What You Should Know About Medication Recalls

You call your pharmacy to refill your regular prescriptions and discover that one of your medications has been recalled. You’ve been taking the same drug for several years. Now you are worried. Was the medication harmful? Should you stop taking it immediately? How do you find a replacement? What should you do with the pills you have left? Here’s a guide to help you if you are experiencing a medication recall and what you can do to protect yourself.

What if my doctor or pharmacy makes a medication error?

Medication errors, also called “adverse drug events,” account for approximately 700,000 emergency room visits and 100,000 hospitalizations. In addition, many patients in hospitals and nursing homes fall victim to injurious medication mistakes.

Here are some examples of medication errors that can cause serious harm to a patient:

• The doctor prescribes the wrong medication or the wrong dosage
• The pharmacy dispenses the wrong drug or dosage 
• The doctor and/or pharmacist fail to check for potential interactions with the patient’s existing medications
• A doctor fails to take a complete medical history and prescribes a drug the patient is allergic to

What is a medication recall?

Medications are approved and released on the U.S. market after extensive testing by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The drugs are tested for a number of factors, including safety, effectiveness and side effects. However, sometimes a problem is discovered after a drug has been on the market for a period of time. When this happens, FDA officials may recall the medication in question. In addition, drug manufacturers may recall their own products after becoming aware of an issue. Prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medications are subject to recalls.

What are the most common reasons for a medication recall?

Drugs may be recalled because of various factors. Here are some examples:

• Contamination

Medications may become contaminated during the manufacturing, packaging or distribution processes. In most cases, the drug will remain on the market while the affected batches are recalled.

• Incorrect or confusing packaging, instructions or labeling

A medication may be recalled because the dosing directions or labeling information is incomplete or misleading. These drugs will usually return to the market once these issues are corrected.

• Adverse side effects or other health hazards are found after the drug is released

Sometimes an ingredient contained in a drug is found to be harmful, either to the general public or to those with certain medical conditions. Furthermore, a previously unknown side effect or dangerous drug interaction 

Where can I find information on recalled medications?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website has a complete list of medication recalls that is updated regularly.

Consumers can sign up for the FDA’s Recall Subscription List at https://www.recalls.gov/medicine.html to receive alerts about drug recalls.

What should I do if my medication is recalled?

• Stop taking the drug immediately
• Contact your doctor about prescribing a different medication for your condition
• If the drug was over-the-counter, ask your doctor to recommend an alternative
• Ask your pharmacist whether you can receive a refund for the unused portion
• If the pharmacist cannot issue a refund, contact the drug manufacturer
• Safely store the unused medication until you can take it to your pharmacy or local police station. Don’t flush medicines down the toilet.

A medication error is a form of medical malpractice. If you suffered harm because a doctor or pharmacy made a mistake with your medication, contact us now. Our experienced legal team is working remotely to win you the compensation you deserve.

Medical malpractice law is complicated, but finding the right lawyer is simple.

Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free no-obligation consultation from the safety of your home.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-a-drug-recall#1

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-recalls

https://www.recalls.gov/medicine.html

https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/medication-errors-and-adverse-drug-events#targetText=A%20medication%20error%20is%20an,of%20exposure%20to%20a%20medication.