Drug manufacturers have a duty to sell drugs and medical devices that are reasonably safe and must warn consumers of any known side effects. You may have a claim against a drug manufacturer if you have suffered illness or injury as a result of using a drug or medical device. Drugs have to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold to consumers. FDA approval of a drug or medical device is not a guarantee of its safety and does not protect the drug manufacturer from liability for injuries to consumers.
Drugs can be very harmful if misused. Only a licensed practitioner (physician, osteopath, nurse practitioner, or other licensed healthcare provider) can order prescription medication. Licensed nurses are permitted to administer medication to patients under medical supervision. A nurse cannot give medication to a patient without a physician's order. This article discusses a nurse's responsibility and liability in administering prescription drugs.
Prozac(r), with an active ingredient called fluoxetine, is one of a class of prescription medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are used to treat depression. They are one of the most heavily prescribed medications in the U.S. As a group, chemicals from drugs, cosmetics, toiletries, and veterinary drugs are referred to as PPCPs (pharmaceuticals and personal care products). This article discusses the health and environmental concerns related to PPCPs.
Products liability law covers personal injury and property damage that occurs when a defective product is used. There are several elements that are common to products liability cases. First, an injured person must prove that the product was defective or harmful. Second, it is necessary to show that the product was defective when it was purchased or delivered. Third, the injured person must show that the defective product caused the injury or accident.
A pharmacist has three basic duties: to store prescription drugs properly, to prepare prescription drugs properly, and to dispense prescription drugs correctly. If the dispensing pharmacist fails to perform any of these duties, he/she could be held liable if a patient experiences a drug-related injury. This article discusses pharmacists' liability for the improper dispensing of prescription drugs.