Defective Drugs
Dangerous Drugs Can Prolong Illness and Worsen Conditions
Millions of Americans are injured or killed every year by dangerous prescription drugs that cause unexpected side effects and complications. Pharmaceuticals are widely used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, from high-blood pressure and diabetes to pain management and heart disease. However, in some cases, prescription drugs are dangerous and actually worsen a patient’s physical condition, prolonging illness and suffering.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency charged with testing new drugs before the products are approved for use in patients. The agency also sets standards for the pharmaceutical industry, including the packaging of drugs and warnings on the packaging. Despite strict testing and research of pharmaceuticals, dangerous drugs still make it to market, where they are taken by patients who suffer pain, injuries, and death.
WHAT DISEASES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE CAUSED BY DANGEROUS DRUGS?
Drugs that have dangerous side effects or cause life-threatening adverse reactions when taken in combination with other drugs may cause a variety of serious diseases and conditions, including:
- Birth defects
- Heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and other cardiac problems
- Stroke
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Hypertension
- Respiratory disorders
- Death
WHAT IS A DRUG RECALL?
When the potential benefits of a drug are outweighed by the potential risk of injuries to people taking the drug, the FDA may step in and order the drug removed from the market. Drugs are commonly recalled for manufacturing defects, contamination, and when research studies detect an unreasonably high risk of harm to people taking the drugs. The goal of a product recall is to remove potentially harmful drugs from the market before they can reach patients, causing injuries.
In some cases, the FDA may allow a potentially dangerous drug to remain in circulation, but order the manufacturer to add warnings to the drug’s packaging, change the recommended dosage, or make other changes intended to protect users. This action, while not a recall, is also intended to protect consumers from dangerous drugs.
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