Who is liable for harm suffered from prescription drugs?

I have been taking a drug that was not prescribed by a physician; do I still have a possible legal remedy for injuries suffered from these drugs?

What is a class action lawsuit?

What drugs are most commonly found in drug litigation claims?

Is anything being done to warn consumers about the possible dangers of taking prescription drugs?

What is an “off-label” drug?

Why would anyone use a drug for any reason other than what it was intended?

What are the most common uses of off label drugs?

What should I do if my doctor prescribes a drug for off label use?

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I have been taking a drug that was not prescribed by a physician; do I still have a possible legal remedy for injuries suffered from these drugs? 
In a case where no physician prescribed the drug which caused you injury, but instead you purchased it on your own, you may still have a claim against the drug manufacturer. You will not, however, have a claim against your physician. Another possibility is a claim against the pharmacist if the drug was a prescription drug.

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What is a class action lawsuit?
A class action is a distinctive type of lawsuit that allows a group of people who have comparable issues to sue another party as a group, or class. The idea of a class action is that everyone who has been injured by the same conduct should not have to be put to the expense of hiring his/her own lawyer and go through the stress of a trial. Certain drug litigation cases fall under class action lawsuits against the manufacturer. Contact Younce & Vtipil today to discuss your claim.

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What drugs are most commonly found in drug litigation claims?
Among many others, the following are the most common drugs found in litigation claims:

• Accutane 
• Celebrex 
• Crestor 
• Enbrel/Etanercept 
• Ephedra 
• Meridia 
• Oxycontin 
• Paxil 
• Premarin 
• Prempro 
• Redux 
• Rezullin 
• Serzone 
• Stadol 
• Thimerosal 
• Vioxx
• Zyprexa

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What is an “off-label” drug?
An “off-label drug” is use of a drug in ways other than described in the FDA-approved label. It is legal for physicians to prescribe medications for off-label uses; however, it is not legal for drug companies to promote unapproved uses or distort information about a medication’s off-label benefits.

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Why would anyone use a drug for any reason other than what it was intended?
Many prescription drugs can provide benefits for patients that are not the drug’s primary purpose. For example, aspirin, once thought only a pain killer, has been proven to increase blood circulation and prevent heart attacks. This is an acceptable medical practice when done by an experienced physician. When a drug company specifically markets a drug for an off-label purpose, it violates Federal law, and can cause serious injuries in patients. 

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What are the most common uses of off label drugs?
Off label uses of FDA-approved drugs can include:

• Antidepressants - used for insomnia and pain
• Opioid analgesics – used for pediatric pain
• Anticonvulsants - used for a variety of pain problems 
• Corticosteroids - used for cancer pain 
• Antiarrythmics - used for neuropathic pain 
• Beta-blockers – used for migraine 
• NSAIDs - used for nonarthritic pain 
• Amphetamines - used for opioid-induced sedation 
• Clonazepam - used for anxiety

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• Ask about the risks and benefits - Ask if the drug has been approved for your condition and about the potential benefits and risks involved.
• Talk to the pharmacist - Ask the pharmacist to review the package insert with you before filling the prescription. 
• Do some research - Look up the drug in medical reference book or on the Internet. Check whether your condition is an approved use, what the proper dose is, and what the proper duration of use is. 
• Inquire about other options - If you are not comfortable with a drug that does not meet FDA-approval for your condition, tell your doctor.

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