You may not know it but drug recalls happen all the time. These can come from the FDA based on adverse side effects, labelling problems, tainted components, and more. The news lately has discussed the recall and associated dangers of the blood pressure medication called valsartan (also known as losartan). The drug was first recalled in 2018 due to contamination of a cancer-causing chemical in some of its lots. This was followed by patients who were later diagnosed with cancer and who filed valsartan lawsuits against the manufacturers.
Not all recalls are as serious and dramatic as the one involving valsartan. However, recalls should never be ignored and, if you are taking a medication, it is best to stay on top of the latest developments in medication recalls by the FDA. These recalls take place not only when the safety of a medication comes into question but also in how it is packaged or labeled. The FDA has certain standards of both quality and safety that have been defined under the law that this federal agency regulates.
Have you been harmed by a dangerous drug or some other defective product? Contact Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. at (888) 398-2277 to discuss your options with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
Different Types of Drug Recalls
The majority of drug recalls come voluntarily from their manufacturers. However, in some cases, they can be initiated by the FDA that then classifies the recall according to how serious the issue has shown to be with the medication.
The drug recall categories include Class I, Class II, and Class III recalls. Class I recalls concern those that are considered the most serious or dangerous. These are defined as “a dangerous or defective product that could cause serious health problems or death,” such as valsartan. A Class II drug recall is done when only a short-term issue has arisen in the medication or when a small chance of causing a serious problem may arise. According to the FDA, these recalls are done on “products that might cause a temporary health problem or pose only a slight threat of a serious nature. Lastly, Class III recalls are the least serious, defined as being for “products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health reaction but that violate FDA labeling or manufacturing laws.”
Ways to Discover Medication Recalls
It is always best to be well-informed about the medications you take to avoid any future health problems. Knowing if your medication is still safe is essential. You can stay on top of this situation in a number of ways.
These ways can include:
- Searching the website of the manufacturer of your drug. It is important to remember that many different manufacturers can make the same drug so check your medication’s container for its manufacturer.
- Do a Google search for the name of your medication to see if it results in any news articles about a drug recall. This can also bring up articles informing you about potential side effects.
- Search the FDA website or call its toll-free number to find out if your medication has been named in any kind of recall.
In many instances, only certain batches from specific manufacturers may be involved in the recall. These are usually based on some issue with how the drug was manufactured and/or the components that were used in its production. Batch or lot numbers are generally available on the drug bottle or blister pack of medications. Lacking that, those numbers can generally be gotten from the pharmacy that filled the prescription; pharmacies are supposed to keep records of this.
Experienced Legal Help in Defective Product Cases
If you believe you have suffered harm from a defective medication or other product, you may have grounds for a product liability claim. You will need to bring your case to a qualified attorney who can provide the advice and guidance you need. At Bertram & Graf, L.L.C., you can work with a team that concentrates on personal injury claims and lawsuits for clients throughout Kansas City. We are committed to providing you with outstanding service. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Reach out to us at (888) 398-2277 to schedule your free consultation to get started now.