Drug Injury Lawyers Blog
Pharmaceutical companies are one of the most profitable industries on the planet. Many rake in billions of dollars in profits annually. Although some prescription medicines have immense benefits for the patients taking them, others seem to cause more harm than good. There is a dark side to the pharmaceutical industry that cannot be denied. In a six-year period, between 2004 and 2010, several industry leaders paid about $7 billion in fines and lawsuits. Fortunately for them, but unfortunately for those who are injured and killed by these drugs every year, their sky-high profits mean these lawsuits and penalties are just a drop in the bucket. Eli Lily, for example, made $36 billion from one drug. Contact a Boston Personal Injury Lawyer Today.
Flaws and Dishonesty in Clinical Trials
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves an average of 24 drugs annually. Many of these drugs pose serious health risks and are so new to the market that there hasn’t been sufficient time for adequate clinical trials. Even when clinical trials are conducted in their entirety, they are often inaccurate based on certain factors, including studies of extremely small groups of people, and failure to report negative results to the FDA.
Adverse Reactions
When adverse reactions to a certain drug are reported, the FDA responds in many ways, including holding meetings, issuing reports, demanding more trials, sending letters to physicians, and demanding additional label warnings. However, these actions can take several years to create any kind of actual change. That doesn’t help patients who are taking dangerous drugs today.
Most Dangerous Prescription Medications
There are many potentially dangerous drugs on the market today. Among the most dangerous are:
- Birth control pills Yasmin and Yaz
- Antidepressants; Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft
- Diabetes drugs Actos and Avandia
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) Pradaxa and Xarelto
- Acne medicine Accutane
- Osteoporosis medicine Fosamax
The drugs above are linked to a variety of medical complications, including heart attacks, strokes, bleeding disorders, suicidal behaviors, liver damage, and birth defects. If you are currently taking any of the medications above, it is in your best interest to consult with your physician about how these potential side-effects may impact your health. Even if you are not currently experiencing symptoms, it is wise to seek medical advice. Many of the side-effects do not become apparent for several weeks or months.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Dangerous Drug Lawyers Serving Boston and the Surrounding Areas
If you or a loved one has been harmed by any of the above prescription medications, or any other medication, the skilled drug injury team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have over 50 years’ experience protecting the rights of accident and injury victims in Massachusetts. When the negligence of pharmaceutical companies results in injury or death, they should be held accountable for their actions. There is no excuse for putting profits above the health and safety of the general public. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
