Defective Drugs
Millions of people rely on prescription drugs to help treat diseases or illnesses. They take these medicines under the assumption that the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing and distributing the drugs have taken the proper precautions to ensure that they are safe. Unfortunately, there are numerous instances where drug manufacturers have produced defective drugs and neglected to properly inform patients about their dangerous side effects.
Defective Drug Side Effects
The side effects of defective drugs vary widely, from minor symptoms such as headaches and nausea to serious illnesses and health complications, including heart attacks, diabetes, pulmonary embolisms and even death.
It is the responsibility of drug manufacturers to provide products that are safe and effective. It is also their duty to properly inform patients of any dangerous side effects that may occur. When a pharmaceutical company discovers a dangerous defect in one of its drugs and fails to properly inform consumers, it could be liable for any injuries, illnesses or deaths resulting from the drug’s defect.
The statute of limitations for taking legal action against a drug manufacturer varies depending on a person’s place of residency. For example, in California victims of defective drugs have only two years from the onset of any symptoms to seek legal recourse. People who have contracted an illness or disease due to a defective drug’s dangerous side effects should immediately contact Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick at (877) LSKG-LAW.
Examples of Defective Drugs
Avandia
GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandia has come under increased scrutiny following reports linking the type 2 diabetes drug with serious adverse effects. Patients taking Avandia are at increased risk of heart attack, cardiovascular death, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), heart valve disease and heart valve defects.
Baycol
Baycol is a cholesterol-lowering prescription drug that was voluntarily removed from the market in August, 2001 by its manufacturer, Bayer Corporation. The company’s decision was based on studies that found the drug increased the risk of fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe, adverse muscle reaction.
Bextra
Bextra is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medication used to control tissue inflammation related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is part of a drug group known as COX 2 inhibitors, which includes major brand names such as Celebrex and Vioxx. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Bextra, voluntarily recalled the drug on April 17, 2005.
Byetta
Byetta (exenatide) manufactured and marketed by Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Eli Lilly & Co. is an injectable drug used by more than 700,000 patients with type 2 diabetes since its launch in June 2005.
COX 2 Inhibitors
COX 2 inhibitors are prescription medications used to reduce joint inflammation in patients suffering from bursitis, tendonitis or arthritis. Studies show that COX 2 inhibitors can cause severe health complications, including strokes and heart attacks. As a result, some COX 2 inhibitors, such as Bextra and Vioxx, have been recalled in recent years.
Gadolinium
Gadolinium is an image contrast agent that is used during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) procedures. Gadolinium-based contrast agents are useful because they allow doctors to locate uncommon tumors and cell growths. However, studies show that they can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis/nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD). This disease causes the skin and connective tissues to harden, which can lead to severe immobility and, potentially, death. Currently, there is no known treatment for NSF/NFD that is consistently effective.
Ortho Evra
Ortho Evra is a hormonal birth control patch worn by women that contains synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones. Studies show that Ortho Evra can cause blood clots in the legs and lungs. These clots can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Trasylol
Trasylol, also known as aprotinin, received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 for the purpose of reducing bleeding in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass during a coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Vioxx
On September 30, 2004, Vioxx’s manufacturer, Merck & Co., Inc. voluntarily removed the drug from the market after a study showed the drug increased a patient’s risk of dangerous cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. The FDA did not demand that Merck & Co., Inc. recall Vioxx, but agreed with the manufacturer’s actions after reviewing the study’s results.
Zyprexa
More than 30,000 claims have been filed against Eli Lilly due to a link between Zyprexa use and the potential development of diabetes and conditions associated with it, such as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Although Eli Lilly has downplayed the potential for such conditions to develop, more than 2,000 claims have been filed against the drug maker in 2008 alone, approximately 950 of which were settled in January 2008.
Defective Drug Lawsuits
The drugs outlined above are just a few of the defective drugs that pose serious risks to users. If you contracted an illness or disease after using a drug you believe may be defective, contact the law offices of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick at (877) LSKG-LAW. Their decades of experience protecting personal injury victims help them provide you with a better understanding of your legal rights and any opportunity for compensation.
Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick, LLP
44 Montgomery Street, 36th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Ph: 1-877-LSKG-LAW
(1-877-575-4529)
Fax: 415-981-1270
