Orlando Defective Drug Lawyer
An estimated 2.6 billion anti-depressants, pain relievers, blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering medications and other medications are prescribed to patients in Florida and across the country every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
Unfortunately, many of these drugs are flawed. In fact, at least one “clinically important” drug recall occurs every month in the U.S., on average, due to a defective design, manufacturing error or labeling issue that makes the drug unsafe for patients, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found.
Pharmaceutical companies have a duty to ensure their products are safe and effective when used as directed and to adequately warn users about side effects their drugs may cause. When these companies fail to live up to this duty, those harmed by the dangerous drugs have a right to seek just compensation.
Attorney Frank M. Eidson stands up for the rights of consumers in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Florida. If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by a defectively designed, manufactured or labeled medication, contact Orlando Defective Drug Lawyer, Frank M. Eidson, P.A., today and receive a free and confidential review of your case.
Many – But Not All – Unsafe Drugs are Recalled
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is in charge of regulating the country’s pharmaceutical industry. The agency decides which drugs can be sold in the U.S. for specified uses and monitors the safety and effectiveness of these drugs after they go on the market.
In many cases, the FDA may be alerted to safety risks involving a drug. For instance, several studies may be published about previously undisclosed side effects associated with a drug, or the FDA may receive numerous adverse event reports through its MedWatch reporting program.
In rare cases, the FDA may invoke its power to order a drug recall. Typically, however, the FDA will simply ask a pharmaceutical company to voluntarily recall a dangerous drug, and the FDA will in turn publish information about the recall, including:
- The effective date of the recall
- The specific recalled lots of the drug
- The reason for the recall
- Steps that doctors and patients should take in response to the recall.
Unfortunately, a drug may harm many patients before a recall is finally issued, or the FDA and drug companies may fail to take any action despite a drug’s clear link to harmful side effects.
If you or a loved one has suffered harm after taking a prescription drug, then regardless of whether it has been recalled, you should consult with your doctor and meet with an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Potentially Defective Drugs
In recent years, drug companies have come under scrutiny for manufacturing and distributing a wide variety of drugs that may have caused harm to patients, including:
| Drug | Manufacturer | Treatment | Possible Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actos | Merck | Diabetes | Bladder cancer |
| AndroGel | AbbVie | Low testosterone | Cardiovascular issue |
| Avandia | GlaxoSmithKline | Diabetes | Cardiovascular issue |
| Lipitor | Pfizer | Cholesterol | Diabetes in women |
| Mirena | Bayer Healthcare | Contraception | Migration |
| Pradaxa | Boehringer Ingelheim | Anticoagulant | Uncontrolled bleeding |
| Risperdal | Janssen | Antipsychotic | Male breast growth |
| Xarelto | Bayer/Janssen | Anticoagulant | Uncontrolled bleeding |
| Yaz | Bayer Healthcare | Contraception | Cardiovascular issues |
| Zoloft | Pfizer | Antidepressant | Birth defects |
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Prescription Drug Injury?
If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered harm that is connected to use of a prescription drug, you should:
- Contact your doctor – In most situations, you should not stop using a drug until you have consulted with your doctor, who may prescribe a safer alternative in light of the problems you have experienced.
- Report to the FDA – You should report any adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch program. Doing so helps the agency to identify issues and take appropriate action.
- Contact an attorney – You need to take immediate steps to protect your legal rights, including the right to seek full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and all other damages you have suffered.
Our Law Firm Is Ready to Help You with Your Defective Drug Case
If you or someone close to you has suffered harmful side effects after taking a prescribed drug, you may be able recoup compensation through a successful product liability claim against the drug’s manufacturer.
Attorney Frank M. Eidson has a record of helping residents in Orlando, Winter Park and throughout Florida who have been unjustly harmed by dangerous pharmaceutical drugs.Contact us today and to discuss your case in a free and confidential consultation.
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