Harmful Prescription Drugs Are on The Rise

Ladyblogger
February 7, 2013

It is becoming increasingly common for serious medical complaints to arise about new medication within six to 12 months of the drug’s initial release. There are a lot of potential reasons that this is happening, but the most important thing to know is that it might not be a good idea to voluntarily begin utilizing a prescription medication that has not been available for at least a year. Even though the advertisements that accompany each new medication’s launch are often highly appealing and even heart-warming, it is important to realize that the message in each commercial was designed by an advertising executive, and it is not necessarily indicative of what will happen in real life.

Prescription Medication Issues

Pradaxa is a prime example of the issues that have been occurring with new so-called wonder drugs. When Pradaxa was first released, it was touted as the first anti-clotting drug for stroke victims that would not require the patient to make significant changes to their life. This was very exciting for millions of people, but unfortunately, the drug has proven to have the potential for very serious side effects. In fact, for some people, Pradaxa causes issues that are far worse than the problem that it is intended to treat. Cases of internal bleeding and even death have been reported, and the FDA launched an investigation into the issues in December 2011. Although the medication is still available, there are several lawsuits pending. If something like this has happened to someone you know, consulting with a local legal professional such as a West Palm Beach injury lawyer, would be a smart decision on their part.

Other common medications have also lead to massive complications and a long list of lawsuits. For example, Paxil is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and depression, but it has also caused birth defects and suicide. If fact, the birth defects risk is so severe that the FDA and the drug’s manufacturer issued a warning to doctors in 2005. Even though the warning states that Paxil can be dangerous during the first trimester, some doctors will still prescribe it. Therefore, it is imperative for patients to take the time to familiarize themselves with any potential serious side effects before they agree to begin using a new medication, regardless of how long it has been on the market.

Balance Known Effects with Doctor’s Advice

In some cases, the risk that a medication presents is outweighed by the positive benefits that a patient is expected to receive by taking it. However, it is still important to address any concerns that you have before you fill the prescription. If you decide that you are too uncomfortable with the idea of taking a specific medication, you should ask your doctor to give you an alternative.

It is a good idea to contact an attorney if you experience serious side effects from a prescription medication. In some cases, there might even be a class action lawsuit that is already pending. However, it is not always in your best interests to join one of these suits. After all, if the case is won, you will have to split the settlement with a large group of people, and you might not even end up getting enough money to cover the medical expenses that the side effects forced you to incur. If you file your own lawsuit instead, you will be in a good position to demand proper compensation from the drug’s manufacturer. As long as you can prove that the issues you dealt with were caused by the medication, it should be relatively easy to obtain either an out of court settlement or a satisfactory ruling from a judge.

Anthony Joseph is a freelance writer who enjoys discussing current legal issues in the news, and contributes this article to help further education on the subject. The West Palm Beach injury lawyer group of Steinger, Iscoe & Greene has represented hundreds of victims who have been harmed by prescription drugs. Their attorneys are well experienced when it comes to these cases. If you or someone you know has been harmed by one of these drugs, it’s best to take action sooner than later.