Visitor Question

Singulair Caused Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…

Submitted By: Norma (Pontiac, MI)

I am a female in my 50’s and I have Asthma. I was prescribed Singulair for my asthma.

Not long after starting on Singulair (about 6 months in), I began to experience sensation of numbness and tingling in my arms down to my fingers. Not realizing the cause may be the medication, I continued to take it. The symptoms worsened until it became a problem to sleep at night and now it’s difficult to use my hands to grasp things. Touching things hurt too.

Becoming suspicious of the medication, I did research and learned that this tingling and numbness I was experiencing was a side effect of Singulair and something that many others were experiencing too. I stopped taking it after that and made an appointment to see a Dr about my hands.

I saw the Doctor about my hands and was given an EMG1 test. The results came back that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This was a surprise to me. It seems like the Carpal Tunnel came out of nowhere as my hands have always been fine. Everything started when I began taking Singulair.

Being suspicious that Singulair may be the cause of the Carpal Tunnel, I did some further research. Upon researching, I learned that there are 82 reports of Singulair causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (75+ official FDA Reports). Another site reports 95 of 41,293 people experiencing side effects from Singulair had Carpal Tunnel as a result of the medication.

Links:

“Study of possible correlation between CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME and SINGULAIR”

“Review: could Singulair cause Carpal tunnel syndrome?”

How can I approach this from a legal standpoint? Can I be compensated somehow? I really appreciate your time. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Our response is not formal legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is generic legal information based on the very limited information provided. Do not rely upon the information in our response, or anywhere else on this site, when deciding the proper course of a legal matter. Always get a personalized case review from a local attorney.

Answer

Dear Norma,

According to the Mayo Clinic, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a hand and arm condition causing numbness, tingling and other symptoms. It is caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. A number of factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, including the anatomy of your wrist, certain underlying health problems, and possibly patterns of hand use.

Singulair, also known as Montelukast, is manufactured by MERCK. Singulair is prescribed to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months old. Singulair is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

According to WebMd, some contraindications for Singulair can include Restlessness, Depression, Abnormal Dreams, Inflammation of Blood Vessels in the Skin, Hallucination, Involuntary Quivering, Nervous, Increased Eosinophils in the Blood, Mood Changes, Anxiety, and Thoughts of Suicide.

We checked to see if any class action lawsuits have been filed against MERCK over Carpal Tunnel caused by Singulair. At this time we are unable to locate any which have been filed.

In addition, unless your tingling and numbness is permanent, or will otherwise cause you continuing pain and discomfort, you really don’t have a viable personal injury product liability claim against MERCK. Learn more about establishing a product liability case here.

Product liability claims should never be handled by a pro se claimant. These claims are too complicated for a layperson to handle without an attorney. It’s always a good idea to get a free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in your area.

Learn more here: Compensation for Dangerous Drug Side Effects

The above is general information. Laws change frequently, and across jurisdictions. You should get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

Find a local attorney to give you a free case review here, or call 888-972-0892.

We wish you the best with your claim,

Published:

3 thoughts on “Singulair Caused Carpal Tunnel Syndrome…

  1. Victoria says:

    I took Singulair. I have carpal tunnel now as well. But what’s worse, I know longer have my brain functions.

    I have lost six jobs in the past seven years since taking Singulair. I am divorcing my husband and now I am running out of money. I never dreamed my brain problems would still be with me seven years later.

    The suicidal thoughts come to me EVERYDAY now. I don’t let myself think about how I would do it.

    I have suffered from depression most of my life but I NEVER thought about suicide until two years ago when I realized I was never going to heal completely from the drug Singulair.

  2. Nikki says:

    I started taking Montelukast February 10, 2020.

    My right hand went completely numb, creating a burning sensation on April 9,2020. I thought something was wrong with the blood circulation to my hand due to the pain. I went to the ER only be told that it was tendinitis.

    The next night the same thing happened in my left hand.

    I have never had any issues with my hands or wrists before April of this year. I am currently waiting to get in with a hand surgeon to find out exactly what is going on

  3. MaDonna says:

    I’m starting to experience the same side effects taking motelukast. I’m hoping if I stop my symptoms will go away.

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