Legal Blog

Fibromyalgia is a real disease

Monday, January 14, 2008

The New York Times reported today that the well known drug manufacturer Pfizer, has developed a drug called Lyrica to treat fibromyalgia. The medication was approved by the F.D.A in June 2007 and since then Eli Lily and Forest Laboratories have also made requests to the F.D.A. for approval as well.

Fibromyalgia affects millions in North America. Many have argued, the disease is serious and real. In fact, the article states, the American College of Rheumatology, the Food and Drug Administration and insurers recognize fibromyalgia as a diagnosable disease.

Personal injury lawyers have been arguing for years that fibromyalgia is no different from any disease.

Every year millions are affected by fibromyalgia causing them to take time off work and in many cases they have to either leave work or are terminated. In Ontario, many employers and insurance companies continue to disregard fibromyalgia as a real disease.

Advocacy groups in the U.S. are hoping that Lyrica will do for fibromyalgia what Prozac did for depression. For years depression faced a similar fight as critics argued it was made up. Today, depression is widely recognized as a real disease that can affect anyone.

The entrance of the pharmaceutical giants into the race to treat fibromyalgia is good evidence that society is finally starting to recognize it.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia and have been terminated from your employment and or been denied access to long term disability insurance contact our office for a free quote.