What Should I do if My Medication is Recalled?

 Posted on December 09, 2017 in Defective Drugs & Treatments

When a drug on the market is determined to be dangerous in some way, it may be recalled. This can be because the drug was not advertised properly, because a specific batch or all of the drug available is contaminated or compromised, new side effects are discovered, or because the drug in the packages on the market is not the drug labeled on the packages. If a drug you currently take is recalled, stop taking it and contact your healthcare provider or local pharmacy for further instruction. Recalls exist to remove potentially harmful products from the market.

A defective drug claim is a type of personal injury claim. Through this type of claim, a victim can seek compensation for his or her medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages related to the use of a harmful drug. If you were given a drug after it was recalled or were harmed by taking a dangerous drug that should have been recalled, you could have grounds to file this type of claim.

Talk to Your Doctor

One of the most important steps to take when your drug is recalled is to speak with your doctor about it. If you recently took a dose, tell your doctor and monitor your symptoms. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and if necessary, prescribe another type of medication to you. In most cases, there is no need to panic. Drugs are often recalled for minor issues. However, do not ignore a recall; you could be at risk of suffering from a severe side effect as a result of taking the drug, so be sure you are aware of its risks and in contact with your doctor.

Discard Any Remaining Doses Safely

Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the disposal of your remaining doses of the recalled drug. He or she may ask you to return the drug to the office or to the pharmacy where it was dispensed. Other safe ways to dispose of medication include mixing them with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing the mixture in a plastic bag, then throwing it in the trash.

Always Stay on Top of Recalls

Check recalls.gov regularly to see which medications and other consumer products have been recalled. Another way to ensure that you are educated about the latest recalls is to sign up for an email newsletter so all news about medication recalls is delivered to your inbox.

Work with an experienced Arlington Heights Defective Drug Attorney

If you were harmed by a dangerous or defective drug or medical device, contact our team at Newland & Newland, LLP today to set up your initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team has many successful settlements under our belt and if you work with us, we will work hard to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your damages. Get started today by contacting our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Jonathan Perez)