{"id":353236,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:44","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/dangerous-drugs.html"},"modified":"2025-10-17T14:37:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T19:37:00","slug":"dangerous-drugs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/dangerous-drugs.html","title":{"rendered":"Dangerous Drug Laws and Recalls"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dangerous Drug Laws and Recalls<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Drug companies can be liable under product liability laws if their medications are defectively designed, improperly manufactured, or inadequately labeled, especially when they fail to warn about known risks. Lawsuits against pharmaceuticals often seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Lawsuits against drug manufacturers also play a key role in holding manufacturers accountable and improving drug safety standards. People harmed by dangerous drugs have the option of suing the pharmaceutical companies for their injuries. It depends on whether they can show<\/a> that the drug manufacturer did something to cause their injuries.<\/p>\n

This article discusses what happens when people get hurt after taking a particular medication. It also touches on what to do if you’re the victim of a dangerous prescription drug. At the end of this article, you’ll find a list of articles on specific pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices.<\/p>\n

Drug manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure their medications are safe and to warn consumers of any known risks. If you have developed an illness after using a drug, you may have a legal claim. A product liability attorney<\/a> near you can assess your situation and advise on next steps. If you pursue legal action, your attorney will fight for fair compensation on your behalf.<\/p>\n

What Role Does the Food and Drug Administration Play?<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the gatekeeper regarding dangerous medications and\u00a0safety alerts<\/a>. When a patient experiences an adverse event after using a defective drug, they notify their doctor or the FDA directly. The FDA then investigates the matter to determine if the drug poses a public health risk.<\/p>\n

If the FDA confirms that the drug is dangerous, it can issue a recall. The\u00a0recall process<\/a>\u00a0is complex and can take longer than most of us would like. However, as long as recalled products are off the shelves, that is the ultimate goal.<\/p>\n

It’s essential to point out that drug manufacturers also issue voluntary recalls when they learn their medications are dangerous or defective. There are many reasons\u00a0why drugs get pulled from the market<\/a>. For example, a new drug may have unpredicted side effects or become dangerous when combined with other medications.<\/p>\n

What Dangers Does the FDA Look For?<\/h3>\n

Sometimes, the FDA receives so many complaints about a medication that it issues a recall immediately. Other times, the FDA will allow the drug to stay on the market but will require the drug company to add warning labels to their\u00a0defective products<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some of the common problems the FDA may identify in a drug product include:<\/p>\n