When you’re prescribed a new medication, your doctor or pharmacist is supposed to tell you about the side effects associated with the drug. With that information, you and your doctor can weigh the risks and decide what the best treatment option is for you.
But what you may not know is that the drug you were prescribed was already recalled or is under investigation due to being linked to serious health problems—many of which may not be publicized by the drug manufacturer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled around 4,500 drugs and medical devices in 2016 alone after first approving them for consumer use. However, the FDA’s recalls are often only suggestions, and it’s up to drug manufacturers to follow up on them and take their dangerous medications off the market to avoid harming others. Sometimes, that doesn’t happen, and dangerous drugs stay on the market for years.
There are three classifications of recalls, each with its own level of severity and urgency:
- Class I recall – The most serious recall, products in this category may cause serious adverse health effects or even death.
- Class II recall – Most recalls fall within this category, which includes products that cause temporary or reversible adverse health effects.
- Class III recall – Products that aren’t likely to cause injuries or serious health effects are categorized here.
Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel’s team of drug injury lawyers fights for the rights of anyone who was hurt by a dangerous or recalled medication. Don’t wait to get help if you or someone you love suffered because of a prescription drug. Call today for a free consultation.