Report Defective Medical Device Complaints via MedWatcher App

 Posted on December 10, 2013 in Defective Medical Devices

If you have ever experienced painful side effects due to a defective medical device, drug or vaccination, you are not alone. Consumer Reports notes that “tens of millions of Americans live with medical devices implanted in their bodies,” including artificial joints, heart defibrillators and surgical mesh. And while Americans may assume that these devices have been tested for safety and effectiveness, Consumer Reports indicates that this is rarely the case. However, there is a free mobile app that allows you to report any device or drug problems and complaints directly to the FDA.

The MedWatcher app, available in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, is the only app that allows users to track and report negative side effects, obtain recalls, and receive government safety alerts. Users also receive reports of the side effects submitted by other users, thus helping to make medical products safer for everyone.

The FDA encourages healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers “to report serious adverse events that might be associated with a medical device, especially events that are not listed in the product labeling. 'Serious' means fatalities, hospitalizations, and medically significant events.” Reports of therapeutic failures where devices failed to work properly, uncertainties in product names, directions for use or packaging, and other product quality issues such as “suspected counterfeit products, defective components, potential contamination, device malfunctions and poor packaging” are also encouraged to be reported.

Users can rest assured knowing that the MedWatcher app does not store personal information from their mobile device or any adverse event reports once submitted. This prevents personal medical information collected by the app and sent to the FDA from being stored on the phone after the report has been submitted.

While the MedWatcher app is a useful tool for sharing and reporting problems and side effects, it may not be enough. If you or someone you know has experienced the painful side effects of a defective drug or medical device, contact an experienced Illinois Defective Medical Device Attorney today to begin the process of filing your claim, as you may be entitled to damages and compensation.