Medical treatment often requires the use of prescription pharmaceuticals. When administered correctly, prescription drugs can provide physical and mental relief for patients, helping them recover faster and/or cope more easily. Unfortunately, the prescription of pharmaceutical drugs can lead to serious complications.
Pharmaceutical companies are accountable for complications associated with the use of their prescription drugs – especially when it affects a patient’s health, income and quality of life.
If you have suffered from a complication due to a prescription drug, you may be eligible for compensation. An experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney can help you maximize the outcome of your case.
Which prescription drugs are considered the most dangerous?
There are thousands of pharmaceutical drugs approved by the FDA currently on the market, many of which are highly beneficial and even life-saving. Unfortunately, a handful of them continue to cause complications, some of the most common of which include:
- Actos (Pioglitazone)
Actos was developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly to treat Type 2 diabetes. The drug has been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer among users.
- Invokana (canagliflozin)
Also a Type 2 Diabetes medication, this pharmaceutical has been linked to increased levels of blood acids – a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis can lead to hospitalization, and if left untreated, will result in death. Additionally, Invokana has been linked to Fournier’s gangrene, a life-threatening condition that quickly kills soft tissues, muscles, nerves and blood vessels.
- Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium)
This cholesterol-lowering drug from Pfizer was developed to prevent cardiovascular disease, but has been associated with Type 2 diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders and muscle disease.
- Zofran (ondanestron)
A morning sickness treatment developed by GlaxoSmithKline, Zofran has shown possible associations with birth defects, such as congenital heart defects and cleft lips and palates. It is important to note that this drug was not approved by the FDA in the treatment of morning sickness. - Yaz (Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol)
This popular birth control produced by Bayer has been known to cause a number of dangerous side effects including migraines, uterine bleeding, irregular heart rhythms and kidney disorders. - Topomax (topiramate)
Intended to treat epilepsy and migraines, this anticonvulsant medication from Johnson & Johnson has shown side effects ranging from eye disorders and metabolic acidosis to depressive/suicidal thinking and birth defects. - Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
Xarelto is a prescription blood thinner designed to prevent and treat blood clots. While it is intended to lower the risk of stroke, pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other related conditions, it is linked to several potentially life-threatening side effects. Xarelto has shown links to bruising and serious, uncontrolled bleeding. - Zantac (ranitidine)
After discovering high levels of carcinogenic NDMA in this prescription heartburn medication, the FDA issued a recall of Zantac. The contents of NDMA in Zantac can lead to numerous types of cancer including kidney, liver, stomach, bladder, pancreatic, leukemia and multiple myeloma, among others.
Pharmaceutical companies work with expansive legal teams to protect themselves against the side effects and complications associated with their products. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pharmaceutical company’s product, you will need a reputable and experienced lawyer to make the strongest case against them. Qualified Counsel can connect you with an attorney who specializes in dangerous drug cases, so you are better positioned to receive the compensation you deserve