Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP Blog

FDA & Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs that are recalled by the FDA pose a lot of questions such as: why was the drug approved in the first place, why was it taken off the market, and for how long did the FDA know about the side effects? If the FDA approves a product that is later recalled because of ill side effects with use of the product, consequences should be warranted. When buying a product that is approved by the FDA, a consumer should have peace and mind. This is not the case when the popular drug Fen-Phen was approved by the FDA then later found to cause valvular heart damage and a deadly condition known as primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). Fen-Phen was used by many consumers as an appetite suppressant. Fen-Phen was very popular as a health kick invaded the United States in which people were trying to live a healthier lifestyle. However after using the product they did not end up any healthier, what they ended up with was severe medical problems. 

A prescription drug is different from an over the counter drug because a prescription drug is a licensed medicine that is regulated by legislation to require a prescription before it can be obtained. The whole reason for issuing a prescription is to regulate its use due to the fact that it can cause ill side effects. When the FDA approves a product, it gives its stamp of approval. People thus entrust their lives based on this stamp, and when it fails it fails big time. Other drugs such as Ancure, Baycol, Fosamax, and Ortho Evra just to name a few are all FDA approved drugs that have been recalled. People that have been prescribed these drugs have been affected in ways that they never imagined. Whether it is a first hand account or one of a family member or friend, recalled drugs play a big impact on people’s lives. The fatalities due to the use of these drugs have caused much pain and grief for the patients, family members, and friends.

Napoli Bern Ripka is extremely experienced in cases regarding recalled FDA approved drugs. They have successfully won their clients millions of dollars in damages due to the Fen-Phen recall. Due to pharmaceutical companies constantly pushing new products out on the market, these types of recalls are going to continue. Napoli Bern Ripka is more than willing to be the advocate for the public to stand up against large pharmaceutical conglomerates, insurance companies, and the government