The pharmaceutical industry is constantly coming out with new drugs, both prescription and over the counter that can be miracle cures for some and deadly for others because of dangerous drug side effects. Defective drug lawsuits, class action lawsuits about pharmaceuticals, medical malpractice lawsuits, and product liability lawsuits are running rampant through the court system because drugs are being so widely marketed and publicized and problems are not becoming clear until widespread usage is already taking place. In some instances, pharmaceutical companies are deliberately hiding the truth about drug side effects and defects in drugs to make sure the medications can be sold in the marketplace. This kind of fraud and deliberate endangering of the public cannot be tolerated.
In the case of some medications, like Vioxx, Merck knew the drug was dangerous and they manipulated the results of studies so the drug could make it to market. In other cases, we see drugs like Baycol causing widespread harm without action for years from Bayer in regards to the Baycol side effects. Although the litigious nature of our society can cause some problems, it is far more important to call attention to these drug defects and to ensure that pharmaceutical companies are taking actions to be more honest and straightforward about potential drug side effects. If a drug is unsafe, it should not be sold to the American public.
In some cases, the defect in a drug or drug side effect will be so minor, that the FDA will still allow its sale on the market – and if these drugs are properly labeled with appropriate warnings – most people will be kept safe from harm. Fosamax is an excellent example of this because the benefits of the drug for patients with osteo-arthritis and various forms of cancer far outweigh the risks associated with the potential development of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Likewise Viagra’s effect in vision is so minute that the side effect certainly warrants a label and warning but it does not indicate that the product should be pulled from the market.
In the case of drugs marketed specifically for ADHD or other juvenile mental and physical disorders, this checks and balances system on the pharmaceutical companies is critical. Would Zyprexa have been approved by the FDA is it was known to bring about juvenile diabetes? This is a lifelong disease that could potentially shorten the lifespan of a person considerably and the lawsuits based on Zyprexa have brought the drug’s defect into the public arena and if appropriate, will secure compensation for the damage this drug defect has caused.
Still, despite the smaller number of instances, anyone who is harmed of injured as a result of a defective drug, or any defective product, should have the opportunity to seek compensation and damages from the company that put such a dangerous product on the market. In many cases, all you need to do is find a qualified product liability attorney, defective drug attorney or medical malpractice attorney to advise you on how to proceed. In some cases, you may simply receive a settlement, there may be a class action lawsuit pending for people who have suffered similar circumstances or you may need to file a lawsuit of your own. No matter which situation, a reliable attorney can help you get justice.