Defective Drugs In DC

Pharmaceutical developments over the years have allowed millions of people to live longer and more productive lives. These drugs can help people recover from deadly diseases and previously terminal illnesses. Continuing advancements may eventually lead to cures for cancer, AIDS, and other chronic diseases. Unfortunately, some drugs can end up harming patients more than they help. Defective drugs have been responsible for millions of injuries and deaths.

Drug Defects

When a phone battery or airbag is recalled because of a dangerous defect, the consumer may be able to simply go to a store or car dealer for repair, replacement or refund. However, drug defects recalls can be much more complicated. In many cases, a patient may have been taking the drug for weeks or years before a recall notice is finally issued. They may wonder how much damage the drug may have done, and if they are in immediate danger.

Drug defect recalls usually come after multiple patients and doctors have reported problems. Tens of thousands of people may be affected before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally issues a drug recall. By that time, thousands of people may have been injured or killed.

Safety recalls are categorized by the FDA based on how serious the health consequences of exposure to the drug may be. A Class I recall involves a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious health consequences or death. A Class II recall involves a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

If you suspect that a drug has had some negative effect, unexpected side effects, or otherwise may be dangerous, talk to your doctor. Your concerns may echo those of thousands of other patients who are unknowingly taking a dangerous drug. If you suspect a drug defect has caused the death of a loved one, you may want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.

An attorney experienced in defective drug cases can investigate your loved one’s death, review medical records, and seek expert medical review of the cases. If a defective drug may have been involved in their death, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim against the drug manufacturer responsible. This may help to prevent others from having to go through the same loss and hold the manufacturer responsible for their actions.

Defective Drug Claims

There are many ways that drugs and pharmaceuticals may be defective. This could include a design defect where the drug is not safe for the intended use. It could also involve a manufacturing defect where the drug was somehow compromised or contaminated during the manufacturing process. Drug defects may also involve failure to properly warn the patient about dangers involved with taking the drug.

Every year, the FDA recalls dozens of dangerous drugs for a variety of reasons. Drugs may contain harmful ingredients, contamination from bacteria, or contain undisclosed materials. This includes:

• Lack of sterility assurance
• Super-Potency
• Sub-Potency
• Microbial contamination
• Incorrect labeling
• Particulate matter
• Inadequate sealing of packaging
• Contamination with glass particulate matter
• Undisclosed drugs
• Unapproved new drugs
• Leaking containers

Drug defects could be harmful or potentially deadly to patients. Many problems involve inconsistent potency of the drug. A drug may be sold as containing a certain amount of the active ingredient but the actual doses are higher or lower. This can lead to a patient not getting enough of a certain medicine, or getting too much, causing an adverse reaction.

Other problems involve the manufacturing process of the drugs. When a pharmaceutical lab is not following proper safety protocols, their drugs can become contaminated with bacteria, particulates, or other harmful materials. A patient may have no idea that they are taking a contaminated drug until they suffer an injury or illness.

DC Defective Drug Injury Lawyers

If you were injured by taking a defective drug, you may have a legal claim for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If a loved one died as the result of taking defective medications, you should talk to an experienced Washington D.C. personal injury attorney to help you determine if you have a claim. They will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Your personal injury attorney will help guide you through the claims process and advise you of your options. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. Do not hesitate to call Gilman & Bedigian today for a free consultation.