The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) publishes information about product recalls on its website every time they happen, including the brand name, description, type of product, recall reason, and manufacturer. In August 2022 alone, more than 20 recall announcements have been publicized by the FDA. However, most of these recalls involve food/beverages or herbal supplements.

That said, both over-the-counter and prescription drugs do get recalled frequently, but the recalls are often for reasons that don’t put patients in immediate harm. They’re often for things like packaging or labeling errors, but they can occasionally be for more serious problems like contamination, manufacturing flaws, or even the release of studies that prove the medications are dangerous.

When you take a medication, you trust that it’s safe. And if it’s found to be unsafe, you trust that you’ll be notified of that. However, that doesn’t always happen—at least, not right away. While many doctors, clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies will contact patients to alert them of recalls when their medications are found to be dangerous, not all do.

To stay on top of the status of your medications, use the FDA’s database to search for medications you take and to check for news of recalls. You can also sign up for the FDA’s email update alert system, which will inform you of new recalls and safety alerts.

And if you’re ever harmed by a medication that was supposed to be safe, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer. The drug injury attorneys at Ferrer Poirot Feller Daniel are here to help. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.