Defective Drug Lawsuits: Information and Facts You Need to Know
If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects from a defective drug, you may have a product liability claim against the drug company. The Defective Drug Lawyers at the Strom Law Firm, L.L.C., have handled numerous cases against dangerous prescription drugs and medical devices. Contact our Defective Drug Lawyers as soon as possible so that we can begin taking steps to preserve evidence and your claim immediately.
Defective Drug Cases
We have represented individuals who have been injured through the use of the following defective drugs:
- Actos
- Byetta, Januvia, Janumet, & Victoza Diabetes Drug Therapy
- Eliquis
- Invokana
- Lexapro
- Lipitor
- Meridia
- Paxil
- Pradaxa
- Prozac
- Risperdal
- Androgel Testosterone Therapy
- Viagra
- Xarelto
- Zofran
- Zoloft
Actos (Pioglitazone)
Actos is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin. It belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones (TZDs). While it helps control blood sugar, Actos has been linked to potential risks, including weight gain, fluid retention, and a possible increased risk of bladder cancer and heart failure in some patients.
Byetta, Januvia, Janumet, & Victoza (Diabetes Drug Therapy)
These drugs are part of newer classes of medications for type 2 diabetes that work by improving insulin function or regulating blood sugar levels after meals. Byetta and Victoza are GLP-1 receptor agonists, while Januvia and Janumet (a combination of Januvia and metformin) are DPP-4 inhibitors. While effective for glucose control and sometimes aiding in weight loss, these drugs have been associated with pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, and gastrointestinal side effects in some users.
Eliquis (Apixaban)
Eliquis is a blood thinner (anticoagulant) used to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or pulmonary embolism (PE). It works by inhibiting Factor Xa, a protein involved in clot formation. Although effective, it can cause serious bleeding events, and there is no easily available reversal agent in emergencies.
Invokana (Canagliflozin)
Invokana is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by helping the kidneys remove glucose from the bloodstream through urine. It belongs to a class known as SGLT2 inhibitors. While it can aid in blood sugar control and even support heart and kidney health, Invokana has been linked to increased risks of amputations, diabetic ketoacidosis, urinary tract infections, and dehydration.
Lexapro (Escitalopram)
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Though generally well-tolerated, it may cause side effects such as drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, or weight gain, and can increase suicidal thoughts in young adults.
Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
Lipitor is one of the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications. It works by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver, helping to reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. While effective for heart health, Lipitor can cause muscle pain, liver enzyme changes, and rare cases of rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
Meridia (Sibutramine)
Meridia was a prescription weight-loss medication that suppressed appetite by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. However, it was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2010 due to increased risks of heart attack and stroke. Patients who once used Meridia were often advised to switch to safer alternatives for weight management.
Paxil (Paroxetine)
Paxil is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. It works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. Common side effects include nausea, sexual dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Paxil has also been linked to severe withdrawal symptoms and potential birth defects if used during pregnancy.
Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
Pradaxa is an oral anticoagulant that reduces the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. It works as a direct thrombin inhibitor, blocking a key enzyme involved in clot formation. While effective, Pradaxa has been associated with serious internal bleeding risks, especially before an antidote (Praxbind) became available.
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Prozac is one of the most well-known antidepressants, belonging to the SSRI class. It is used to treat depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It enhances serotonin activity in the brain, improving mood and energy levels. Common side effects include insomnia, nausea, and sexual side effects, though it’s generally considered safe and effective when monitored.
Risperdal (Risperidone)
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Risperdal can cause weight gain, drowsiness, and hormonal imbalances — notably elevated prolactin, which in men and boys can cause breast growth (gynecomastia).
AndroGel (Testosterone Therapy)
AndroGel is a topical testosterone replacement therapy used to treat men with low testosterone (hypogonadism). The gel is applied to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream. While it can restore energy, mood, and libido, it has been associated with increased risks of heart attack, stroke, and prostate enlargement, particularly in older men.
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. It works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which helps relax blood vessels. While effective, it can cause headaches, vision changes, or low blood pressure when combined with certain heart medications (like nitrates). It’s also sometimes prescribed for pulmonary hypertension.
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
Xarelto is a blood thinner similar to Eliquis, used to prevent and treat blood clots, DVT, PE, and reduce stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients. It inhibits Factor Xa to prevent clot formation. While convenient (no frequent blood tests), Xarelto carries a risk of uncontrolled bleeding and initially lacked a reversal agent, though one is now available.
Zofran (Ondansetron)
Zofran is an anti-nausea medication commonly prescribed to prevent vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. It works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain and gut. While generally safe, Zofran has been linked to heart rhythm issues and, when used during pregnancy, potential birth defects like cleft palate in some studies.
Zoloft (Sertraline)
Zoloft is another SSRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. It improves serotonin levels in the brain, enhancing mood and emotional balance. Side effects can include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Like other SSRIs, Zoloft carries a warning about potential suicidal thoughts in younger patients.
If you or someone you love was prescribed one of the above medications, contact us or give us a call today at 803-252-4800 for a free consultation.
Defective Drug Lawyers
There are many dangerous side effects for prescription drugs. Some Doctors and Pharmaceutical Companies are more concerned with profits than the health of the patients who take the drugs. As a result, sometimes companies will cut corners, and innocent people will get hurt. Under the South Carolina Defective Products Act, plaintiffs must prove:
- They were injured by the product,
- The product was in the same state at the time of the injury as it was when it left the company’s control, and
- The injury was a result of a defect that posed an unreasonable danger.
While many defective drug cases involve companies not located in South Carolina, that does not mean you will not be able to pursue a case. Give us a call today to learn more.