Many prescription drugs on the market are inherently dangerous. You can take these drugs precisely the way your doctor tells you to and still suffer adverse effects. In the worst situations, these adverse effects can be life-altering and even life-ending.
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, handles cases involving injuries from prescription drugs. Over the years, we have worked with many clients who suffered injury from doing nothing more than taking their medicine as instructed by their doctors. In working with clients, we have noticed that several drugs keep coming up over-and-over in cases involving serious injury and death. In our opinion, the following five drugs are the most dangerous prescription drugs on the market.
GranuFlo
GranuFlo is a concentrated acid used in dialysis solutions. Manufactured by the largest dialysis provider in the world, Fresenius Health Care, GranuFlo has been prescribed to thousands of patients around the world.
But many patients across the country have experienced complications from GranuFlo, and this has led to thousands of lawsuits against Fresenius. Specifically, the lawsuits allege that the drug causes too much carbon dioxide to accumulate in patients’ blood. When this happens, several dangerous conditions can result, including the following:
- Low potassium
- Low oxygen levels in the blood
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sudden cardiac arrest
NaturaLyte
Similar to GranuFlo, NaturaLyte is another acid concentrate used in dialysis. It is also a product of Fresenius and has developed a track record of being a dangerous and even deadly drug. Thousands of patients currently have active, pending lawsuits alleging adverse effects suffered by themselves or their loved ones while on NaturaLyte.
The types of injuries suffered by NaturaLyte patients are the same as those alleged by GranuFlo patients, and they are listed in the preceding section.
Invokana
Invokana, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is the brand name for canagliflozin, a compound used to treat low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by removing sugar from the kidneys via the urine.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Invokana can produce potentially devastating side-effects in users, particularly in those with longstanding diabetes. Specifically, the drug has been linked to an increased risk of leg and foot amputations.
In a 2017 statement released by the FDA, the organization concluded that the rise in amputation risk from taking Invokana might be as high as twofold in certain patients.
Some doctors have downplayed these risks, stating that the correlation between Invokana use and amputations does not automatically imply a cause-and-effect link. From our observations of clients, though, the FDA’s warning definitely has merit, and patients should be highly cautious about taking Invokana.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, aim to relieve heartburn by blocking acid. They work by suppressing the acid produced by the glands that line the inside of the stomach. Although many people who suffer from chronic heartburn have come to view them as a miracle cure, PPIs have been linked to several scary health conditions that far exceed the inconvenience and discomfort posed by heartburn.
Specifically, according to WebMD, PPIs are associated with an elevated risk of dementia, kidney disease, and heart attacks. Doctors have suggested that the dangers of PPIs stem from the fact that many of the bacteria they suppress are essential to the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and minerals and to rid itself of harmful bacteria.
With PPIs being among the 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States, we have seen and heard from many patients who have suffered the adverse effects described above.
Abilify
is the brand name for Aripiprazole, an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia in patients 13 years and older. It is also sometimes prescribed for major depressive disorder and for irritability associated with autism.
A currently pending lawsuit against the manufacturer claims that Abilify causes compulsive behaviors in users, particularly gambling, spending money, binge eating, and hypersexual behavior.
We have heard from several patients who either use the drug or have loved ones who use it, and who allege they have experienced these harmful effects.
If You or Your Loved One Suffered Adverse Effects From a Bad Drug, Call The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, works with patients who have suffered bad drug injuries. We fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. If you have suffered harm from any of the most dangerous prescription drugs on the market listed here, contact us.
To speak with a member of our team, call 571-229-1800 today.
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