We trust our medications are safe. They should be. After all, the medications we use are approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Yet, some prescription medications cause tremendous personal injuries or deaths to patients. In some cases, drug companies withhold research or even mislead the FDA into approving their products. When that happens, doctors and patients only learn the truth after years of needless suffering.
In recent years, we’ve learned that some common medications may actually cause cancer. I’ll give three recent examples of popular medications linked to cancer — two from current investigations by our firm and one from a prior case. With some medications, we must ask: Does the harm of some medications far outweigh their benefit?
Belviq (Current Cases)
In May 2020, I wrote an article that raised questions about Belviq and cancer injuries. You can read my recent Belviq personal injury article here:
In my article, I provide a history of Belviq and how it was marketed to patients as a weight loss drug. The history of Belviq and its FDA approval is a sad story. The FDA approved Belviq in 2012 based on very limited clinical trials. And, the manufacturer even withdrew its application in Europe where approval was unlikely. At the time, serious safety questions existed. Why are our safety standards less than other developed nations? Within a year, investigative researchers were raising more questions and asking if Belviq was worth the risk.
For eight years, innocent patients used Belviq with no knowledge of the serious cancer injury concerns. For eight years, innocent doctors prescribed Belviq with no knowledge of the serious cancer injury concerns. Both doctors and their patients relied on the safety information approved by the FDA. Finally, in February 2020, the FDA asked Belviq’s manufacturer to remove the drug from the market. How many patients suffered needlessly during those years? Since the February 2020 FDA pronouncement, we have been investigating claims involving Belviq and potential personal injury in Alabama consumers.
Zantac (Ranitidine) (Current Cases)
In the last few months, I’ve written several articles about Zantac and the risk of multiple cancers. I wrote a long report detailing the history, science and potential cancer risks of Zantac which you can read on our website at this link:
I believe it’s important for consumers to understand how dangerous drugs are approved, sold and used. So, I tried to provide detailed information in my report. As I’ve followed the research and legal developments related to Zantac, I’ve also written a couple shorter blog posts. They are:
In recent weeks, I’ve spoken with numerous Alabama consumers suffering cancer after long-standing Zantac use. Ranitidine (the generic name of the medication in Zantac) actually breaks down into the highly carcinogenic compound NDMA when exposed to heat, time or enzymes in the human body. What does that mean? That means the drug itself becomes carcinogenic in the human body when used as intended. You can read more about NDMA in my lengthy report. NDMA is highly toxic. In my report, I list several agencies that have labeled the compound as carcinogenic.
Researchers continue to study Ranitidine. As this research progresses, more and more cancers appear to be associated with the medication. In April 2020, the FDA finally requested all Ranitidine manufacturers withdraw their products from the market. Yet, it’s too late for many people. Zantac has been one of the worlds biggest selling drugs since the 1980s. Zantac has been sold without a prescription since 1996. How many patients used Zantac in Alabama and across the United States? We believe many Alabama consumers may have been exposed to dangerous levels of carcinogenic NDMA through the long-term use of Zantac (Ranitidine).
Actos (Prior Cases)
Actos. Takeda Pharmaceuticals made Actos for patients with diabetes. In Alabama and across the United States, Actos became a best-selling drug. In Alabama, diabetes is a serious health issue. Once the drug was approved by the FDA as safe, many doctors began prescribing it to their patients. But, patients taking the medication suddenly began developing bladder cancers. Many of these patients had no risk factors for the disease.
We represented several Alabama patients who suffered bladder cancer injury after consuming Actos. With Actos, investigations revealed Takeda may have even concealed negative tests from the government and medical community. How many innocent physicians prescribed Actos to their patients based on the company’s representations to the FDA? How many innocent patients took the medication and developed bladder cancer?
You can read a couple of our earlier blog articles on this topic. They are:
We approached our Takeda cases seriously (as we do all our cases). That means we knew all our clients personally, every single one of them. At our firm, we meet and talk with our clients. We prepare them as the case progresses. We study all the details of their medical information. And, we take every step possible to build their case. We believe our personal and work-intensive approach benefits our clients. In the Actos cases, I personally met with the urologists who prescribed the drug to our clients. Eventually, the Actos cases settled. But, Actos is not the only drug that causes more harm than good. And, it’s certainly not the only drug that may cause cancer injuries.
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Our Huntsville law firm focuses on Alabama accident and injury cases. We ONLY practice personal injury law so we can spend 100% of our time preparing client cases and studying legal issues. Our personal injury and accident cases include dangerous drug and medical device injuries. If you have questions about a defective product injury, let us know. We are happy to discuss your issues. Consultations are always free and confidential.
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