Many people are seriously injured and die every year from both adverse reactions and side effects that are associated with prescription medications. Drug manufacturers are legally responsible for marketing medications that are safe to use by the general public. The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) is the federal agency that is responsible for assessing the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs before they are sold to the public.
However, even FDA approved drugs may still cause harmful side effects that cannot be identified during the approval process. Additionally, harmful effects can result from errors in the administration of medications. Harmful effects may also result if a person is taking more than one medication at a time, due to the interaction of drugs in the body.
When a person is injured because of a prescription medication, they may need to file a prescription drug lawsuit. Doing so can help them receive compensation from either healthcare providers or the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the drug.
What Are Some Drugs That Are Considered To Be Unsafe?
A high alert drug or medication (“HAM”) is a medication associated with an increased risk of causing significant harm if it is used in a way other than exactly as prescribed. These high-alert medications are dangerous due to small changes in the dose given. They are also dangerous in that certain levels of the drug in a person’s blood can result in critical events. The adverse events that can be caused by error in the administration of HAMs are persistent, life threatening, or even permanent. As such, they can lead to disability, hospitalization, or death.
It is important to note that these drugs are different from over-the-counter-drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. While these medications can be misused, a small variance in the amount taken would not be possibly life-threatening.
HAMs are different in that small differences in the amount that is given can be critical, and could even result in death. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has three categories of high-risk medications according to the settings in which they are used:
- Medications that are high alert medications in community or ambulatory care settings;
- Medications that are high alert medications in acute care settings; and
- Medications that are high alert medications in long-term care settings.
Some examples of HAMs include:
- Anticoagulants: Anticoagulants are blood thinners, such as warfarin and heparin. As they are used to treat blood clots, they are used for such conditions as venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Too much of an anticoagulant can be life-threatening, so it is important to take only as much as is prescribed. It is also important to take it on a strictly regular dosing schedule, neither missing a dose or taking more than a dose at one time;
- Insulin: As a prescribed treatment for diabetes, it must be taken as prescribed, as there are numerous risks associated with taking insulin;
- Opiates and narcotics: OxyContin, hydrocodone, and methadone are opioids which carry a high risk of addiction. When taken in excess, this can result in death by overdose;
- Injectable Potassium Chloride or Phosphate Concentrate: These medications treat electrolyte imbalances, they do but require monitoring and careful supervision for administration; and/or
- Potassium and Other Electrolytes: These medications are used to regulate electrolytes, but can also be dangerous if they are not used correctly and with supervision.
All of these medications are potentially life-saving treatments when they are prescribed correctly, and are administered strictly as directed by a physician’s prescription. However, if used incorrectly and not as directed, their effects could be life-threatening.
Various kinds of monitoring may be necessary for regular use of these medications. In hospitals and long-term care settings, there are specific protocols for administering these medications in order to avoid mistakes. If a person or their relative is taking medication that is included on the HAM list, they should review the treatment with their doctor in order to ensure that all required protocols are followed during administration of the medication.
It is important to note that it is not only drugs on the HAMs list that can injure a person. All medications have the potential for undesirable side-effects, even when they are used properly. Additionally, interactions between different drugs can result in serious health consequences.
What Is Star Anise?
Star Anise is a fruit that is naturally grown on Asian evergreen trees. It is commonly used in Asian foods and teas. There are two types of Star Anise:
- Those that come from Japan (Illicium anisatum); and
- Those that come from China (Illicium verum).
When cooked thoroughly, Star Anise generally poses no threat to your health, and it has long been used to treat colic in children. However, when brewed incorrectly in teas, nervous system problems have been associated with Star Anise. The Japanese version has been long recognized as being toxic, but it is considerably difficult to distinguish from the Chinese-grown Star Anise.
Star Anise can have severe effects on the nervous system. Seizures, violent vomiting, and other neurological problems have been associated with Star Anise. However, these severe side effects are more common in young children.
The FDA is conducting further testing in order to determine the exact nature of the Star Anise. Because it is considerably difficult to determine the difference between the known toxic Japanese versions and the safer Chinese grown crops, especially when it is ground for tea, the FDA recommends that you should avoid all teas containing Star Anise. If you have suffered any effects that might be attributable to Star Anise, you should contact your doctor immediately.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured By Star Anise?
If you feel that the HAM-listed drugs that you may be taking are having an adverse effect on your health, you should discuss the issue with the doctor who prescribes that specific medication. Additionally, if you believe that you have already experienced adverse effects from taking HAMs, or any other prescription medication, you should consult with an unsafe drugs lawyer. This would be a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice, and/or product liability lawsuits.
A malpractice or products liability lawyer will analyze the facts of your case in order to determine whether any adverse effects are the result of an error on the part of the doctor or other health care provider when prescribing the medication. Or, they may determine that the medication itself is defective in some way, and that the fault lies with the pharmaceutical company that made the medication.
You can also report adverse drug reactions to the MedWatch program of the FDA, which exists to receive reports of:
- Serious reactions;
- Product quality problems;
- Therapeutic failure; and
- Product use errors with medical products for people.
The types of products that can be reported include:
- Drugs;
- Biologic products;
- Medical devices;
- Dietary supplements;
- Infant formula; and
- Cosmetics.
If a doctor prescribed the medication that you wish to report, you should ask them to assist with the report. However, if you do not wish to involve your doctor for whatever reason, you are absolutely able to fill out the form on your own. You may also consult an attorney about making a report to the MedWatch program, as the FDA acknowledges receipt of these reports. .
It is important to note that reporting adverse experiences with medications to the MedWatch program may be helpful for the purpose of improving regulation of medications by the FDA. However, it is not a way to receive damages for any injury that the medication may have caused; that would require filing a lawsuit.
Do I Need A Lawyer For Help With Issues With Star Anise?
A class action lawyer who specializes in defective products can help you understand your legal rights and options according to your state’s specific laws. Additionally, an experienced attorney will also be able to represent you in court, as needed, should legal action become necessary.
