(Pharmaceutical Medications)
Each year many consumers are injured or die because of the side effects of dangerous prescription drugs. Both prescription and over-the-counter drugs can have disastrous effects on patients’ health. Pharmaceutical drugs with deadly side effects often make it to the market because their dangers were not anticipated during clinical trials. These types of pharmaceutical drugs are also known as defective drugs. Defective drugs are drugs that have been identified by the FDA as having dangerous side effects that outweigh any benefits.
Many of these cases result in the pharmaceutical company recalling the drug to prevent further injury. Pharmaceutical companies that knowingly market dangerous products may be held liable for injuries sustained by the victim.
Drug Side Effects
Drug side effects may indicate a drug is defective. Some common pharmaceutical drug side effects include:
- Heart attack
- Liver failure or damage
- Kidney failure or damage
- Pulmonary dysfunction
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Pancreatitis
- Stroke
- Blood clots
- Birth defects
- Tendonitis
- Respiratory disease
- Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
- Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)
- Death
FDA Drug Recalls and Warnings
When the side effects of an FDA approved drug outweigh its benefits, the FDA issues a drug recall. In addition to recalling drugs, the FDA monitors drugs currently on the market and, if needed, makes changes to labeling information (indications, side effects, and warnings). The FDA also receives petitions from consumer advisory groups.
Defective Drug Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective drug, you may want to consider contacting an experienced defective pharmaceutical drug attorney who can advise you of your legal options.
