Pharmaceutical Injury Lawyer FAQ

What is pharmaceutical malpractice?

Pharmaceutical malpractice, also known as pharmaceutical negligence, is when a drug company causes injury or death to a consumer due to dangerous drugs they have put into the marketplace. A drug company can be sued for malpractice when it fails to act reasonably, and this action results in harm to another person. One example could be that a drug was not designed or tested correctly. It could also be that the company did not include appropriate warnings on the label.

What are some of the most common drugs that can cause serious injury?

Though any drug can lead to pharmaceutical negligence if it is improperly handled by manufacturers, doctors, pharmacists, or even patients —here are a few that have caused serious side effects:

  • Vioxx
  • Accutane
  • Meridia
  • OxyContin
  • Paxil
  • Prempro
  • Rezulin
  • Baycol
  • Thimerosal
  • Enbrel
  • Serzone
  • Zyprexa

What are the most common causes of pharmaceutical negligence?

Greed–A pharmaceutical company may fail to disclose certain side effects or health risks, in an effort to get their drugs into the marketplace. Sometimes there is not enough time spent on clinical trials, and researchers may miss critical findings that may be brought to light later—when the drug is on shelves and causing harm to the public. Additionally, mistakes can be made in the manufacturing process, which may result in tainted or defective products. 

What is the best way to I avoid a pharmaceutical injury?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain the known risks of taking the medicine they have prescribed or are about to take. Make sure you read the labels very carefully when buying over-the-counter medications. A variety of medications can contain ingredients that you should not or can not take. Because drugs can interact with other prescriptions, you should always consult with a doctor before beginning a medication. A pharmacist can also help you choose the right product, or fully understand the ingredients in a certain medication. Listen to your body – if a medication causes noticeable changes in how you feel you should stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately.

My prescription was filled incorrectly, and I became ill. Does this warrant a pharmaceutical injury suit?

Possibly. Lawsuits may be based on improperly filled prescriptions. In most cases, a medication is either prescribed that has a bad reaction with a medication you are already taking, or the pharmacist issues an incorrect medication or dosage. In both cases, the pharmacist and/or doctor could be held liable. In most cases whether you have an actionable case hinges on the severity of the damage or injury.

If you or a loved one suffered serious side effects or other injury because of a medication, please contact the lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates. Our client-oriented staff will answer your questions and help you recover the compensation you deserve. Please call our office today for a free consultation. One call, that’s all.

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