What You Should Know About Drug Recalls and Drug Warnings

The beginning of 2012 has seen multiple cases of drug recall and drug alert warnings, and as a consumer in the health industry, one should be aware of the products that may be potentially damaging to your health. Here are some examples of why drug recalls and warnings must be taken seriously, for both the consumers and health providers:

• Johnson & Johnson recently recalled over 50,000 Duragesic Pain patches, since these patches were found to contain crystals of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a powerful narcotic that relieves chronic pain for 3 days at most when delivered in the form of a patch. It is also highly addictive. These Duragesic Pain patches had gel infused with fentanyl; designed to relieve a painful area of the body by seeping through the skin. However, upon closer investigation, it was found that Fentanyl could actually be harmful if in direct contact with the epidermis. Further, the patch may deliver a fatal overdose to the user if not applied properly.

• A Class I recall was issued by FDA for General Electric ventilators, most of which were used to keep patients’ respiration up by delivering mechanical breathing. However, it was found that these ventilators actually had the potential to deliver excessive doses of anesthesia. These levels were found to produce low blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, irregular and difficult breathing, and lower heart rates. These effects, when left unattended, could lead to circulatory shock and possible death.

• Though not yet recalled, the FDA has issued a black box warning for the use of Lexapro; a prescription drug for treating depression and anxiety disorders. It has been found that the use of the drug in children, teens, and young adults may actually lead to an increase in suicidal idealization and behavior. Further, it was found that after the first dosage, patients were prone to experience symptoms like the tendency to act on dangerous impulses, attempts to end one’s life, agitation, insomnia, manic behavior, restlessness, worsening anxiety and depression, irritability, mood swings, unusual behavior, anxiousness, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, increased appetite, etc.

Interestingly, the improvements in the drug industry have also been paralleled by an increased amount of drug and product recalls. While these recalls are undeniably issued for public safety, it is said that the increasing number of recalls may cause something called “recall fatigue/complacency”. This effect is said to involve a number of behaviors that are counterproductive to ones safety, such as ignoring safety information issued by the U.S. FDA or a manufacturer of the product being recalled, or the continual usage of a drug declared to be dangerous or recalled.

St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers

If you feel that you or someone you love has a personal injury case, contact the St. Louis personal injury lawyers of Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 588-7200.

photo credit: plasticcrevolver