is the Problem?
In recent years, a growing number of people who developed dementia (or their loved ones) have been pursuing lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for downplaying the risk of dementia and failing to update the Prescribing Information for Ditropan with stronger warnings.
Symptoms of Dementia
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Forgetfulness
- Slow thinking
- Loss of focus and organization
- Repeating questions
- Trouble communicating
- Unable to carry out daily tasks
- Symptoms like Alzheimer’s disease
- Mood changes
- And more
JAMA Study Links Dementia Risk to Overactive Bladder Medications
In 2019, a major study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found a nearly 50% increased risk of dementia from Ditropan and other anticholinergic drugs, which is a large class of commonly-prescribed medications for depression, motion sickness, and overactive bladder.
It is well-known that Ditropan and other anticholinergic medications are linked to confusion and memory issues, but this is the first study to investigate the long-term risk of dementia. The experts warned:
“If this association is causal, the population-attributable fractions indicate that around 10% of dementia diagnoses are attributable to anticholinergic drug exposure, which would equate, for example, to around 20,000 of the 209,600 new cases of dementia per year in the United Kingdom.”
What is Ditropan?
Ditropan (generic: oxybutynin) is a drug that treats the symptoms of an overactive bladder. This condition causes a loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence) or frequent urges to pee.
What is Ditropan XL?
Ditropan XL is an extended-release version of Ditropan®, but both are manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson). It works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder to decrease problems with urgent and frequent urination.
What is an Overactive Bladder?
People with an overactive bladder may suffer from urine leakage when the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably. They may suffer from an urgent and frequent need to urinate, or be unable to control urination. Overactive bladder is a common disorder that affects around 33 million Americans, or 30% of people over age 65.
More Studies Link Ditropan and Dementia Risk
In November 2022, experts with the Society for Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) concluded that long-term use of Ditropan was linked to a higher risk of dementia:
“The current body of literature supports a likely small but significant increased risk of dementia with chronic exposure to [overactive bladder] anticholinergic medications.”
In April 2017, an observational study of nearly 11,000 people found that Ditropan was linked to a 2.3-fold increased risk of dementia in people with diabetes compared to people who did not take Ditropan.
In January 1998, a clinical trial of 12 people (average age of 69) reported that Ditropan treatment for 6 weeks resulted in significant decreases in 7 out of 15 cognitive measures.
Are Other Drugs Safer for Overactive Bladder Disease?
Newer medications for overactive bladder disease (such as trospium, tolterodine, and darifenacin) are far less likely to cause dementia because their chemical properties make it harder to reach the brain. These other medications are just as effective for the treatment of overactive bladder disease, without the potential risk of dementia, because they do not cross the blood-brain barrier so easily.
Ditropan Dementia Lawsuits
Our law firm is investigating Ditropan lawsuits against the manufacturers, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, for failing to warn patients about the risk of dementia. If you qualify to file a lawsuit or join a class action, we may be able to help you seek justice and financial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, decreased quality of life, and more.
Do I have a Ditropan Dementia Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Ditropan and Ditropan XL induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with dementia after using Ditropan or Ditropan XL, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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