Maligned Pharmaceutical Manufacturer J&J Issues Drug Recall for Contraceptives from 43 Countries
Johnson & Johnson is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world. Recently, they have come under heavy fire for several defective products, including transvaginal mesh, all-metal hip implants, and a variety of drugs, that cause severe side effects that lead to personal injury, disability, and sometimes death. They have had to issue product and drug recalls for over 40 products in the last four years alone.
The latest in a slew of personal injury concerns comes in the form of a massive drug recall issued by the manufacturer. J&J has issued a drug recall for their contraceptive Cilest, a birth control pill. They are yanking 32 million boxes of the drug off pharmacy shelves in 43 countries, because the active ingredient dissolves too slowly into the body, which decreases the contraceptive effect.
“The risk to women is considered to be very low as there is no impact on the safety or efficacy of the product,” a J&J spokeswoman wrote. The company added that the drug recall is a voluntary measure, taking place at the wholesale and pharmacy level, and the recall does not affect the US. J&J’s spokeswoman added that there is a “very low” risk that the flawed tablets could cause unplanned pregnancies.
The drug recall specifically covers 179 batches, with each batch containing 180,000 boxes at the consumer level. J&J stated that 800,000 boxes of the effective version of the drug remain available at the consumer level.
Companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals are required to hold back a sample from each lot they produce for periodic stability and safety testing. J&J noted that the two-year-old packages had been fine and worked properly, but tests last month showed that the latest batches were not releasing female hormone as they should.
Cilest has been distributed in Europe, Asia, and Latin America since 2011. It has not made its way to the US.
Litigation Against Defective Birth Control and Improper Drug Recalls
Birth control medications were established in the 1960’s. Since that time, there have only been four main types of progestin used. However, because the progestin is new, there is not a lot of information to support claims that the hormone is safe when used in combination with estrogen to prevent pregnancy.
Birth control uses chemicals similar to the female body’s hormones to help prevent pregnancy, but the drugs walk a fine line between ineffectiveness and terrible side effects. Drug recalls for other forms of birth control including Yaz hormone pills and Mirena IUD’s have led to personal injury lawsuits, as the companies did not recognize consumer complaints quickly enough.
Consumers that have been harmed by defective products such as drugs, medical devices, or other products, may be eligible to receive legal remedies. Such legal remedies, or damages, may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of physical capacity, pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Punitive damages are also available in many jurisdictions to punish defendants in those cases involving particularly egregious conduct which demonstrates a reckless or wanton disregard for the safety of the public.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Improper Drug Recall Personal Injury Cases
If you or a loved one have been injured or died as a result of a dangerous drug given with a prescription, over the counter medication, improper drug recall, or defective medical device, you need an experienced pharmaceutical liability law firm which is able to stand up for your rights, and seek justice on your behalf.
The dangerous drug personal injury lawyers at The Strom Law Firm, LLC are at the forefront of the fight to protect the public, and will stand up for your rights against the big drug and insurance companies. We will fight to ensure that you and your loved ones receive the justice you deserve. Contact our defective drug and wrongful death attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case as well as your legal rights. 803.252.4800.
