Dangerous Drugs Lawyer

Almost 70 percent of Americans take a prescription drug, while more than 50 percent take at least two medications, and 20 percent of people are on five or more prescription medications, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic and the Olmsted Medical Center. The most commonly prescribed drugs are antibiotics, antidepressants, and painkillers. Another recent study reveals that the U.S. spends more per capita on prescription medications than in any other developed nation.

Taking Action Against Manufacturers of Dangerous Drugs

Drug companies seeking to sell a new drug in the U.S. must submit test data showing the drug is safe and effective to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For drug products that are substantially similar to a drug already on the market, drug makers may go through an expedited review process.

A medication that is rushed onto the market may have unknown side effects. In many cases, serious or deadly side effects only come to light after patients have used a medication for several years. The drug manufacturer may have known or should have known that the drug was dangerous.

At Burch, George & Germany, P.C., our product liability lawyers take on cases of injury, illness, serious health conditions, and wrongful death associated with the use of a dangerous drug. Many people in Oklahoma have died or suffered serious side effects after being prescribed a medication with dangerous side effects. Their families may not know where to turn. Our law firm stands ready to help you seek justice and hold drug manufacturers accountable for the harm their dangerous drugs have caused.

To find out how we can help you with your case, contact us today by phone or online.

Current Problems in U.S. Drug Manufacturing Can Cause a Dangerous Drugs Lawsuit

Drugs are often recalled only after the FDA has received reports of hundreds or thousands of patients’ injuries or deaths, or after independent research has verified the dangerous side effects of the drug. When a drug has been shown to be defective, through independent research, FDA action, or in some cases the release of manufacturers’ documentation, those responsible can be held liable for the harm the drug has caused.

A personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit would show that the defendant knew or should have known the drug was unduly harmful and that the defendant failed to adequately warn consumers.

Lawsuits involving drugs that have been widely used may become part of a class-action lawsuit, in which many plaintiffs are joined in a single legal action, or multidistrict litigation, in which separate plaintiff lawsuits are consolidated in one federal court for the purpose of pre-trial proceedings. Our firm is well-versed in all of the processes in pharmaceutical litigation and can help you immediately.

Currently, there is major litigation underway involving allegedly dangerous drugs, including:

 The Dangers of Actos

The FDA has issued a warning about the diabetes drug, Actos. The information reveals that patients who take the medication for one year may be at higher risk of bladder cancer and the FDA required that the drug manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, add warnings about the cancer risks. A five year interim analysis of a ten year study indicated that there was an increased risk of bladder cancer for those who took the drug the longest and were exposed to the highest dose of pioglitazone (Actos) cumulatively.

The FDA warns healthcare professionals that they should not prescribe the drug to patients with active bladder cancer or to those who have a prior history of bladder cancer. The drug, pioglitazone, is sold as a single-ingredient drug under the brand Actos and is also produced in combination with other drugs, also called Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR, and Duetact. There are millions of patients who were prescribed one of these medications, many in Oklahoma, and may have developed bladder cancer or had a recurrence of the disease after taking the drug.

A research study in France suggested an increased risk of bladder cancer and has suspended the use of the drug, and in Germany it is suggested that doctors do not start new patients on Actos. The FDA is continuing to evaluate the drug, but it is not yet recalled.

The Dangers of Risperdal

The FDA required labelling changes for Risperdal in 2014 due to the numbers of reported adverse reactions to the drug. The manufacturer, Johnson and Johnson, was required add a black boxed warning to the product:

Adverse Reactions:

• Cases of anaphylactic reaction after injection with Risperdal Consta

Warnings and Precautions for Risperdal:

• Metabolic changes that could increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risks, including hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and dyslipidemia (abnormal amount of fat in the blood)
• Weight gain
• Autistic Disorder
• Headache
• Epistaxis (bleeding from the nose)
• Pyrexia (raised body temperature, fever)
• Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
• Nervous System Disorders (head titubation or uncontrolled motion)
• Blood Cholesterol Increase
• Drug Withdrawal Syndrome Neonatal (baby suffering withdrawal)
• Dysgeusia (taste disorder)

How Our Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Can Help You

A product liability lawsuit involving dangerous drugs is typically a complex case against well-funded manufacturers who hire professional defense teams. It takes skill, experience, and resources to successfully take on these major U.S. corporations and their teams of corporate defense lawyers. At our firm, we have the experience, knowledge, and legal skill you want on your side in these circumstances.

In many situations, drug manufacturers set up special funds to pay settlements after a lawsuit presents evidence of their liability. Manufacturers often recognize before trial that the outcome of a defective drug lawsuit will favor the plaintiffs.

It is important to work with a law firm that can take you through the steps of filing a claim that will compensate you for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Victim of dangerous drugs Oklahoma? Contact our unsafe drugs lawyer today.

Burch, George & Germany, P.C. is available to help patients and their families throughout Oklahoma who need legal assistance with a dangerous drug product liability claim. We also help victims of defective medical devices. We provide free consultations. For mothers who have suffered during childbirth, you can speak with our Oklahoma City birth defect lawyer. Simply call us today or use our online form to learn more.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Nearly 7 in 10 Americans Take Prescription Drugs
• FDA: Fast Track
• FDA: Drug Safety Communication, Actos and Bladder Cancer
• FDA: Risperdal Safety Labeling Changes
• European Journal of Clinical Investigation: Undue Industry Influence that Distort Healthcare Research, Strategy, Expenditure and Practice, a Review