Singulair Suicide

Guide Note:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a possible link between the drug Singulair and Suicide. It could take up to nine months for a complete safety review on the drug. The drug, developed and produced by Merck, was approved in 1998 for treating asthma symptoms and further endorsed for seasonal allergy symptoms in 2003. It's estimated that millions of people have since taken the medication.

The family of 15-year-old Cody Miller, who killed himself on August 4, 2007 after taking Singulair for just 17 days, is alleging that the drug's effects are responsible for their son's death. He had previously been taking competitor Allegra before his pediatrician encouraged a switch. Shortly after Miller's death, Merck added "suicidal behavior" to the list of potential Singulair side effects.

Fast Facts:

1. Available only by prescription
2. Merck paid out an $4.85 billion settlement after painkiller Vioxx was shown to cause heart attacks and strokes