Frequently Asked Questions for Palm Beach Accident Lawyers
Q: Why is Actos still prescribed in Palm Beach if it is known to be harmful to patients?
A: Since many beneficial medications can be poisonous under certain circumstances, the US Food and Drug Administration may keep a potentially harmful medication on the market as long as it is clearly labeled. Until the FDA decides that a drug’s risks outweigh its benefits, physicians can still legally prescribe the medication in the U.S.
But how can a company keep its drug on the market when it knows the side effects are dangerous?
- FDA rules. Even if a company knows that their drug has the potential to do harm, they may still release the drug as long as a warning is included on the label. Although the warnings may reduce the number of users, it won’t suspend them altogether-meaning more profits for the pharmaceutical company.
- Study delay. While new drugs are required to be tested in clinical trials before their release, the studies can continue long after the drugs stay on the market. This way, patients can be tested for long-term effects. Unfortunately, long-term studies can take years-years that patients are suffering and the drug company continues to make money.
- Company priorities. The drug industry is run like many other businesses: they want to make their investors happy by increasing profit. When a company finds a best-selling drug, they will defend any argument against it for as long as possible because admitting fault means losing money.
Other countries have already taken steps to ban Actos due to increased risk of bladder cancer. This, combined with reports of liver problems and heart failure, may lead to a U.S. ban in the near future.
If you have experienced dangerous side effects while taking Actos in Florida, get the advice of a trusted Palm Beach Actos attorney. Call Fetterman & Associates today for your free consultation.
