During the past couple of years, two major drug recalls have been announced. First, there was Losartan blood pressure medications that contained small amounts of a cancer-causing impurity. The recall began in early January 2019 and was expanded to include several more lots of blood pressure medications. Then, a mass recall began of Zantac (ranitidine) tablets, which is a medication designed to treat heartburn and acid reflux due to them also containing a potential carcinogenic impurity.

Most patients expect that the medications they take will be safe and help them get better. But drug manufacturers don’t always ensure that their products pass all safety regulations. In an effort to ensure their drugs are approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some pharmaceutical companies hide potential side effects or fail to conduct rigorous testing.

Famous examples of dangerous drugs that were recalled and pulled from the market completely include:

  • Thalidomide—A sedative used to treat morning sickness in pregnant women, this drug was eventually determined to cause severe birth defects in unborn children, including missing arms, legs, and shortened limbs.
  • Bextra—This anti-inflammatory medication was prescribed to treat arthritis and menstrual pain. The FDA pulled it from the market in April 2005 due to its risks of causing heart and stomach problems, as well as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe inflammatory reaction.
  • Vioxx—One of the most popular drugs to ever be recalled, Vioxx was an anti-inflammatory medication used by around 2 million people globally. It was recalled in 2004 after it was found to increase users’ risk of heart attack and stroke.

At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, our drug injury lawyers know that any medication can be found to be dangerous at any point during its product lifecycle. That’s why it’s important for patients to be cautious when taking medications and to never hesitate to see a doctor if they experience severe side effects.

Were you or someone you love hurt by a defective drug? If so, we want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.