Adverse Drug Event Reports Jump 90% in 4 Years
The latest release of QuarterWatch — a quarterly report issued by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) that monitors the number of complaints associated with prescription medications filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — says that adverse drug event reports have jumped an amazing 90 percent in just four years.
The ISMP report broke down the adverse drug complaints into three groups: drugs not widely used in 2008 accounted for 23 percent growth; drugs that have been in use all four years accounted for a 40 percent rise; and a 37 percent increase was attributed to a few drugs that had a greatly increased number of adverse event reports since 2008.
The report highlighted the rise in bladder cancer complaints linked with pioglitazone (Actos). More than 1,000 cases of bladder cancer associated with Actos have been reported to the FDA since January 2011.
QuarterWatch pointed out that while elevated cancer risks associated with prescription drugs seem to be the most difficult of adverse effects to establish, it seems that Actos has proven to “be the exception.” According to the quarterly report, a ten-year study showed an increased risk of bladder cancer in patients who took the type-2 diabetes drug for two or more years. The manufacturer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, acknowledged there was some evidence of increased risk, but said that it would wait for the completion of two 10-year studies before drawing any final conclusions.
The report also raised concerns about the newest breed of anticoagulant drugs, Xarelto and Pradaxa, saying they are “among the riskiest of outpatient drug treatments.”
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the side effects of a dangerous drug, the pharmaceutical litigation lawyers in Jacksonville at Farah & Farah in Florida can review your case and discuss your legal options. We’re not afraid to take on drug companies to seek compensation for costs of lost wages, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.
Call us at (800) 533-3555 for a free review of your case today.
