Many Houston residents take prescription medication. Prescription drugs are important in helping people feel better or to manage their health conditions. Most prescription medication is safe and effective, but occasionally, dangerous drugs make it on to the market. Have one of your prescription medications ever been pulled from the market? There are several reasons why this may happen.
Prescription medication that is taken off the market is usually removed because it has the potential to harm someone. After a drug hits the market and it is then determined to be unsafe for consumers, drug manufacturers and the FDA make a decision to recall the drug. One reason for a recall is that the drug is unsafe and can cause a health problem. Another reason is that the drug may have had an unknown bad reaction with another drug. A drug may also be pulled off the market if it causes an adverse reaction when it’s combined with another drug, food, or vitamin. A drug may also be recalled if the packaging is falling apart or if the drug was contaminated at the manufacturing facility.
When a recall is determined to be necessary, generally, the manufacturer issues a voluntary recall for the drug. Many times, these recalls occur because the FDA alerts the manufacturer of the safety concerns. A manufacturer may also just remove the drug from market. This happens when the manufacturer determines the drug is no longer profitable, or if their public image is being hurt by product liability lawsuits.
Houston residents who take prescription medication should be aware that occasionally, medication is pulled from market. The FDA works to make sure the medication that is released by drug manufacturers is safe and effective. If a patient is injured by an unsafe medication, they may wish to speak with a legal professional. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.