Q. What are dangerous drugs and if they're dangerous, how can they be available to consumers?
A. In today's market there are many common medications that have been recalled for having side effects that are more serious than the conditions they are intended to treat. Other drugs that are defective slip past the recall by just adding a new warning label which may or may not be noticed by the consumers who have been prescribed the drug. Although every drug is tested by the drug manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it can be approved for public sale, sometimes the research and screening process isn't complete enough due to inadequate data or company deadlines.
Q. Are there any ways to avoid being injured by dangerous drugs?
A. The best defense you can have against defective drugs is information, the more, the better. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each medication before taking it; find out as much as you can about it, or what other options exist, and the risks and benefits of those drugs. Ask questions, search the web. Never take a prescription drug that is not prescribed to you. It's not a good idea to start taking a new drug, stop taking it or alter the recommended dosage without consulting your doctor. Bear in mind, abruptly stopping the use of any drug, even if it is defective, may also cause dangerous reactions.
Q. What can I do legally if I have been a victim of a dangerous drug?
A. According to product liability laws, even if a drug's label properly discloses all information about its potential risks, the drug manufacturer may be held responsible for ANY kind of serious injuries or deaths caused by that product. You'll need the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer well versed in the subject of dangerous drugs to file a claim for compensation for your medical expenses, income loss and pain and suffering.