Medical Conditions

Side Effects Caused by Defective Drugs & Medical Devices

Prescription drugs and medical devices are supposed to treat illnesses and injuries. They should provide relief from discomfort and improve the patient's condition, but this does not always occur. Patients may be seriously injured or may lose their lives as the result of a dangerous drug or defective medical device. The side effects caused by these products may vary drastically depending on the type of drug or device as well as the patient's condition, but we have highlighted a few of the most common:

Birth Defects / Pregnancy Complications

Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to serious side effects caused by dangerous prescription drugs. Serious birth defects and pregnancy complications have been linked to various medications, including Zoloft and other SSRIs and Accutane. Our pharmaceutical litigation attorneys are experienced in taking on cases of this kind. We are dedicated to helping children born with birth defects, such as persistent pulmonary hypertension, that have been caused by dangerous drugs and use our resources and knowledge to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the medical care that the child may require through his or her entire life.

Suicide

SSRIs such as Zoloft and Prozac have been linked to suicidal thoughts and tendencies in various patients, particularly in teens and adolescents. Accutane has also been linked to suicide. In these matters, taking legal action may be an option to consider. The manufacturers of these dangerous drugs should be held liable when patients take or attempt to take their own lives because of the medication they are on.

Bone, Nerve and Tissue Injuries

Metal on metal hip implants were created to provide a better solution for those in need of hip replacement surgery. Unfortunately, these caused more harm than good in the long run. DePuy hip implants in particular were found to cause bone, nerve and tissue damage. Numerous patients have had to undergo surgery again to replace the defective implants.

Heart Attacks

If your loved one has suffered from a heart attack, it is important to know what medications he or she was taking around the time of the attack. Some of the commonly prescribed medicines have been proven to greatly increase the risk for heart attacks by prolonging the heart's PTc intervals. You may consider taking legal action on the behalf of your loved one.

Organ Damage

Some prescription drugs may cause damage to the key organs that allow a body to function. This may include liver damage, brain damage, heart problems, kidney damage and lung damage. The extent of injury will typically depend on the type of drug as well as the dosage amount and the length of time that the patient was taking it. Accutane, for example, has been linked to liver and heart problems.

Erosion

Transvaginal mesh implants were developed to offer women a solution when dealing with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, but these devices have been linked to serious side effects. Mesh erosion is one such side effect, which may result in a return of pelvic prolapse, bleeding or even organ perforation.

Pharmaceutical Injury Lawyer

Irrespective of the particular type or severity of side effects experienced, you may have grounds for a lawsuit if you were injured by a defective drug or medical device. Our legal team handles a wide range of cases of this kind and is prepared to see how we can assist you.

Contact a pharmaceutical injury lawyer today for more information about side effects and medical conditions caused by defective medical products and dangerous drugs.