Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are capable of providing great relief to patients who are dealing with illnesses and injuries. But they’re also capable of causing new problems—some of which can be painful, disabling, and even life-threatening.
The problems associated with medications can be classified into two categories: side effects and injuries. Although both are unpleasant to experience, there’s a significant difference between the two, especially when it comes to holding drug companies liable when innocent victims get injured after using their products. Those differences include:
- Drug side effects are known, publicized, and acknowledged by manufacturers. Pharmaceutical companies are often reluctant to talk about the side effects that became apparent during the drug testing process, but they’re required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to disclose them to healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and patients and when advertising their products on television. Known side effects also may be printed on medication labels and packaging.
- Drug injuries are often hidden by drug manufacturers. Sometimes drug manufacturers intentionally obscure or underreport harmful and adverse effects that their medications cause in patients during the testing process. The FDA may be unaware of potential dangers for years, which means the manufacturers don’t have to publicize the risks—even when they’re aware of the harm their products can cause to the people who take them.
At Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel, it’s our goal to help innocent victims who were harmed by drug companies’ greed and value of profits over safety.
If you or someone you love was injured by an over-the-counter or prescription medication, we’re here to help. Call our drug injury lawyers today for a free consultation.