Medications should be safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is supposed to ensure that manufacturers do rigorous testing to ensure that drugs are safe and effective for those who take them. When there are known side effects or risks, they should be clearly explained so that people can make informed decisions about their medical care.
Unfortunately, the pharmaceutical industry is a huge for-profit business. They often rush medications through the testing process because of the promise of profits. Other times, they may rush drugs into production because they seem to meet a currently unmet need. The FDA may provide provisional approval for those drugs while acknowledging that no long-term studies regarding potential adverse side effects exist.
When you are injured because of a hazardous prescription or over-the-counter drug, someone may be liable for your harm. Pharmaceutical companies, prescribing doctors, and pharmacies may have each played a role in getting unsafe medications to you. An Oklahoma City dangerous drugs lawyer at AMA Law could review the circumstances of your case and help you explore your legal options. Call now to schedule your free consultation with our firm’s knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
All medications have the potential to be dangerous. For patients, that means following dosage and directions for use is essential. Taking too much of a drug, taking it at the wrong time, failing to store it properly, or taking it improperly can all lead to potential adverse side effects. In addition, a person’s medical care team, including their pharmacist, should be aware of all medications—including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements—to avoid possible drug interactions.
Dangerous drugs are medications that can lead to problems, even when used as directed. The risk is exceptionally high for medicines that are rushed to market. Without long-term testing, the manufacturers may not realize the potential issues. They may also ignore dangerous side effects if a medication is popular or in high demand.
The FDA can recall medications but usually only does so after many injuries or deaths. Tort lawsuits for dangerous drugs are not only a way to get recovery for individual damages—they also pressure manufacturers to remove unsafe medications from the marketplace. Experienced dangerous drug lawyers in Oklahoma City seek to protect the public by drawing attention to these hazardous medications.
Hundreds of medications have FDA black box warnings. These warnings inform patients and prescribers of the risk of severe side effects. If alternatives exist, patients should avoid taking black box medications since side effects can often be worse than the initial symptoms.
Currently, lawyers are litigating about some particularly problematic drugs. The diabetes drug Actos may cause a higher risk of bladder cancer. Risperdal can cause anaphylaxis, heart disease, weight gain, headaches, fever, nosebleeds, blood or lymphatic disorders, and even Autism. Lipitor may increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Many forms of oral birth control can lead to an increased risk of stroke.
Even drug-cabinet staples can be dangerous. There is evolving evidence that using diphenhydramine—a common ingredient in allergy medicine and sleep aids—could contribute to a risk of dementia. Acetaminophen can lead to liver failure. Of course, most people are aware of the risk of addiction that comes with opioid use, but doctors have freely prescribed them for years.
Suppose a patient believes that a medication has harmed them. In that case, a dedicated Oklahoma City dangerous drugs attorney may be able to help. They could assess the patient’s injuries and review relevant drug safety studies. The lawyer could take further steps if the two have a causal link.
Dangerous drug lawsuits are very fact-specific. While the FDA monitors drugs, some medications are still on the marketplace despite known dangers. That is because sometimes those medications are a patient’s best option. For example, many chemotherapy drugs have long-term adverse side effects. Still, they are the best choice to fight a patient’s cancer and save their lives.
If you believe that an unsafe medication caused you or a loved one to suffer harm, you should consult an Oklahoma City dangerous drugs lawyer at AMA Law as soon as possible. Our seasoned legal professionals could review the facts of your case to determine if negligence by a drug company, prescriber, or pharmacist contributed to your injuries. If so, they will help you take the next steps. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a member of our legal team.