Drug manufacturers are tasked with creating both safe and effective remedies that are labeled accurately and in compliance with the law. Yet, thousands of people suffer from injuries, complications, or side effects that were not warned about each year. These defective and dangerous drugs are the result of insufficient research and testing by drug companies that the FDA then relies on for its approval process. Additionally, many of these cases involving bad drugs eventually turn into class action lawsuits or mass torts. Continue reading to learn more about the most common dangerous drug lawsuits, and what to do if a drug you are currently taking gets recalled.
Most Common Dangerous Drug Lawsuits
Heartburn Medications (Ranitidine)
Several big name heartburn medications, such as Nexium, Prevacid, or Prilosec, have been recalled within the past decade for various reasons – from increased likeness of kidney and heart failure, to cancer diagnosis. Currently, Zantac and all other manufacturers of the drug ranitidine are under investigation for carcinogenic side effects. People filing Zantac and ranitidine lawsuits claim these drugs contain increased levels of N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA), which is a known probable human carcinogen. Originally, it was believed that only ranitidine exposed to higher temperatures saw increased levels of NMBA. However, the FDA has confirmed that NDMA levels increase in ranitidine even under normal storage conditions. NDMA has been found to increase significantly in samples both stored at higher temperatures and at longer lengths of time since its manufacturing.
The FDA recommends that if you have possession of the recalled drug, to dispose of it properly at home. Report any adverse reactions or quality problems to the FDA and reach out to an experienced Personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia if you have recently been diagnosed with cancers and have a history of taking a ranitidine drug. Lawyers handling Zantac lawsuits list stomach, liver and bladder cancer among the main injuries associated with NDMA contamination.
High Blood Pressure Medications (Valsartan and Losartan)
Similar to Zantac, numerous high blood pressure medications including the ingredient valsartan like Diovan, Entresto, Exforge, and Byvalson were recalled due to high levels of N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA). Certain losartan and irbesartan products have been pulled from the shelves as well. Gastric and colorectal cancer have been most commonly linked to those suffering from the undocumented effects of this class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
As always, report any adverse reactions or quality problems to the FDA, and reach out to an experienced, personal injury lawyer if you have recently been diagnosed with cancers and have a history of taking drugs containing contaminated ARBs. Also note, not all ARBs contain NDMA, so your pharmacist may be able to provide a refill of medication not affected by the recall, or your doctor may prescribe a different medication that treats the same condition. Understanding that FDA approval means drug safety can offer some peace of mind in navigating these issues..
Vaccines (Zostavax)
Just like any drug or medical remedy, not all vaccines are sufficiently tested before they are released to the public. Currently, injured patients are now filing lawsuits against Zostavax’s manufacturer Merck (and its owner, Bayer) for failing to warn about the potential side effects. Zostavax, a shingles vaccine, has been linked to more severe complications, such as blindness, hearing loss, paralysis, brain damage, and fatal liver failure. Additionally, it resulted in the diagnosis of shingles itself in many of its patients. In December of 2014, shingles was officially listed as a side effect – 7 years after it was approved by the FDA.
If you or a loved one developed shingles after getting the Zostavax vaccine between 2006 and 2014, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has suffered severe complications due to the vaccine, we urge you to reach out to an experienced attorney today.
What to Do if A Drug You’re Taking Has Been Recalled
If a drug you are taking has been recalled, the first step is to contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking your medication or self prescribe alternate medications without talking to your doctor first. Although a recall can be scary, you do not want to cause more harm than good to yourself by failing to seek the advice of a medical professional. After you have contacted your doctor and adjusted your treatment, we recommend that you contact a personal injury attorney.
When you get in contact with a personal injury attorney at The Cochran Firm Philadelphia, we will review your case free of charge and provide you with your legal options. If there is already an open lawsuit against the manufacturer you are seeking compensation from, we have the connections and resources to ensure you are kept up to date with your personal filing.
If a class action lawsuit or mass tort is not currently open and we believe you have a case, we will begin extensive research. We will seek opinions of medical professionals and leave no stone unturned. When up against large corporations and manufacturers, we will be standing right there next to you.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries, severe side effects, or even death from a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and receive compensation.
During this time, The Cochran Firm Philadelphia is continuing to take precautionary measures amidst COVID-19, but do not fear – we are still here for you. We will work with you virtually and waste no time getting your case on track.
The attorneys at our Philadelphia office have secured numerous multimillion-dollar awards for victims of serious injury and many have even been recognized as Super Lawyers for their personal injury successes.
When you are the victim of serious injury or illness, you deserve someone on your side who is both intimately familiar with state and federal laws, and fully devoted to helping you get maximum compensation. Call us today to schedule a FREE case evaluation at 1-800-THE-FIRM.