Prescription drug attorney in Allentown

Defective drugs can cause serious and potentially life-threatening injuries to patients. When a drug manufacturer fails to properly test or adequately warn consumers of potential risks, they may be held liable for damages through a personal injury lawsuit. In such cases, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for regulating drugs in the United States. The agency may issue recalls for drugs that are found to be defective, unsafe, or otherwise pose a risk to consumers. There are three classes of recalls, based on the severity of the risk:

• Class I Recall: This is the most serious type of recall and is issued when there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a drug will result in adverse health effects or death. Examples of drugs that have been subject to Class I recalls include those that are contaminated with dangerous substances or those that have been mislabeled with incorrect dosage information.

• Class II Recall: This type of recall is issued when the use or exposure to a drug may cause temporary adverse side effects or potentially permanent effects. Examples of drugs that have been subject to Class II recalls include those that contain impurities or those that have been manufactured improperly.

• Class III Recall: This is the least serious type of recall and is issued when exposure to a drug is not likely to cause adverse health issues but still warrants a recall. Examples of drugs that have been subject to Class III recalls include those with packaging or labeling errors.

While FDA recalls may serve as evidence in personal injury lawsuits, they are not always necessary to establish liability. In many cases, a drug manufacturer may be held liable for damages even if a recall was not issued.

Injuries resulting from defective drugs can vary widely depending on the drug and the patient. For example, a drug used to treat high blood pressure may cause heart attacks or strokes in some patients, while a drug used to treat depression may cause suicidal thoughts or actions. Injuries resulting from defective drugs may include:

• Heart attacks or strokes
• Liver or kidney damage
• Birth defects
• Internal bleeding
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Allergic reactions
• Organ failure

In recent years, thousands of people have suffered from bad drugs and have pursued litigation. Some examples are: 

• St. Jude Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
• Prilosec
• Prevacid/Prevacid 24-Hour
• Risperdal
• Taxotere
• Nexium/Nexium 24-Hour
• Ukoniq
• Elmiron
• Xeljanz
• Tasigna
• Zantac (Ranitidine)
• Proton Pump Inhibitors
• Zofran
• Protonix
• Onglyza
• NSAIDs
• Truvada
• Pradaxa
• Opioids
• Uloric

Drug manufacturers, pharmacists, and physicians are accountable for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs. To gain FDA approval, drug manufacturers must conduct proper clinical testing and disclose all possible risks and warnings on the medication label. Pharmacists have the responsibility of dispensing precise dosages, as errors can have severe consequences. Physicians are required to prescribe the most suitable medication by taking into account the risks and benefits, as certain drugs can lead to long-term and serious side effects. If any of these parties failed to perform their duties and caused injury, a drug defect lawyer may be able to assist with obtaining compensation.

Pharmaceutical companies frequently promote their drugs for uses that are not approved by the FDA, which is known as off-label marketing. This may occur when a company discovers that a drug could potentially treat a condition that the FDA did not research and approve. However, this practice is hazardous, and if you have suffered harm due to off-label use, you may have the right to seek compensation through a defective drug lawsuit. The FDA approves drugs to be used in very specific ways, and promoting a drug for use in a manner that has not been approved is illegal. While physicians may legally prescribe drugs for off-label use, drug marketers are prohibited from promoting such usage.

Specialized medical and pharmacological expertise often plays an important role in personal injury cases involving defective drugs. Expert testimony from medical professionals may be necessary to establish the link between the drug and the injury, as well as to demonstrate the severity and impact of the injury on the patient.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective drug, it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue a claim for damages against the responsible party.