Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog
Pharmacies are places people go to get better. When a patient walks into a pharmacy with an ailment, they expect that they will be able to obtain the relief they need, either by speaking with a pharmacist about their condition or by selecting the over-the-counter medication that fits their specific needs. However, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs are commonly recalled for causing various side effects, ranging from the uncomfortable to the life-threatening.
Of course, a pharmacy may not know that a medication they are selling to their patients is harmful. However, there is a duty imposed on pharmacy owners and pharmacists to familiarize themselves with the latest recalls and product news about the medications they stock and sell. If someone is injured by a product, the injured patient may be able to seek monetary compensation from not only the manufacturer of the drug but also anyone else in the chain of distribution, including the pharmacy that sold them the medication.
Weight-Loss Drugs Recalled for Serious Side Effects
Earlier this month, the FDA recalled several weight-loss drugs for the potentially life-threatening side effects they can have when taken in combination with other medications. According to one recent news report, the dangerous ingredients are sibutramine, an appetite suppressant, and phenolphthalein, an ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives.
The article notes that the manufacturer admits to patients on the drug’s label that people who take the drug will become thirsty. However, the manufacturer claims this is because of the drug’s “detoxifying” effect on the body. This was not the case. The reasons for thirst in patients was a potentially dangerous side effect of sibutramine. Another dangerous side effect of sibutramine is that it increases the blood pressure of those who take it. This is especially dangerous to those with heart conditions. Phenolphthalein, on the other hand, has been shown to cause cancer in those who take the drug over a longer period of time, and it also may cause irregular heartbeat and gastrointestinal problems.
The dangerous medication has been recently marketed under the following brand names: Asset Bold, Asset Extreme, Evolve, Infinity, Jenesis, La Trim Plus, Oasis, Prime, Slime-X, Slim Trim, Ultimate Formula, Xcel, Xcel Advanced, and Zi Xiu Tan.
Have You Been Injured after Taking a Prescription of Over-the Counter Medication?
If you or a loved one has recently been made ill, or otherwise injured after taking either a prescription or over-the-counter medication, your harm may have been due to a dangerous medication or a dangerous interaction between two or more medications. In either case, you may be entitled to monetary damages, depending on the cause of your injuries. To learn more about pharmacy error lawsuits, and to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 today to set up your free consultation. These lawsuits can be extremely complex, and having an experienced attorney can make a difference in your case.
More Blog Posts:
New Study Shows Post-Op Medication Errors More Common than Previously Thought, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, November 2, 2015.
Statutes of Limitations in Pharmacy Error Cases, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, December 9, 2015.