Medicine Safety
Approximately 50% of Americans are prescribed medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates these drugs and seeks to ensure consumer safety. When federal oversight fails or a company misrepresents scientific findings, a dangerous drug can reach your pharmacy. Regulators may not recall a drug until a consumer suffers adverse side effects. That consumer could be you. Individuals who take defective medication may need medical treatment to prevent further harm. They may even suffer additional medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Classes of Medicine Recalls
When the FDA issues a recall for medicine, they will label the recall as Class I, Class II, or Class III.
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Class I – Significant and immediate health risks are associated with the medicine. The FDA will develop an immediate plan to remove the drug from the market.
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Class II – No immediate danger of death or serious injury, but there is a potential for extensive harm. However, the FDA will work with pharmaceutical companies to pull the defective medicine from the market.
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Class III – These recalls are issued when a pharmaceutical company violates FDA regulations. There is not an identified threat to health and safety, but the drug still should not be consumed.
Obtain Compensation for Bad Medicine
If you were taking a drug that is subject to a recall and suffered injury, then you may be able to recover damages. An experienced lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Thorp Law can help you know whether you have a claim. Call for a free consultation.