Think of a health condition, disease, or illness. Chances are, whatever you came up with, no matter how obscure it is, there’s a prescription medication designed to treat it. The pharmaceutical industry is big, big business, both in America and worldwide. Prescription drugs treat conditions ranging from common colds and muscle aches to cancer and dementia.
Most people experience relief from symptoms when they take prescription medications, and many drugs are integral parts of treatment plans. But did you know the following statistics about prescription medications?
- 46 percent of Americans use one or more prescription drugs—Nearly half of the U.S. population took a prescription drug in the past 30 days, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Surprisingly, that percentage has actually decreased compared to 2007.
- 85 percent of adults ages 60 and over take prescription drugs—As humans age, they become more susceptible to illnesses and chronic conditions, while pre-existing problems often worsen. That’s why a whopping 85 percent of older adults take at least one prescription drug.
- There are more than 20,000 prescription drugs on the market—According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 20,000 prescription drugs have been approved to be marketed to consumers.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, we know the huge benefits prescription drugs can have for many people. But we also know the dangers they pose, especially when there are so many taken by such a large percentage of the population.
When drugs are contaminated, poorly designed, or their side effects are hidden from doctors, consumers, and the FDA, serious complications can occur. Our drug injury lawyers are here to help anyone harmed by a prescription or over-the-counter drug. Contact us today for a free consultation.