Hundreds of new drugs are released by pharmaceutical companies every year. While many of these medications serve an important purpose and improve the quality of life for many people, others have potentially harmful side effects. When a patient has been adversely affected after taking a defective medication, our Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyers are prepared to represent them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year 3.7 billion prescriptions are ordered or provided. As a result, 48.9 percent of people take at least one prescription drug, 23.1 percent take three or more, and 11.9 percent use five or more. The percentages for over-the-counter drugs are even higher. With the number of medications given to people each year, it’s no surprise some dangerous drugs slip through; however, there is never an excuse for when a patient is injured.
If you’ve been harmed by a dangerous drug, you have the right to take legal action and seek justice. At Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco, we have years of experience obtaining positive results for our clients and are prepared to ensure you are compensated for what you’ve been through.
Understanding Drug Recalls and Lawsuits
Prescription and nonprescription drugs should be thoroughly tested prior to being released to the public. Any and all potential health risks and side effects should also be made known. In the event a drug is dangerous, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) manages all drug recalls. This is the most effective way to protect the public from a potentially harmful product. There are three recall classifications:
- Class 1: A dangerous product that may cause serious health problems or death.
- Class 2: A product that could pose a slight threat or cause temporary health problems.
- Class 3: A product that violates the FDA’s standards or policies but is unlikely to cause health problems.
If a drug you’ve been prescribed and have taken has been recalled, you may be eligible for compensation depending on any injuries you have sustained. You should be notified by your doctor, pharmacist, or the drug’s manufacturer that a recall has been issued. It’s important to remember to continue to take any prescribed medications until you can alter your plan with your doctor’s help.
Dangerous Drug Examples
Drug manufacturers are responsible for what is released to consumers, and there are a variety of reasons a drug may harm those that take it. The reasons are always preventable when the makers act responsibly. Some of the more common actions resulting in harm are:
- Design Defects. This occurs when there is a flaw in the intended design, like a chemical imbalance. This may lead to the drug not doing what it is supposed to.
- Manufacturing Defects. When a drug encounters a problem during production, it could come in contact with harmful substances. Those additional substances could lead to adverse side effects for users.
- Failure to Warn. When the manufacturer neglects to properly label their product with the potential side effects, individuals could face drug interactions or serious injury.
- Misleading Intent. If a drug is marketed for a specific purpose that leads to certain results and that information has been exaggerated or falsified, patients will not reach the outcomes they may want or need.
Dangerous drugs can result in serious injuries and conditions like heart attack, stroke, brain damage, organ failure, blood disorders, and even death. There are a number of drugs that have been recalled by the FDA over the years. The medications listed below are just a few of the more well-known recalls:
- Avandia. While this drug was released to control blood sugar levels for Type II diabetics, it has been known to increase the changes of heart attack, heart failure, and osteoporosis.
- Accutane. This acne medication has been linked to Irritable Bowl Syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
- Chantix. The side effects associated with this smoking cessation drug include cardiovascular problems and an increased risk of suicide.
- Crestor. This cholesterol medication has reportedly led to heart problems and kidney damage.
- Yazmin. An increased risk of heart attack and blood clotting has been linked to this birth control pill.
There are hundreds of other medications that have issued recalls. You can check your medications with the FDA. If you find one of your prescriptions on a recall list, contact your doctor first and then call our attorneys to find out about your options.
Defective Drugs and Manufacturer Liability in Pennsylvania
Under product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are responsible for properly marketing and selling drugs that are safe for their intended use. In the event a drug is found to be dangerous, the right attorney can help you investigate the matter, determine who the negligent party is, and present the strongest case possible on your behalf.
Your doctor and pharmacist also have a responsibility to ensure the drugs you are prescribed are safe and appropriate to treat your ailment.
Contact Our Dangerous Drug Attorneys in Philadelphia
If you were harmed by a defective drug, you should speak with a knowledgeable legal team as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation that can aid with the financial burdens associated with your injury. If you lost a loved one as a result of a dangerous drug, you may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Cases involving pharmaceutical companies can be incredibly complex. Our Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyers can guide you through the legal process to ensure you understand every aspect of your case. For more information about your legal rights and options, contact our office today.