Many people are injured as a result of taking defective drugs. All too often manufacturers of these medications are profit-driven. They are known for putting their company’s profits well above the people relying on these medications to help them maintain some quality of life that we all desire.
These manufacturers need to be held accountable for their negligent actions. It is irresponsible for any drug company to put out unsafe and harmful products to the population. At the Groth Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping individuals receive the compensation they deserve when an individual or family member has been injured as a result of using one of these medications.
Below is a list of the most common drug manufacturers and medications that have been shown to cause injury to the users of these medications.
Dangerous Drugs
- Belviq
- Zostavax
- Elmiron
- Zantac
- Invokana
- Truvada
- Limbrel
- Testosterone Therapy
- Onglyza
- Singulair
- Opioid Injuries and Withdrawal
- Reglan
- Risperdal
- Paraquat
Belviq
Belviq is a weight loss medication that has been linked to cancer in people using the drug. There was a voluntary recall of Belviq from the U.S. market because of the link to lung, pancreatic, colorectal, and other forms of cancer.
Belviq is a weight loss drug that is designed to help control the impulses that lead to overeating. The drug inhibits the part of the brain that tells you that you are full. The intended result was that individuals would eat smaller portions and still feel satiated.
The FDA did a study that showed the side effects of the drug were harmful to regular users. Those individuals had a significantly higher risk of developing cancer after exposure to the drug. Along with the increased risk of cancer, the drug also has been linked to cognitive impairment, hallucinations, severe depression, and heart issues.
Zostavax
Zostavax is a shingles vaccine that has been linked to heart failure, blindness, stroke, spinal cord inflammation, and shingles. It was found that the vaccine increased the risk of these issues instead of preventing them.
Anyone who has taken the vaccine after 2006 might be eligible to file a lawsuit if they have experienced some of the following symptoms:
- Shingles
- Stroke
- Blindness
- Heart failure
- Retinal damage
- Hearing loss
- Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)
- Pneumonia
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Myelitis
- Other neurological disorders
The risk associated with shingles is the inability to work because of the intense pain that comes with shingles. The manufacturer, Merck & Co. failed to disclose the numerous side effects to the public, which kept potential users from evaluating whether or not the side effects of the vaccine were worth the risk.
Elmiron
Elmiron is a bladder pain medication that has been linked to serious eye issues in users. Some of the major issues associated with the medication include:
- Blindness
- Extreme light sensitivity
- Eye damage
- Blurred vision
Elmiron was initially prescribed for patients who were suffering from significant bladder conditions. The medication is also a low-grade blood thinner used to help in the prevention of blood clots.
There are hundreds of thousands of people using the drug. There have been numerous studies linking Elmiron to eye injuries. The studies determined that at least 25% of all users developed retinal damage after taking the drug. Elmiron has been put on the FDA watch list because of the damaging side effects.
Zantac
Zantac is a prescription and over the counter (OTC) medication designed to treat acid reflux. There have been a significant number of individuals who developed stomach and bladder cancer as a result of taking the medication.
The FDA has issued a recall of all Zantac and generic products because of the harmful effects of the ingredient Ranitidine. The results of the investigation by the FDA determined that the ranitidine had levels of N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA), a carcinogen, up to 26,000 times higher than what is recommended by the FDA.
Zantac is the oldest prescription and OTC medication for people with acid reflux issues. There has already been a class-action lawsuit filed against the manufacturer, Sanofi since it was discovered that the company knew about the potential for cancer yet allowed their products to be distributed to the general public.
Invokana
Invokana is a diabetic treatment drug that has been linked to kidney failure. The FDA is currently investigating this link, but there have not been any recalls of the medication at this time. The biggest issue currently with the manufacturer of Invokana is its failure to disclose the potentially life-threatening side effects to its users.
The drug is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes by helping the kidneys to remove sugar, limiting sugar absorption in the stomach and intestines, and helping to decrease the amount of sugar produced in the liver.
The drug was put on the market in 2014 and the FDA started getting reports almost immediately about the link between the drug and kidney failure in patients.
Truvada
Truvada is an anti-HIV drug that has been linked to permanent damage to the kidneys and bones. There already was a class-action and personal injury lawsuits filed against the manufacturer in 2018 by HIV patients in California taking the drug.
The active ingredient in Truvada is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) which is known to be extremely toxic, especially in the high doses found in the HIV medication. The drug manufacturer, Gilead, failed to warn users of the side effects.
It is also alleged that the manufacturer willfully marketed the drug with certain defects to the medication and intentionally withholding a less toxic version of the drug to generate higher profits.
Limbrel
Limbrel is a medication designed to treat osteoarthritis. The drug has been linked to liver injuries and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a serious liver condition. The FDA has recommended that anyone taking Limbrel stop immediately, and formally requested that the company issue an immediate recall of the product.
The FDA began investigating Limbrel in 2017 after an increase in reported liver damage from patients using the medication. The manufacturer made false claims about the intended use of the medication and even misbranded the drug’s labeling.
Testosterone Therapy
There are a variety of testosterone therapy drugs on the market for men who want to boost their declining levels of testosterone. The issue at hand is that many of the drugs available have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks in men over the age of 65.
There was a study done that looked at 56,000 men who were taking medication for low levels of testosterone. It was determined that these men were twice as likely as men who were not taking a testosterone supplement to suffer a major cardiac event. If an individual already had a history of heart disease, that risk tripled.
Onglyza
Onglyza is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and has been linked to heart failure, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatitis. The risk of death in patients who are regularly taking this medication is significant.
Patients who are taking Onglyza are 27% more likely to suffer heart failure than patients taking other diabetic medications. The FDA recommended that Onglyza put a warning on their products about the increased risk to individuals using the medication.
There have already been numerous class-action lawsuits against the manufacturers of Onglyza for their failure to disclose the significant risks associated with taking this medication.
Singulair
Singulair is a popular asthma drug that has been linked to a significant increase in depression, suicidal thoughts, and other changes in behavior. The medication helps to block the chemicals in the body that increase during an asthma attack.
There was a study done that linked the following side effects with the use of the drug. These side effects include:
- Hallucination
- Sleeping issues
- Suicidal thoughts and actions
- Increased anger
- Anxiety
- Increased depression
- Compulsive behaviors
The FDA issued a warning about these symptoms for users of Singulair and denied the company’s application to offer Singulair as an OTC medication.
Opioid Injuries and Withdrawal
Anyone who takes opioids for even a short period is at risk for addiction, opioid abuse, and overdose. Pregnant women who take opioids while pregnant can cause infants to be born with an opioid withdrawal, which can lead to long-term health issues.
Opioids are commonly used as a painkiller for individuals. There have been numerous cases where individuals were prescribed opioids without exploring alternatives. One of the major manufacturers, Purdue Pharma, marketed these drugs as effective pain killers with minimal risk of addiction.
Purdue Pharma marketed these drugs with the knowledge that they are highly addictive, even in smaller doses.
Reglan
Reglan is a medication designed to treat specific intestinal and stomach issues. Individuals taking Reglan have a higher risk of developing an incurable muscle disorder, Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is a neurological disorder that causes the muscles in the face and body to twitch uncontrollably.
The issue with this side effect is that it is often irreversible. These involuntary spasms can often be painful and negatively affect an individual’s overall quality of life. TD most commonly affects the muscles of the face, which can make it difficult for individuals to function in society and perform basic functions like talking, eating, and moving.
There is no cure for TD and individuals who developed this condition after taking Reglan will have to deal with this disorder for the rest of their lives.
Risperdal
The drug Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug that has been linked to abnormal breast growth in males knows as gynecomastia. The drug has been around since the early ’90s and was effective as an antipsychotic. In 2006, it was also used to help treat irritability in children on the autism spectrum, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders.
The manufacturer was aware of the side effects of the drug and failed to disclose these to the public. Along with gynecomastia, users are also at an increased risk of suicide, paranoia, excessive mood swings, Tardive Dyskinesia, and dementia.
Paraquat
Paraquat dichloride is a chemical commonly found in herbicides. Studies show a link between the use of paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Lawsuit cases are now being filed on behalf of individuals who were exposed to paraquat and were diagnosed with Parkinson’s as a result. Call our law office today to discuss a paraquat lawsuit.
Although word of the dangers associated with paraquat are wide-reaching, it is still commonly used in the United States.
Farmers previously used Monsanto’s Roundup as a preferred herbicide. However, weeds and pests were becoming resistant to it. And like paraquat, Roundup has also been found to cause health issues.
As a result, many agricultural workers are turning to paraquat. It is often used in soybean fields. In fact, the amount of paraquat used in soybean fields has increased four times in the past ten years.
Obviously, paraquat is not banned in the United States. However, it is considered a Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP).
If you or a loved one have been affected by any of the drugs listed above, you need a qualified attorney on your side. The attorneys at the Groth Law Firm have a wealth of experience dealing with these types of lawsuits.
Contact us today for a case evaluation with one of our professional attorneys.