What are Unsafe Drugs?
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At Muller Brazil, we understand the impact that unsafe drugs can have on the lives of unsuspecting patients and their families. Our team of ‘dangerous drug’ lawyers are committed to seeking justice for those who have been harmed by the negligence of pharmaceutical companies and/or other entities involved in the production and distribution of unsafe medications.
Recently, pharmaceutical giant Bayer paid $110 million to settle accusations that the birth control pill Yasmin caused dangerous blood clots. Additionally, Takeda, a major pharmaceutical company, paid $2.3 billion in settlements for failing to warn about bladder cancer risks associated with the diabetes drug Actos. These real-life examples show you the importance of holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for the safety of their products. Through our dedicated legal representation, we strive to advocate for the rights of those who have suffered harm due to unsafe medications.
Drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, pose risks to individuals' health and safety, sometimes unexpectedly. While many medications are deemed safe for general use, certain circumstances can turn a typically safe drug into a hazardous substance. Examples of when a drug becomes dangerous include:
- Drug Defects: Manufacturing defects, such as contamination, compromise the safety of a drug and pose risks to consumers. These defects may result from errors in the production process and can lead to serious health consequences.
- Prescription Mistakes: Errors in prescribing medication, such as prescribing over the counter medication to a patient who is allergic or one that interacts negatively with other medications. These mistakes may occur due to miscommunication or oversight by healthcare providers.
- Dispensing Errors: Pharmacies may make mistakes when dispensing medications, such as administering the wrong medication or incorrect dosage contrary to a doctor's prescription. These errors can result in patients receiving incorrect treatment, leading to potential harm.
- Undisclosed Side Effects: Some drugs may cause severe, sometimes permanent, or even fatal side effects. The drug's label or instructions for use may lack the sufficient warnings.
In cases where patients are injured due to prescribing or dosing mishaps, various parties may be held accountable, including doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, commonly referred to as "big pharma." To effectively pursue legal action against pharmaceutical companies, injured patients often seek the assistance of skilled dangerous drug lawyers.
How Do I Know If Drugs Are Safe?
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The FDA carefully reviews and approves drugs to guarantee they are safe and effective for their intended use. You may have seen prescription drug ads listing many side effects. Even with these warnings, a drug might be safe for some people but not others.
Black Box Warnings
If a drug has serious side effects, the FDA might require a black box warning. This means the drug's maker hasn't done enough to warn about these risks. The FDA trusts the information provided by the drug manufacturer but may not know everything about a drug's risks.
Incomplete Information
Sometimes, drug companies don't tell the FDA everything they know about a drug's risks. They might rush through testing or hide negative results to make more money. TJust because a drug is FDA-approved, it may still have dangers.
Defective Drugs
Even drugs that were safe when approved can become dangerous. For example, if a drug gets contaminated during manufacturing, it could harm patients. This shows that FDA approval doesn't guarantee a drug is always safe.
Potential Injuries from Unsafe Drugs
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Unsafe drugs cause a range of injuries that vary in severity. These injuries can have a big impact on individuals' health and well-being. Complications arise that may require medical treatment and ongoing care. Understanding the potential injuries associated with dangerous drugs is important for those who may have been exposed to them.
Organ Damage
Some dangerous drugs can harm vital organs such as:
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Heart
- lungs
Prolonged use or exposure to these medications can lead to organ dysfunction or failure, requiring intensive medical intervention and, in severe cases, transplantation.
Birth Defects
Pregnant women who are exposed to dangerous drugs may be at risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects. These defects range from minor abnormalities to life-threatening conditions, impacting the child's health and development for years to come.
Cardiovascular Complications
Certain drugs have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as:
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Irregular heart rhythms
These complications are life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention to prevent further damage.
Neurological Disorders
Some dangerous drugs affect the central nervous system, leading to neurological disorders such as:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Cognitive impairments
These conditions alter an individual's quality of life and may require long-term management and support.
Other Serious Health Conditions
In addition to the specific injuries mentioned above, dangerous drugs also contribute to a range of other serious health conditions. These may include but are not limited to:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Respiratory problems
- Hormonal imbalances
- Immune system disorders
Adverse Reactions and Allergic Responses
Individuals may experience adverse reactions or allergic responses to dangerous drugs, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis. These reactions occur suddenly and may require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.
Seeking Legal Assistance
If you have suffered injuries or complications due to a dangerous drug, it's important to seek legal assistance promptly. One of our skilled attorneys will help you understand your rights, work through the complications of pharmaceutical litigation, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
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