Dangerous Drug Side-effects can lead to Injury

Most people at one point and time have had some sort of side-effect from taking a prescription drug, over-the-counter drug or even an illegal drug. The unfortunate scenario is when one of these side-effects happens while a person is operating a motor vehicle, as Aaron Crane, an experienced car accident attorney in Arizona explains.

Millions of Americans take supplements, over-the-counter medicines or prescription medicines each day in order to treat health conditions or simply to improve their overall health. The agency responsible for regulating prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications is the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. Part of the FDA’s job is also to track and monitor side effects of supplements people are able to purchase over the counter in their local stores. Even with the FDA’s significant regulatory activity and oversight, some unsafe prescriptions, supplements and over-the-counter medicines still make it into the marketplace because of drug company neglect and product liability.

Unsafe or dangerous drugs may exist among the over-the-counter health supplements, common over-the-counter medications and among the numerous available prescription medications that are used to treat a variety of conditions. Despite the FDA’s regulation and ongoing monitoring of these substances, thousands of people have suffered from catastrophic injuries or have even died because of taking dangerous over-the-counter medicines, supplements and prescriptions. Some of the catastrophic injuries caused by dangerous drugs and supplements can be permanently debilitating and life-threatening. Some examples of such exposure injuries include all of the following:

● Internal organ damage to the heart, kidneys, liver or others
● Birth injuries
● Damage to the brain and nervous system
● A variety of different types of cancer

One example of a prescription drug that can cause severe side effects is Seroquel, which may be prescribed for people who suffer from certain mental health conditions. This drug can cause people who take it to experience suicidal urges. It can also result in diabetes for the person taking it and birth injuries to children born to them. An example of a dangerous nutritional supplement that people used to purchase for weight loss and additional energy is Ephedra. Ephedra resulted in some people suffering strokes and heart attacks. Accutane, which is commonly prescribed for acne, has been linked to people suffering from severe gastrointestinal issues and problems.

Unsafe Medical Device

Links have also been demonstrated between certain medical devices and complications, side effects and serious problems. When a person receives a medical implant, they normally have confidence that the implant will not cause further debilitation but will instead improve their health and quality of life. When such an implant or medical device fails, the failure can cause complications or serious injuries that may be fatal. The patient may also require additional surgeries to both repair the damage the device or implant caused as well as to replace it with a different one. While federal regulations are in place that are meant to safeguard the safety and quality of the parts of medical implants, there may be quality control problems or design flaws that compromise the devices’ safety despite the regulatory oversight. Some common examples of medical implants and devices that have been shown to cause complications and adverse side effects include all of the following:

● Replacement devices for knees
● Replacement devices for hips
● Components of heart valve and heart replacements
● Breast implants

If you, a friend or a loved one feels that they may have been injured by a dangerous over-the-counter medicine, supplement, prescription drug or medical implant, it is important for you to call Cantor Crane, PLLC  now. It is possible that you may have an unsafe medical device or dangerous drug claim because of drug company or manufacturers neglect. If you do have a valid case, you may be entitled to recover fair compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered as a result. Our injury attorneys will carefully evaluate your case for free. At Cantor Crane, PLLC,  we only collect legal fees if we win your case. Call us now at (602) 254-2701 or fill out our contact form and we will email you shortly.