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VA Continuing To Purchase Ineffective PTSD Drug

It was recently reported the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been using the anti-psychotic drug risperidone, which is the generic form of Risperdal, to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The problem with risperidone, however, is it was shown to be completely ineffective in such an application. That news came as quite a blow to those using the drug as part of their veterans disability recovery program.

Despite a study concluding the drug is as effective as a placebo, and does not reduce any PTSD symptom, the VA is still issuing contracts to buy more of it to treat veterans with PTSD. Over the last 10 years, the VA has spent $717 million purchasing the drug, which was designed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Following the study's publication, the VA awarded a contract in which the VA ordered at least 200,000 bottles of the drug. That totals more than "20 million pills in multiple dosages." The monetary value of the contract was not reported, although there is a 4-year option on the contract. The VA currently has more than 90 "Federal Supply Schedule contracts" for the drug with multiple manufacturers.

Using risperidone to treat PTSD is an "off-label" use of the drug because it is not what the drug was designed to treat. Although clinicians are allowed to prescribe drugs for "off-label" uses, generally the drugs prescribed in such a way are done so because there is a benefit to their use. In this case, there is not.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.