Defective Drugs and Medical Devices

In an age of increasing technology and medical breakthroughs, it is disheartening to note that there are still numerous instances of people being harmed by defective drugs and medical devices. Some claim that this issue is the result of drug companies aiming to rake in record profits to the point that research and development procedures are not being followed, while others contend that it is due to negligence at the hands of overworked and untrained medical professionals. Whatever the reason may be, this is a troubling trend that needs to reverse course quickly in order to avoid needless injuries, illnesses, and even death moving forward.

Many consumers wonder why they should avoid drugs that are often recommended by their physician, and touted all over their television screens. The simple reality is that we trust our government agencies to oversee drug companies, and we hope that they would only approve drugs that are truly beneficial and safe for human consumption. For numerous reasons, however, this is not always the case. It might very well be a case of lobbyists making their case to the FDA for approval, but in many instances, the dangers of certain drugs simply are not uncovered during the testing stage, and problems do not occur until it is too late.

Defective Drug Lawsuits

Consider Zofran as an example. Available by prescription only, Zofran was touted upon its release to be a wonder drug of sorts for cancer patients on chemotherapy. The drug itself is designed to treat nausea and sickness, and all indications are that it is effective at doing so. The issue, however, is that it also has been linked to birth defects in children born to pregnant women who were also on the drug. There are numerous claims that the maker of the drug began to market it as a morning sickness drug, which is not the purpose approved for by the FDA (MarketWatch.com). In the end, it has since been discovered that women taking the drug during their first trimester have children born with birth defects at alarming rates. This speaks to the importance of making certain that drugs are only taken for their intended purpose.

Even Modern Technology Is Not Always Safe

All too often, we blindly put our trust in technology. Perhaps it is the making of mass media and movies, but we feel that machines are somehow immune to making mistakes. Consider da Vinci robot surgery as a prime example of this reality. Robots are considered the next breakthrough in medical technology for numerous reasons. Robots have sure hands, for example, while doctors can make mistakes from time to time that results in less than desirable results (drugwatch.com). At the same time, even robots have issues and patients need to know the facts before deciding to allow a robot take care of serious medical needs. In the end, machines still are no substitute for the critical and creative thinking skills that well trained, human, doctors possess.

Testosterone is another important natural component that is all too often being tinkered with today. It affects a human’s development both before and after birth, which is another interesting characteristic to keep in mind. When released inside the womb, testosterone results in the development of male sex organs. This is believed to take place at about seven weeks after conception, and the process acts upon the hypothalamus, which results in the further masculinization of the brain. It has also been noted that testosterone can cause certain behaviors that are typically associated with males, such as aggression, vision-spatial abilities, competitiveness, and a higher sex drive.

Considering these areas of medical and drug related issues could help you live a longer, healthier, and more productive life free from issues.

SOURCES

  1. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/strauss-troy-files-lawsuit-alleging-glaxosmithklines-prescription-drug-zofranr-causes-birth-defects-2015-08-03-1417308