Strong Pharmaceutical Drug Lawyers
Defective Pharmaceutical Drugs Can Have Serious Side Effects
The United States has the largest pharmaceutical market in the world. With $339,694 million in market cap value, this means that millions of Americans use or depend on certain pharmaceutical drugs and medications to maintain their health. Unfortunately, every year thousands of Americans are severely injured or killed by dangerous and defective pharmaceutical drug products. These drugs may cause serious side effects ranging from diabetes to cardiac arrest to birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that pharmaceutical drugs kill more than 40,000 people every year.
How does this happen? The medical industry in the United States is highly regulated. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) must approve pharmaceuticals before they are put on the market for consumer access. Despite these safety measures and precautions in place for consumer protection, medications can still cause injury. The CDC reports that over 50% of drugs in the American marketplace have potentially dangerous and damaging side effects.
What are the Common Adverse Side Effects?
Common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can vary depending on the specific medication, individual factors, and the dosage used. However, here are some examples of common ADRs:
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Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea: Many medications, such as antibiotics, opioids, and certain cancer drugs, can cause gastrointestinal upset leading to nausea, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.
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Headache: Some medications, like nitroglycerin for heart conditions, can cause headaches as a side effect.
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Drowsiness or dizziness: Many medications, including sedatives, antihistamines, and certain blood pressure medications, can cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting coordination and cognitive function.
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Changes in mood or behavior: Certain medications, particularly those that affect the central nervous system, can cause mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
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Weight gain or loss: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and corticosteroids, may lead to weight gain or loss as a side effect.
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Cardiovascular effects: Certain medications can affect the cardiovascular system, leading to changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or rhythm.
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Liver or kidney toxicity: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapy drugs, can have adverse effects on the liver or kidneys.
What Can Cause a Pharmaceutical Drug Lawsuit?
When side effects from new or unproven medications are severe, sometimes a lawsuit against the manufacturer may be appropriate to secure much needed compensation for future medical expenses. Here are certain factors that go into a pharmaceutical drug lawsuit:
Poor Instructions on Medication Labels
“Failure to warn” in a product liability case means a manufacturer did not properly instruct the end user on how to use their product correctly. By federal law, a manufacturer must warn and advise customers about how to use their products if a potential danger could occur from improper use.
Defects in Design
This occurs when the drug was made correctly, but there were dangerous side effects (or too many side effects) that took away from the main benefit of the drug. This could include nausea, dizziness, vertigo or vomiting.
Manufacturing Defects
Defects within the manufacturing process can be due to contamination, which can come from toxic materials entering into medication formulas/compounds and caused the end user severe side effects.
Our Team of Dangerous Pharmaceutical Drug Attorneys
Many pharmaceutical drugs on the market work as intended. However, occasionally, a pill emerges that has improper labeling, was contaminated during manufacturing, or its benefits did not outweigh the side effects that were not properly disclosed to public.
Our talented team of attorneys, are here to offer you unmatched expertise and unwavering support. With a combined experience of 180 years, we have successfully represented countless defective pharmaceutical drug clients nationwide, ensuring their rights are protected and justice is served. Put our personal injury law firm’s experience, dedication, and fierce representation to work for you.
Defective Drug Cases We've Worked On
At Fleming, Nolen & Jez, L.L.P., our defective pharmaceutical medication drug lawyers have experience in a range of defective drug cases, including those involving:
- Fen-Phen
- These were lawsuits filed against the pharmaceutical company American Home Products (AHP) in 1999. The lawsuit alleged that AHP had failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks of heart valve damage associated with the diet drugs fenfluramine (Pondimin) and dexfenfluramine (Redux), which were often prescribed together as a combination known as Fen-Phen.
- Elmiron
- These lawsuits involve a bladder pain medication Elmiron that allegedly caused kidney damage.
- Valsartan
- These lawsuits involve a blood pressure medication. The lawsuit alleges that companies knew that valsartan was contaminated with a cancer-causing substance called NDMA, but they failed to warn consumers about the risk.
- Tenofovir (Viread, Truvada, Atripla, Stribild, Complera)
- These lawsuits were filed against Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a drug used to treat HIV infection. The lawsuits allege that Gilead knew that TDF could cause serious side effects, including kidney damage and bone loss, but failed to warn consumers about the risks.
- Paraquat
- These lawsuits involve chronic exposure to the herbicide Paraquat which has allegedly caused Parkinson’s disease.
Why Choose Fleming, Nolen & Jez?
Why should you choose our personal injury attorneys?
- Experience: With decades of experience handling complex cases, we have developed an in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical regulations, product liability litigation, and personal injury law. You can trust us to provide you with the highest level of legal counsel.
- Proven Track Record: We are proud of our long history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Our attorneys have successfully litigated against pharmaceutical giants and secured significant settlements and verdicts. Our track record speaks for itself, demonstrating our commitment to fighting for justice on behalf of those affected by pharmaceutical drug injuries.
- Client-Centered Approach: At our law firm, we prioritize our clients’ needs and well-being above all else. We understand the challenges and complexities associated with pharmaceutical drug litigation, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Our team will listen attentively to your concerns and tirelessly pursue the best possible resolution for you or your loved one’s case.
- National Reach: While our law firm is based in Houston, Texas, our services extend nationwide. We have successfully represented clients throughout the United States, making us well-versed in a variety of state and federal laws governing pharmaceutical drug litigation. Regardless of your location, we are ready to provide you with top-tier legal representation.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand that pharmaceutical drug injuries can have devastating effects on those affected and their families. Our attorneys approach each case with compassion, sensitivity, and the utmost dedication to securing fair compensation for our clients. You can trust us to be your steadfast advocates during this challenging time.
Do You Have a Potential Case or Question?
At Fleming, Nolen & Jez, our personal injury and mass tort lawyers have dedicated their careers to fighting for the rights of injured victims throughout the United States. If you were seriously injured through the negligence or wrongdoing of a company or another person, you may be able to file a lawsuit to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team to review your case.
