Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to help with medical problems, but some of these drugs fail to perform as intended and can cause victims to suffer unnecessary and life-threatening complications. Drug manufacturers owe a duty of care to the consumers of their products to produce drugs that are safe and effective. They are also obligated to test their products to make sure they are free from defects. A consumer may be able to file a product liability claim when a dangerous drug causes an illness or injury. There are three common types of drug-related product liability claims.
Defectively Manufactured Drugs
This claim arises when a drug has been improperly manufactured or has somehow become tainted during the production process. This can occur during the actual manufacturing of the drug at the factory, en route to stores or medical facilities, or even at the pharmacy.
Dangerous Side Effects
Most drugs come with a long list of side effects, but additional side effects can emerge after the drugs are already on the market. With the passage of time, it may be discovered that a drug can cause serious health problems. Sometimes a manufacturer may know about these newly discovered side effects and fail to reveal them to the public.
Improperly Marketed
When a manufacturer, doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider gives inaccurate information about a drug, there may be a claim that the drug was improperly marketed. This occurs when there is a failure to provide adequate or accurate warnings regarding a dangerous side effect or a failure to provide adequate instructions regarding the proper use of the drug. It can also include an embellishment of what the drug is capable of doing.
Examples of Dangerous Drugs
Consumers who have been injured from dangerous drugs may bring a products liability lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. The following are some examples of drugs that are currently involved in lawsuits.
- Invokana–a diabetes drug with serious side effects such as kidney damage, heart attacks, and fatal ketoacidosis. It has also been shown to double a patient’s risk of leg, foot, and toe amputation.
- Lipitor— an anti-cholesterol drug linked to an increased risk of patients developing type 2 diabetes.
- Yaz/Yasmin–a birth control pill with potential side effects leading to blood clots, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms.
- Pradaxa–a blood thinner that has been linked to internal bleeding and hemorrhaging
- Xarelto—another blood thinner that has shown to increase the risks of internal bleeding.
- Lyrica–used for seizures, pain, depression, and anxiety disorders; studies show this drug could lead to birth defects.
- Risperdal—used to treat schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder, this drug can lead to gynecomastia or the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men.
Contact a New York Products Liability Attorney
If you think you may have been injured by a dangerous drug, you need the help of an experienced product liability attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll investigate your case to determine if you have a claim against a pharmaceutical company. Contact us online or call us 1-888-MED-LAW1. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla Español.