The Importance of Staying Informed of Drug Recalls

Between the years of 2004 and 2013 drug recalls surged in the United States. They went from 166 to a staggering 1,225. There were 836 recalls last year alone. The rapid acceleration of recalls should be a concern to those who are in need of the medication, and those who are responsible for dispensing it to patients.

Not all recalls are the same.

Any time a recall needs to take place it is initiated voluntarily by the pharmaceutical manufacturing company or by request or statutory authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When a drug recall is issued, it is placed into one of three primary drug recall categories, depending on the reason for the recall. The FDA classifies each drug recall, regardless of who initiated it.

• Class I recall

  The most extreme category, in which use of the drug creates a reasonable probability of a serious health risk or even death.

• Class II recall

  Ingesting drugs subject may result in a reversible or temporary negative health condition.

• Class III recall

  Drugs are not likely to cause negative health issues.

In the last three years, nearly 80% of the recalls, on average, have been classified as Class II recalls. Anyone who unknowingly takes a Class I or Class II recall could be at risk. Beyond those taking prescription medication, their caregivers should be worried too and should be informed.

Tools to stay informed

Fortunately there are tools to help you stay informed of drug recalls and warnings. One of the best resources to refer to can be found on the FDA’s website. There you can find the latest information about recalls, market withdrawals, and safety alerts. The site will give you the brand name of the product, the date it was recalled, a product description, who the product was produced by, and the reason for the problem. The FDA also provides further details and information about the recall if you would like to know more.

If you have been the victim of a drug recall, have any questions about recalls, or are in need of legal advice or representation please contact Oldham and Smith, by calling (Toll Free) or contact us online for a free consultation today.