Consumers purchase thousands of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications each day in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for approving these drugs before they enter the market; however, thousands of people have died as a result of taking FDA-approved drugs. Faulty testing practices and deliberate withholding of crucial clinical test information by drug manufacturers in order to get the drugs on the market are seemingly widespread.
Drug manufacturers should properly test their products before approval and adequately warn consumers about hazards and side effects on drug labels. In some cases, the side effects noted on a warning label outweigh the benefits a drug offers. Again, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer to properly warn consumers of any dangers the drug may pose, whether usage is short-term or long-term.
Dangerous drugs such as Vioxx ®, Bextra ® and various anti-depressants have caused many serious medical conditions including:
- Heart attack or congestive heart failure
- Strokes
- Depression and suicide
- Blood clots
- Cancer
- Birth defects
- Brain damage
