Top Five Dangerous Prescription Drugs

June 24, 2015 | Posted by: Begum Law Group

Between 2004 and 2010 there were $7 billion in lawsuits, fines, and penalties to the biggest drug companies in the nation. The unfortunate fact of the matter is, however, that these drug companies are making much more profit than that – so the dangers of prescription drugs continue to thrive. Here is a list of five of the most dangerous prescription drugs.

If you or a loved one have been harmed by a dangerous prescription medication, call the Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers and speak to the Law Giant about your options.

Free consults available: 866-523-4167.

1.Prozac

Prozac, the name brand for fluoxetine, is an antidepressant that has been on the market since 1987. It is most commonly prescribed for people suffering from depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. Tens of millions of people all over the world have been prescribed this medication, despite the fact that it is known to cause serotonin syndrome and might even increase the amount of suicidal thoughts and violent actions. Birth defects have also been reported as a result of Prozac use by pregnant women.

There have been more than 150 lawsuits against Eli Lilly, the maker of Prozac, for the effects of this dangerous drug. Joseph Wesbecker, the murderer of 8 people (as well as himself) and injurer of 12, had begun taking Prozac only a few weeks before this tragic shooting. This was in 1989. The families of the victims actually sued Eli Lilly – but they lost. A similar but less deadly case occurred with a 16-year-old boy just a few years ago. He stabbed a friend of his, and his doctor later said it was due to a mood disorder caused by the Prozac.

2.Actos

Actos is a brand name for pioglitazone and is a drug that is supposed to help people who have type 2 diabetes. It was FDA-approved in 1999 and has since been prescribed to 10 million people. Although originally hailed as the best new type 2 diabetes drug, Actos’ label received an FDA-added warning in 2007 that heart failure could be a side effect of taking Actos. Four years later, the risk of bladder cancer was added to the label – and it increases the risk of bladder cancer by 40%! It is so risky that Germany and France banned the drug altogether. According to more recent studies, the risk increase for bladder cancer could be as much as 83%. Needless to say, thousands of lawsuits have hit Actos – and for good reason.

3.AngroGel

The brand name for a type of testosterone gel, AngroGel is currently on the market and has worrying statistics. One study shows that the risk of heart attacks in men who are taking the drug actually doubled. Other studies show similar results. There are a number of lawsuits already being filed against this drug for people who have suffered heart attacks or strokes because of it.

4.Accutane

Accutane (isotretinoin) was FDA-approved in 1982 and immediately began helping people cure their acne after only a few months of taking the pill. It came at a high cost, however, as the side effects started piling up. There was inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, suicidal thoughts, birth defects, and liver damage – just to name a few. There were 173 suicides associated with Accutane in 2002 alone. Women were banned from taking Accutane during pregnancy, and they were more or less banned from getting pregnant while taking Accutane. Stomach pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding were one of the many side effects listed. In 2005, Kamie Kendall sued (and won) for $10.5 million because she needed her colon and rectum removed. Countless lawsuits have been filed and won against Accutane.

5.Reglan

This drug, approved by the FDA in 1980, is metoclopramide. It is used for pain relief from migraines, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and more. In 2001 alone there were at least a million people prescribed this medication. Unfortunately for the people taking this drug, it has caused Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) in several thousand people. TD is a neurological disorder that decreases control of facial and bodily movements. It can severely lower a person’s quality of life. For this reason, more than 5,000 lawsuits against metoclopramide manufacturers have occurred.

How To Tell If Prescription Drug Is Dangerous

People and companies get sued in San Antonio all the time for selling and administering dangerous drugs. The problem with the drug industry is that the drug companies see huge profits and they hate it when they have to get rid of a drug for being dangerous. So they typically just slap a warning on the bottle to cover their butts. It’s also a problem because most people trust their doctors. Doctors are seen as a higher end of society. People who went through years of med school so they can help other people.

What if your doctor is misinformed or they intentionally give you a drug that is dangerous? You have no control over this, and you really can’t do anything about it. Sure you can take the drug and get sick or die, but then you already experienced the problems. You could sue to pay for your damages, but nothing will make up for the fact that you could have avoided the problem in the first place.

What are some ways to tell if a drug is dangerous?
People and companies get sued in San Antonio all the time for selling and administering dangerous drugs. The problem with the drug industry is that the drug companies see huge profits and they hate it when they have to get rid of a drug for being dangerous. So they typically just slap a warning on the bottle to cover their butts. It’s also a problem because most people trust their doctors. Doctors are seen as a higher end of society. People who went through years of med school so they can help other people.

What are some ways to tell if a drug is dangerous?

Use the Internet

Look up reviews and ratings on the drug. Check with different people who have used the drug. Check health websites so you know all of the side effects and if anyone has died from the drug. It’s also worth contacting people who reviewed the drug and think it’s bad. Tally up all of the opinions and make a consensus. You can even check on the doctors who prescribe it and don’t prescribe it. Ask both why they are for or against the drug.

Check With People Who Have Used The Drug in The Past

Do you know anyone who has used the drug in the past? The best way to get a solid answer is to speak with someone who has first-hand experience with the drug. Share how you are concerned about taking the drug and ask if they had any bad side effects. Even ask them if they know anyone else who took the drug. Talk to everyone.

Ask the Doctor About Side Effects and Past Problems

Sometimes doctors know that a drug has had some problems in the market, but they still want to give it a try. After all, drugs respond differently in every single person. Ask your doctor to reveal as much evidence as possible. They should reply honestly if you ask the questions.

Heavily Promoted Prescriptions and their Potential Natural Alternatives

What is the main purpose of prescription medicine? To heal people, of course! This is why it’s somewhat of a terrifying shock when people find out that prescription drugs are, in fact, the fourth cause of death across the globe. In general, this has to do with the fact that people get sick and look for something to relieve their symptoms (prescription drugs) but not actually fix the root of the problem (improper nutrition, for instance). With prescription drugs comes some major side effects, and sometimes those side effects need to be masked by more prescription drugs!

Many people are starting to become aware of the dangerous cycle that comes with prescription drugs, and that means that natural alternatives that don’t come with the same side effects as prescription drugs are on the rise. Keep reading for a few of the natural alternatives that provide the same positive effects as their prescription drug counterparts.

Cortisone or Prednisone

Corticosteroids are used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, asthma, and allergies. Basically, they lower or prevent inflammation by working the same way your natural hormones do, except in higher quantities. Their side effects can be disastrous, however. Bone thinning (therefore making fractures more common), raised blood sugar (which can lead to diabetes or worsen already existing diabetes), increasing the risk of getting an infection, thinning of the skin as well as increasing the ease of bruising and slowing down the speed of wound healing, and even suppressing the production of gland hormones.

A natural alternative to produce the same positive effects of corticosteroids? A raw whole food diet.

Warfarin or Coumadin

Warfarin and Coumadin are anticoagulants, more commonly known simply as blood thinners. They stop the formation and transportation of blood clots. Anticoagulants can lead to a hemorrhage, which means bleeding.

There are some natural alternatives that can produce the same blood-thinning effect. Vitamin C in the amount of 1000 milligrams every day should create a coating on the walls of red blood cells keeps stops breakages and bleedings. It’s important to note that if too much vitamin C is consumed, it can actually prevent your body from absorbing enough calcium. Vitamin E (400 IU per day) is another natural alternative, as it also coats the red blood cells, binding collagen in the blood vessels – this ultimately prevents the chances of bleeding and strokes occurring. A final alternative is OPC 165, which is a blend that is both natural and antioxidant.

Lowering Cholesterol

There are some drugs that are prescribed to lower cholesterol, including Atromid and Lopid, as well as Statin drugs. Atromid and Lopid word to take in bile acids that come from cholesterol located in the intestines. Statin drugs, on the other hand, lower the cholesterol production in the liver. Myositis, muscle inflammation, is a side effect of these drugs, and sometimes rhabdomyolysis is as well, which is a painful weakening of the muscles that can cause kidney failure.

A natural alternative to these drugs is eating fish or whole foods such as oats, nuts, beans, spinach, and avocado.

Consult a Drug Injury Lawyer

Prescription drugs are powerful medications, Mistakes, oversights, and misdiagnosis are real concerns. If you or a loved one were harmed because of a dangerous prescription, it is important to discuss what happened with a knowledgable and skilled attorney. Call the Begum Law Group Injury Lawyers today and speak to the Law Giant for free and with zero risk. Free consults available: 866-523-4167.