FDA Shows Number of Drug Recalls in the US has Skyrocketed
According to new data released by the Food and Drug Administration, the number of drug recalls has grown considerably in the last few years, with 2014 on track to hold the record for most drug recalls in one year.
So far, 2014 has seen 836 drug recalls. Class I drug recalls – involving serious consequences and potentially death to the user – made up 101 of those recalls; there were 640 Class II recalls, defined as drugs that could cause temporary or mild personal injury; and Class III recalls – in which the volatile product is unlikely to cause harm, but might – made up just 95 of those drug recalls.
In 2013, the official worst year so far, the FDA tallied 1,225 drug recalls, most of which were Class II. However, in 2012, there were only 499 drug recalls total; in 2011, there were 444 drug recalls; and in 2010, the FDA tallied a mere 246.
The FDA has not stated what could drive the rise of drug recalls in the country, with Class II recalls in particular experiencing a sudden surge. However, some analysts suggest that the crackdown on compounding pharmacies, beginning with the massive drug recall for the New England Compounding Center, or NECC, because of wide-spread reports of fungal meningitis stemming from the company’s steroidal injections. After much debate, in November 2013, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law allowing for regulation of compounding pharmacies. After the bill was passed, numerous compounding pharmacies were forced to recall their injections due to potential microbial contamination, much like other food and drug manufacturers.
The number of drug recalls also does not take into account the amount of product being recalled. A lot of 100,000 pills recalled due to life-threatening side-effects is treated the same in the drug recall tally as a drug recall covering one box of a dietary supplement.
Regardless of the numbers’ breakdown, statistically, the FDA waits for pharmaceutical companies to issue voluntary drug recalls, which companies may not always do in time, aiming for higher profits at the expense of their patients. Many dangerous side effects of drugs such as Xarelto, Actos, Lipitor, or Granuflo & Naturalyte, are not discovered until patients have become ill or died.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Dangerous Drug Injury Cases
Every year, approximately 200,000 Americans die from prescription drug reactions. While the U.S. government pours billions of dollars into illegal drug interdiction every year, more Americans die from legal, prescription drugs than illegal ones.
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, herbal supplement, vitamin, or defective medical device, and a drug recall was not issued in time, 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.
