Consumers depend on prescription drugs to manage many different disease processes. They depend on the drugs to be safe to take with minimal side effects and for medicines to achieve the desired results. What happens when a prescription drug does not have the desired effect or causes harmful side effects to consumers? This process is called a drug recall.
Prescription drugs are tested by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for safety. No drug can be put on the market legally without the approval of the FDA. The FDA continues to monitor drugs once they can be purchased by moms for their kids and all other consumers for any trends in side effects and effectiveness.
A drug can be recalled because it does not do what it says it will do effectively. It may be recalled because it is producing side effects that were unknown previously. Drugs can be found to be health hazards once they have been taken by a large group of consumers. Drugs have been recalled due to causing strokes, birth defects on fetuses or diabetes.
If a drug you are taking is part of a recall stop taking it immediately. Call your doctor to see if you need examined and check the FDA website for information. It is a good idea to also contact an attorney. You can find a class action attorney in Los Angeles and other cities who are experienced in such matters.
Drug recalls do take place and do need attention. Get the facts, talk to a doctor and an attorney and determine the next step.
