Learned Intermediary Shields Forest Labs from Liability in Lexapro Suicide Case, Va. Judge Rules

ROANOKE, Va. — A Virginia federal judge has awarded Forest Laboratories summary judgment on claims that it failed to adequately warn that Lexapro can cause suicide in certain patients, ruling that the learned intermediary doctrine shields the drug maker from liability.

On Sept. 8, Judge Michael Urbanski of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia noted that both of the prescribing physicians testified that they were aware of a potential link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Lexapro and suicidality.

Kathleen Higgins asserted negligence and breach of warranty claims against Forest Labs after her husband Francis Krivicich …