Lexapro Suicide Case Defeated by Learned Intermediary Doctrine, Ill. Federal Judge Rules

CHICAGO — The learned intermediary doctrine defeats wrongful death claims asserted against Forest Laboratories Inc. in connection with Lexapro because the prescribing doctor testified that she had been made aware of the drug’s risk of suicide, an Illinois federal judge has ruled.

On May 26, Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois further ruled that even if the doctrine was not applicable, the warnings accompanying the anti-depressant adequately warned of suicidality.

According to the complaint, Manan M. Shah, 27, was prescribed Lexapro by psychiatrist Dr. Susan Bank on Dec. 1, 2008. Six days …