Recalls Of Pharmaceutical Drugs

In the past decade, the public has been warned about the recall of numerous pharmaceutical drugs. For many families affected by these drugs, the warnings come too late. Frequently, a recall is only announced after many "adverse reactions" are reported. The recalls are familiar, Fen-Phen™ a diet drug combination that promised weight loss but often cost a loss of life or health. Baycol™, a cholesterol lowering statin – determined to lack effectiveness at normal doses, but causing serious health consequences at higher doses.

The list goes on and questions continue over the use of: PPA™, Rezulin™, Meridia™, Vioxx™ and Serzone™. Some of the products have been subject to recall, others are under investigation.

In a product recall, a product is completely pulled off of the market. Recalls may be initiated by the manufacturer, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority. There are three levels of product recall. A Class I recall is announced when there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the recalled product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. A Class II recall occurs where the use of or exposure to the recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. A Class III recall is a situation in which use of or exposure to the recalled product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.

A market withdrawal occurs when a product is implicated with a minor violation that would not be subject to FDA legal action. In that situation, the manufacturer removes the product from the market or corrects the violation.

If you or a family member have taken a medication that was subject to a recall, it is critical to contact your health care provider to determine the steps you should take in protecting your health. If you seek legal advice related to any claim you might have, please contact us.

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Kahn Gauthier Swick, LLC has its principal office at 650 Poydras St. Suite 2150, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130. Lewis Kahn is the attorney responsible for this site. Mr. Kahn may be reached at 504-455-1400.

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