Why Drugs Get Pulled from the Market

A drug is removed from the market when its risks outweigh its benefits. This typically occurs when a safety hazard cannot be corrected, such as when it is discovered that the drug can cause serious side effects that were not known at the time of approval. However, completely removing a unique product from the market could be very dangerous to people who depend on the drug. So, decisions to remove products from the market are made very carefully, especially if people would be in danger without the product.

Market Withdrawal vs. Recall

Manufacturers may decide to simply withdraw a drug from the market. These "market withdrawals" (sometimes called "product withdrawals") are not recalls, since existing drugs on the market do not have to be returned. Instead, the manufacturer simply stops distributing a drug. This gradually removes a drug from the market by cutting off its supply.

Market withdrawals tend to be business decisions. A manufacturer may conclude that falling sales revenue makes selling a drug unprofitable, or that a rise in product liability lawsuits has damaged the brand and is hurting the company's public image. Ceasing to sell a drug can remove it from the market without attracting the attention of an actual recall.

Accutane and Birth Defects

Accutane is a prescription drug used to treat serious forms of cystic acne, one of the most common forms of skin disease. While there are clear benefits to the use of Accutane, for decades the drug has been known to cause birth defects when used by pregnant women. In addition, a number of recent lawsuits have claimed a link between the acne drug and depressive or suicidal behavior.

Depo-Provera Health Risks

Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that has been linked to various health risks. Women who are under the age of 35 and who began taking the drug in the last five years may face a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer. There's also a risk of patients developing blood clots, which can potentially lead to a pulmonary embolism or stroke. While all medications have certain anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to make its products as reasonably safe as possible, and to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held legally responsible for any injuries that result from the product defect.

How a Products Liability Attorney Can Help

If you or a loved one experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while using pharmaceuticals, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also want to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries. An experienced products liability attorney can help to guide you through the negotiation and settlement process. Your attorney can help you determine your damages, secure evidence of your losses, and advise you on different settlement options. To get started, at absolutely no charge, have an experienced products liability lawyer evaluate your claim today.