Dangerous Drug & Defective Medical Devices Attorney in Tampa
Lawsuits alleging defective drugs created by careless companies resulted in serious injury or permanent illness are common in the United States. Those who wish to file a personal injury lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company responsible for selling defective drugs should contact a team of experienced prescription drug attorneys for assistance and representation.Manufacturers are responsible for appropriately testing drugs and medicines before releasing them into the commercial market. Testing criteria are outlined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Unfortunately, being FDA-approved does not necessarily make a drug safe. Often, testing should go above and beyond the requirements of the FDA – but rarely do pharmaceutical companies invest the time, money, and effort necessary to conduct these tests. Because of this, innocent men, women, and children are severely affected by dangerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
A drug is considered defective if reported side effects outweigh reported benefits. In some cases, the FDA will issue a drug recall, which may result in the removal of a drug from the market altogether or a mandatory change in required warnings on the label. Many consumers believe a label change fails to hold a company responsible for damage done to users of the product.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective drug, contact an experienced team of prescription drug attorneys as soon as possible. A lawsuit filed against a pharmaceutical company can be long and taxing. An attorney will help you through the process, giving you the time you need to recover from your injuries.
Our experienced team of prescription drug attorneys at Dennis A. Lopez & Associates is prepared to help. We have decades of experience and a proven record of success. Contact our office for a free consultation at (813) 223-1977.
Heartburn Medications
Another common source of defective drug lawsuits is heartburn medication, also known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). There are both over-the-counter and prescription versions of these drugs, including:
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- Nexium
- Prilosec
- Prevacid
- Protonix
Several studies have shown these medications increase the risk of serious kidney conditions that could result in permanent injury or death, including chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and end-stage renal disease.
Diabetes Drugs
A new class of diabetes drugs, known as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2), can lower blood sugar by causing the kidneys to expel extra glucose through urination. SGLT2 has been blamed for serious complications.
Common drugs in this category include:
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- Invokana
- Invokamet
- Farxiga
- Jardiance
- Synjardy
Complications include loss of bone density, urinary tract infections, increased risk of lower limb amputation, increased acid in the blood, risk of kidney injury, and blood or kidney infections. More than 50 lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of these drugs – and more are flowing in.
The Responsibilities of Doctors and Pharmaceutical Companies
Drug manufacturers must include any potential side effects and warnings on the label, ensuring consumers are fully aware of the risks associated with ingesting or using the product.
Doctors, on the other hand, have a responsibility to ensure the products obtained under their instruction are safe for patients to use. A drug may be safe for one patient and dangerous for another. Physicians are required to know the difference – and can be held responsible if a risky prescription is written.
Statistics and Additional Information
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of all Americans take at least one prescription drug on a daily basis. Nearly three billion prescriptions are offered to patients during doctors’ visits, and six million more are offered to those visiting emergency departments.
With so many drugs being used and prescribed on a regular basis, consumers should be comfortable assuming their medications are safe. While the court system is working to hold manufacturers accountable for their actions, it will take time to hold pharmaceuticals companies responsible for the damage they’ve done.
Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
These antibiotics are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. In 2016, the FDA warned doctors against prescribing them for respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
Common fluoroquinolone antibiotics include:
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- Avelox
- Cipro
- Factive
- Proquin
- Noroxin
Permanent side effects include an increased risk of aortic aneurysms or dissections – potentially life-threatening conditions
Contact an Experienced Team of Prescription Drug Attorneys
Consumers should know the risks associated with prescription or over-the-counter drugs before using them. Manufacturers guilty of putting dangerous drugs on the market should be held accountable. Contact an experienced team of prescription drug attorneys at Dennis A. Lopez & Associates by calling (813) 223-1977. Our team is prepared to investigate, organize, and develop your case. We are dedicated to obtaining the compensation you deserve.