Pharma Companies Facing Legal Issues Due to Harmful Medicines

Modern medicine is one of the health industry’s pillars. Medication helps manage and cure multiple illnesses, which is why around 6.7 billion prescriptions were issued to Americans in 2022. However, at times, the medicine that’s supposed to cure you ends up causing some or other health issues for the patient.

The National Library of Medicine notes that medication errors are the top cause of death in the U.S., surpassing the number of deaths caused by motor accidents.  Knowing the grave side effects of the medicines prescribed to you and how to prevent any mishap is crucial.

In this article, we will discuss common medications that may affect your health adversely and manufacturers facing legal issues in this context. 

1. Indivior – Suboxone

The FDA issued a warning in 2022 about the dental health implications of buprenorphine medicines. According to the warning, these medicines cause oral infections, tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss in patients. Suboxone is one such medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction.

Suboxone helps reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms in patients. While it is one of the most effective opioid addiction treatments, it causes dry mouth, reduced saliva production, enamel erosion, and more. According to Trulaw, buprenorphine medicines like Suboxone impact pH levels in the mouth, leading to tooth decay.

Following a few tips can help manage the side effects of Suboxone. Staying hydrated is crucial to stimulating saliva production and combating dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gums stimulates saliva flow and neutralizes the acids in the mouth. Lastly, regular dental check-ups are necessary for early detection and treatment before dental conditions become severe.

In the U.S., a Suboxone lawsuit has been filed against Indivior, the medicine’s manufacturer. You may be wondering, can I still apply for a Suboxone lawsuit? The answer is yes if you have been taking Suboxone for at least six months before suffering tooth decay. Consulting with a professional Suboxone lawyer is a must to determine whether you qualify for filing the lawsuit.

2. Hetero Labs and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical – Valsartan

According to the American Heart Association, 122.4 million, or nearly 50% of U.S. adults are likely to have hypertension. One of the most effective medications used to manage hypertension and reduce cardiovascular risks is Valsartan. The medicine, sold as Diovan or Prexxartan, is used alone or in combination with other drugs.

However, around 20 companies, with Hetero Labs and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical being the main culprits, are facing legal battles. This is because some batches of Valsartan have been found to contain NitrosoDimethylamine (NDMA) and Nitroso Diethylamine (NDEA).

These are known carcinogens causing hypertension patients to develop several types of cancer.  There are claims of patients developing colon cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and more because of Valsartan.

3. Bayer Corporation – Trasylol, Avelox, and Baycol

Bayer Corporation and its pharmaceutical subsidiaries, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bayer HealthCare LLC, and Bayer AG, were sued for wrongful marketing of three drugs. These are Trasylol, Avelox, and Baycol. The company had to pay $40 million to settle allegations surrounding these three drugs.

According to the lawsuit filed in the District of New Jersey filed by a former employee of Bayer, the company falsely marketed these drugs as off-label and downplayed the dangers. Bayer also allegedly paid illicit commissions to hospitals and medical professionals to use Trasylol and Avelox.

These two medicines are known to cause severe health issues, including heart conditions, nerve damage, tendon problems, etc. Baycol, on the other hand, causes rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition that disintegrates muscles, leading to muscle death. 

4. Eli Lilly – Prozac

According to Statista, 24% of women and 11% of men in the U.S. were being treated for depression in 2023. The most common treatment for managing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders is antidepressants. However, while crucial for mental health, these medicines can cause dependency and even lead to suicide.

One of the most common antidepressants is Prozac, manufactured by Eli Lilly, also known as the happy pill. However, contrary to its nickname, the drug has a dark side to it. Prozac has been associated with violent behavior, suicides, and even an increased risk of birth defects.

If the latest study is to be believed, there has been a 64% growth in antidepressant prescriptions for young adults since 2020. It means a massive chunk of the population is at risk of developing suicidal thoughts, which is very concerning.

According to Drugwatch, U.S. courts have heard more than 300 lawsuits related to Prozac. The manufacturer has paid around $50 million to settle around 30 lawsuits.

Maintaining a chronic condition should not come at the cost of other health issues. It’s essential to be aware of the potential health effects of the medications and discuss them with your healthcare professional to monitor any possible side effects and maintain optimal health. Also, awareness regarding the negligent pharma companies puts you on a safer ground.