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For many, taking a drug approved by the FDA brings feelings of safety and relief. After all, as patients, we assume that if a drug is on the market, it has been tested to the fullest extent and will not cause any unexpected side effects not listed on the label. No one wants to remain ill, so it is a comfort to take medicine with the intention of feeling better.

However, a recent report reveals that almost ⅓ of drugs approved by the FDA in the past 10 years have had new side effects emerge, years after the drug was released. The study evaluated all of the prescription drugs that were approved by the FDA between 2001 and 2010. Of the 222, there were 71 flagged with potential new dangers.

The dugs flagged included medications for depression, arthritis, infections and blood clots. Unfortunately, many of these flagged drugs are some of the most popular options on the market. Humira, Abilify and Pradaxa were given added warnings, while Bextra, Raptiva and Zelnorm were withdrawn completely.

Drug Testing: Too Fast and Furious?

In recent years, the FDA has been under increasing pressure to get new drugs tested and on the market as quickly as possible. The idea behind this is that patients deserve access to any potentially life-saving or life-changing drugs that are in the works. However, results from the study indicated that those drugs tested on an accelerated schedule were more likely to have safety issues later on than those that went through the traditional channels.

Holly Campbell, a spokeswoman for drug industry trade group PhRMA, noted that although they are committed to surveillance of new medicines on the market, it may be “impossible to detect certain safety signals until several years after approval, once the medicine is in broader use." So it seems that regardless of the way in which a drug was sent through testing, the risk for unexpected side effects may always exist.

That said, it is somewhat concerning to know that so many of the drugs created in the past decade could be more harm than help. It is always a good idea for individuals on prescription medication to speak with their doctor on a regular basis, with regards to how the drug is working. Open communication is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your health care providers are on the same page, as well as to monitor for unexpected symptoms and side effects.

As Tampa medical malpractice lawyers, we understand how concerning it can be to discover that the prescriptions you once depended upon are no longer safe for you to use. When this happens, you may be overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Rest assured, we are here to help. We have experience with a wide variety of medical malpractice cases and will not rest until you receive the justice you deserve.

So if you are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us.