Medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), play a vital role in treating illnesses, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. However, many drugs come with risks, ranging from mild side effects to severe, life-altering complications. While patients accept some level of risk when taking medication, they deserve full and explicit warnings about potential dangers.
If you have been harmed because a pharmaceutical company, doctor, or other healthcare provider failed to provide adequate information about the risks of a drug, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. A Wheeling dangerous drugs lawyer from Bordas & Bordas is prepared to help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Every medication on the market must meet standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drug manufacturers must test their products and submit data proving their safety and efficacy before approval. The FDA does not conduct independent testingâit relies on the data provided by drug companies.
The process is not foolproofâsometimes dangerous drugs reach the public. Pharmaceutical companiesâdriven by profitsâmay downplay negative results or fail to conduct long-term studies on potential risks. In some cases, issues with a medication only become evidence after years of use. For example, the drug thalidomide, prescribed for morning sickness in the mid-20th century, caused severe congenital disabilities that did not become apparent until after thousands of people had used it.
When dangerous drugs reach the public, the drug companies are liableâeven if they were not aware of the dangers at the time the drugs were prescribed or made available for OTC use. A knowledgeable Wheeling lawyer who handles dangerous drugs can help people determine liability.
Sometimes, the FDA approves drugs, even if they have known risks. If the drug is the most effective treatment for a serious condition, the FDA may still approve it. These drugs may carry black box warnings, the FDAâs strictest label for significant health risks. While these medications can be lifesaving, the warnings must be clear and explicit so patients and doctors can weigh the risks and benefits appropriately.
Additionally, the FDA approves medications for specific uses. However, doctors can prescribe these medications for any use. When a doctor prescribes a medication off-label, it means that they are prescribing the drug to treat a condition it was not approved to treat.
While legal, off-label prescribing has risks. This is particularly true if a medication has a black box warning. In those instances, a safer alternative may be available. When a doctor prescribes an off-label drug that causes harm, they may share responsibility for any resulting injuries. For that reason, our Wheeling dangerous drug attorneys look at more than what medication you usedâthey also look at who prescribed it and why.
Some medications remain on the market despite known risks, often because their benefits outweigh potential harm for some patients. Others may carry risks that outweigh their benefits entirelyâthe FDA usually removes them from the market once they have enough evidence.
Some of the drugs known for severe side effects include:
In West Virginia, the opioid crisis has been a significant public health issue, with drug manufacturers facing lawsuits for their role in the epidemic. If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe drug in Wheeling, our lawyers may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Medication injuries can be devastating, leaving you with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardships. If a pharmaceutical company, prescribing doctor, or other party fails to protect your health, you should not be left to deal with the consequences alone.
A Wheeling dangerous drug lawyer at Bordas & Bordas is ready to review your case, explain your rights, and pursue justice on your behalf. Start the process by scheduling a free consultation today.
