Prescription medications: you see the ads on T.V. all the time, or you may have even been prescribed a few. However, many drugs while FDA approved, still have serious health risks that the drug manufacturer has not made you aware of. These drugs can lead to serious medical bills beyond just their initial prescription cost if you experience injuries or side effects. It can also be challenging to successfully pursue a claim against a drug manufacturer without an experienced attorney on your side. Here are 4 commonly prescribed drugs that could have the serious complications when used:
- Invokana®
Invokana is used for the treatment of Type II Diabetes. The drug uses a type of transport protein to help expel sugar out of the body through urine, and thus, helps bring down overall blood sugar levels in the body. However, the drug has been linked to a higher than normal development of ketoacidosis, a life-threatening medical condition. Invokana has also been linked to acute kidney failure. This can lead to a variety of serious or long term side effects that require therapy, physical rehabilitation, or hospitalization. If it results in a patient death, then it is important to file a claim against the manufacturer for a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Xarelto® and Pradaxa®
Xarelto and Pradaxa are both anti-coagulants, or blood thinners, though each responds differently in the body. Xarelto is approved to treat the prevention of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, while Pradaxa is prescribed to lower the risk of stroke in those who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. However, they both have been associated with serious and life threatening injuries, including uncontrollable bleeding.
- Zofran®
Zofran is an anti-nausea medication that is FDA approved for use in cancer patients. However, it has been prescribed for an off-label use of treating extreme morning sickness in pregnant women. When an unborn child is exposed to the drug, studies show that it could lead to serious birth defects including cardiac defects (especially septal defects) and defects such as a cleft palate. Zofran has also been linked with other birth defects including kidney defects, neural tube defects, craniosynostosis, and gastroschisis. These complications from medicine are serious and can potentially be debilitating or life threatening. Impacted development can increase a child’s risk of injury later in life, making them especially susceptible to brain trauma and other severe medical conditions.
- Risperdal®
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. It has also been prescribed to treat behavioral disorders, such as ADHD. It is often prescribed to adolescents. However, the use of Risperdal in young males has been linked to a condition known as gynecomastia, or the enlargement of breast tissue. This change is permanent without surgery to remove and can cause emotional and mental trauma to those boys who are affected by the drug.
McDivitt Law Firm wants you to understand the risks associated with certain popular mass prescribed drugs, especially if they have negative side effects. If you or a loved one has been affected by one of these medications please do not hesitate to contact us today as you may have a potential claim. As always, consult with your physician if you have any concerns regarding the medications you may be taking.
If you need to pursue a claim related to any of these medications, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. McDivitt law firm has been helping clients in Denver, Colorado get the representation they need to pursue legal settlements for drug side effects and wrongful death claims.
