Dangerous Drugs

Some Medications Have Risks That Are Not Spelled Out

Drugs taken without an adequate understanding of their proper dosage, their side effects, or their interactions with other drugs can cause serious medical issues. Many drugs can cause these reactions, and the range of possible symptoms is quite broad. One dangerous drug may cause a mild reaction, while another may lead to a severe neurological injury or cause death.

Unfortunately, the consumer might not always understand the serious risks associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This might occur because of the lack of information from the manufacturer or it might be the result of the drug being distributed without approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Byetta and Reglan are two drugs that have been known to be particularly dangerous, but they are far from the only two. An attorney at Flager & Associates, PC may be able to help you get compensation if you or a loved one has taken one of the drugs listed below:

 Of course, with new drugs hitting the market constantly, this is far from an exhaustive list. If you’ve been injured due to a drug not on this list, give us a call to see if you have a case.

Request a free case evaluation or call us today at (215) 953-5200

Take Action Now If You Have Been Injured by a Dangerous Drug. Contact Our Firm.

If you’ve been hurt by a defective drug, contact us right away. The laws governing the pharmaceutical industry are complex, and you need an experienced, capable attorney on your side to get you the compensation you need. It’s important to take action sooner rather than later, both because of the statute of limitations and because evidence disappears over time.

At Flager & Associates, PC, our dangerous drug injury attorneys are committed to helping clients successfully resolve their claims. You deserve justice. We can help.

Your initial case evaluation is free, and you don’t pay us unless you win. Call (215) 953-5200 today.

Byetta

Type 2 diabetes patients have been prescribed Byetta or its generic equivalent, exenatide. Reports have linked Byetta to serious side effects, including the following:

  • The onset of acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis
  • Kidney failure

These injuries can be severe and have major long-term implications.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in October 2007 notified healthcare providers that the agency had received reports of at least 30 cases of acute pancreatitis associated with Byetta. The FDA issued a second alert in August 2008 notifying healthcare providers of six reported cases of hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis, which had resulted in at least two deaths.

Between April 2005, when Byetta was introduced to the market, and October 2008, the FDA received 78 reports of problems with kidney function in patients using Byetta. Some cases occurred in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or in patients with one or more risk factors for developing kidney problems.

Nearly 7 million prescriptions for Byetta were dispensed between April 2005 and September 2008. The FDA worked with the manufacturer of Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to update the drug’s label with stronger warnings.

If you or a loved one have suffered any side effects after taking Byetta, contact our firm right away. We’ll help you fight for the compensation you need.

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Reglan

The medication Reglan may cause significant injuries if used over the long term, according to the FDA. Patients use Reglan to treat acid reflux disease, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Reglan also is prescribed to treat nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and after surgery. Some pregnant women have used Reglan to treat morning sickness.

Reglan contains metoclopramide, which has been linked to the movement disorder tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a condition that causes uncontrollable, repetitive movements of the body. Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia may include:

  • Grimacing
  • Lip smacking
  • Puckering and pursing of the lips
  • Rapid eye movements or blinking
  • Tongue protrusion
  • Rapid movements of the fingers, arms, legs, and trunk
  • The symptoms rarely are reversible, and no known treatment exists.

Reports have linked Reglan to a possibly fatal condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure, stupor, muscular rigidity, and autonomic dysfunction. They can appear within the first two weeks of taking the drug.

Metoclopramide is contained in Reglan Tablets, Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets, Metoclopramide Oral Solution, and Reglan Injection. According to the FDA, some 2 million Americans use one of these drugs.

The FDA requires that metoclopramide-containing drugs carry a black box warning about the risks linked to Reglan. In addition, manufacturers are responsible for giving patients a guide detailing the risks every time they receive this drug from a pharmacy. However, the FDA regulations are not consistently followed. For instance, one study found that one in five patients have been taking the drug for a year or more, while the FDA only approves use for up to 12 weeks.

Due to the long-term nature of Reglan’s side effects, you’ll need substantial compensation to get your life back on track after being injured. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a tardive dyskinesia, NMS or another condition associated with Reglan, contact us today to start building your personal injury case.

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Contact Flager & Associates, PC

Located in Bensalem (across from the Neshaminy Mall), with offices in Philadelphia and New Hope, our law firm proudly serves injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Bensalem Office

One Northbrook Corporate Center
1210 Northbrook Drive
Ste. 280
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053

Phone: (215) 953-5200
Fax: (215) 953-5214

Philadelphia Office

1500 JFK Blvd
Suite 1450
Philadelphia, PA 19102

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