When many people think of drug injuries, they think of serious side effects and complications caused by prescription drugs. And while it’s true that many drug injuries are associated with medications that can only be obtained under doctor’s orders, some drugs available over-the-counter can also put you at risk.
For example, popular heartburn medication Zantac was recently recalled because it contained a chemical called NDMA, which is linked to cancer. Both it and its generic equivalents are known to contain small amounts of the chemical, which may have been present for many years, putting millions of people at risk.
Another type of heartburn medication called proton pump inhibitors are available over-the-counter and are associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease and stomach cancer. Many of these medications were previously prescription only, but in recent years they have been approved for purchase even without a prescription.
And although they require a prescription, certain types of antibiotics—drugs which most patients assume are safe—can also pose serious risks. Diflucan is used to prevent fungal infections, and it’s linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Levaquin/Avelox is used to treat various infections, and it’s linked with painful complications such as tendonitis and tendon rupture.
It’s important to be cautious and always on the lookout for potential complications and injuries when you take a medication, whether it’s a highly specialized prescription medication, an everyday prescription, or even an over-the-counter drug. And if you’re ever injured by a medication, don’t hesitate to contact the drug injury lawyers at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel.