Defective Pharmaceutical Drugs

A Product Liability Attorney Can Help

People don't expect the medication they use for an illness to cause more health concerns. Over the years, however, thousands of Americans have been exposed to defective pharmaceutical drugs, leading to major side effects and reactions, including death. Some of the pharmaceutical industry's biggest companies have been involved in manufacturing drugs that were later found to have serious side effects. In most of these cases, a drive to boost their bottom lines led these companies to cut back on manufacturing standards and testing protocols and indulge in malpractice that severely impacted patients' lives.

Taking immediate legal action with the help of a product liability lawyer is crucial if you or a loved one was injured by a defective pharmaceutical drug. These cases are highly complex and can be difficult to negotiate or litigate, but our product liability attorneys have considerable experience and ample resources to dedicate to your case. At Arnold & Itkin LLP we are dedicated to protecting the rights of the injured. We have recovered hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have gone up against the largest pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers and other large corporations – and won.

Find out how we can assist you by calling a product liability attorney at our offices for a free consultation and review of your case. You can find out more about the drug injury lawsuits we handle by reviewing the below information:

Accutane
Accutane is an acne medication containing the drug isotretinoin that is used to treat severe nodular acne. The side effects of this drug include birth defects, loss of pregnancy, as well as visions problems, rectal bleeding, trouble breathing, and more. Read more about Accutane.

Avandia
GlaxoSmithKline's type II diabetes drug has been closely linked to the incidence of heart disease, including heart failure, irregular or accelerated heartbeat and even cardiac arrest. Research has also linked Avandia to an increased risk of bone fractures in women. Click here to read more about Avandia.

Chantix
Pfizer's anti-smoking drug, Chantix, has been found to have neuropsychiatric effects in patients. People who have taken these drugs have been found to develop depression, mood changes and even suicidal tendencies. Several suicides have been linked to the use of Chantix and, in some cases, individuals who attempted suicide have suffered severe injuries. Click here to read more about Chantix.

Digitek / Digoxin
Several batches of Digitek, a popular medication used to treat heart conditions, were recalled in 2008 when the tablets in these lots were found to have twice the prescribed dosage of Digoxin, which is the main ingredient in Digitek. Overdose of Digoxin can cause kidney failure, and may eventually lead to death. Click here to read more about Digitek and Digoxin.

Effexor
Effexor is an antidepressant manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. The usage of Effexor by pregnant women has led to newborn birth defects including, heart defects, lung disorders and a condition called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). This disorder causes constriction of the lungs, leading to a reduction of blood flow and oxygen levels. Click here to read more about Effexor.

Heparin
Baxter's anti-coagulant drug, Heparin, was responsible for a health scare in 2008 when hundreds of patients began to suffer severe and extreme reactions to the medication. Most of the side effects were restricted to people who were exposed to high doses of the medication, such as patients on dialysis for kidney problems. By the time Baxter finally recalled its product, more than 20 deaths had occurred. That number has increased, along with the amount of cases of near fatal reactions to the drug. In the days since, fingers have been pointed at a Chinese plant for contamination of the drug. Click here to read more about Heparin.

Oxycontin
Oxycontin is a morphine derivative painkiller manufactured by Purdue Pharma LP. The company failed to disclose that this medication had a dangerous propensity toward the development of addiction. When abused – crushed, chewed, snorted or intravenously injected – Oxycontin can cause heart problems, lung disorder and even death. Click here to read more about Oxycontin.

Paxil
Paxil is an antidepressant manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is used to restore serotonin balance, and thus, treat mood disorders and depression. However, pregnant women who have used Paxil during pregnancy have given birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, including cardiac defects and a lung condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). Click here to read more about Paxil.

PPI
Proton pump inhibitors are used by people suffering from gastric acid problems ranging from heartburn to ulcers to dyspepsia. Although it is the third-highest selling drug, it can cause serious side effects. Besides increasing the risk of pneumonia, long-term use can lead to a higher risk of bone fractures. Click here to learn more about PPI.

SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant drug found in Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and more. In recent years, SSRI use has been linked to serious side effects ranging from nausea to high blood pressure to birth defects to suicide. Read more on SSRI.

Trasylol
Bayer Pharmaceutical's Trasylol is one of the company's best selling prescription medications; it is used to prevent blood loss during surgery. It has, however, been associated with serious side effects, including kidney and renal failure, cardiac arrest and strokes. Click here to read more about Trasylol.

Tamiflu
Tamiflu is an anti-viral drug used to treat the symptoms of influenza. The drug is known to cause unusual behavior, especially children. These unusual behaviors may include hallucinations, deliriums and even possible self injury. The FDA has issued warnings about the potentially serious neuropsychiatric effects of taking Tamiflu. Click here to read more about Tamiflu.

Zoloft
Zoloft is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, OCD, posttraumatic stress, panic attacks, and more. However, besides harmful side effects like blurred vision, seizures, abnormal bleeding and bruising, and seizures, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts. Read more on Zoloft.

Do not take any chances with your ability to hold a negligent pharmaceutical company responsible for their conduct. Contact a product liability lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP today for a free consultation and review of your case.