Mistake Made in Packaging of Herpes Drug
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Products liability in medicines can occur for many reasons, including a mistake made in the manufacturing process or packaging. Mistakes of this type can have serious repercussions, causing injuries and, in some cases, deaths. A recent recall of a commonly used prescription medicine illustrates how consumers should be aware of potential problems.
Dangers of Medications
Consumers know that even something as simple as having several alcoholic beverages or eating grapefruit with some medications can be dangerous. They have also learned that not all medications can be taken at the same time. Some may cause adverse interactions, while others may not work at all, endangering the lives of the patient or worsening their conditions. Although drug manufacturing and distribution is heavily regulated and overseen, errors still occur at times that can endanger lives and result in a drug product liability lawsuit. These errors can happen anywhere along the line, including:
- Manufacture
- Packaging
- Distribution
- Prescribing
- Dispensing
- Monitoring
Recall of Drug Used to Treat Herpes
The Food and Drug Administration announced a recall on February 13 of the drug acyclovir, which was packaged by Apace Packaging LLC, a company headquartered in Kentucky. Acyclovir is used to treat acute cases of shingles, recurrent genital herpes, and chickenpox. The drug affected is from Lot 19900 and is being voluntarily recalled by the packaging company in the 50 count, 400 mg size.
Mix Up in Medications
The problem with the packaging for the acyclovir, which is commonly sold in blister packs, is that a different drug was mixed in by accident. The other drug that might be found in the blister packs is the 20 mg Torsemide, which is used to treat edema, lower blood pressure and is commonly used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and problems with the kidneys. The packaging company responsible for the mix up is notifying customers by email along with distribution facilities. It also warns customers who may have taken the Torsemide to contact their physicians if they experience any adverse reactions.
Potential Adverse Effects
If someone taking the recalled acyclovir were to take the Torsemide that was mistakenly placed in the blister packs, he or she might present with the following symptoms:
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Ventricular tachycardia (an abnormally fast heartbeat)
- Hemorrhage from the gastrointestinal tract
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Digitalis intoxication
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood)
- Rectal bleeding
- Hyperuricemia (excess uric acid)
- Hypovolemia (decreased amount of blood circulating in the body)
- Lowering of potassium levels in the body
- Shunt thrombosis
Recoverable Compensation in a Product Liability Lawsuit
Those who place a claim for financial compensation for an injury under product liability are able to be reimbursed for the same expenses as any other personal injury lawsuit. These include reimbursement for past and future medical expenses and financial losses from lost time at work. Making a claim for pain and suffering is also allowed. This not only includes physical pain but mental and emotional suffering that might include anxiety, sleeplessness, nightmares and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in some individuals.
Product Liability Statute of Limitations
Under California law, anyone injured by a defective product may pursue a financial claim for personal injury. The time limit for filing is two years. Because product liability is complex, contacting a personal injury lawyer with experience in the field is vital.
Related Article by Ed Smith, Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento ~
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. Product liability causes numerous injuries and deaths each year. If you or a family member was injured or died as a result of a defective product, I am here with friendly, free advice for you. Call (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for help. We also have a contact form at AutoAccident.com for your convenience and we will call you back promptly.
Since 1982, I’ve helped the citizens of Sacramento to recover financial compensation for their traumatic injuries and wrongful deaths in my position as an injury lawyer.
Commentaries by prior clients about my legal practice are found at:
Cases handled by my firm and their conclusions is located at Verdicts and Settlements.
Million Dollar Advocates, a forum established for top trial lawyers, with a history of settlements or verdicts for their clients of one million dollars. I am a California member.
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