The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the responsibility to monitor new drugs before they are placed on the market for use by the general public. Although these drugs have been tested before they are marketed, sometimes the drugs have negative side effects once taken by consumers. In cases where the drug causes many consumers to become ill, there may be a drug recall. 

Many illnesses result from consumption of defective drugs. Some defective drugs are Baycol, Meridia,Vioxx, PPA and Ephedra. 

Baycol is a cholesterol-lowering drug. It was approved to be marketed in 1997; however, the Bayer Pharmaceutical Division withdrew the drug from the United States after many people suffered serious side effects. One common condition associated with the use of Baycol is rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis causes muscle cells to break down and flow into the blood. Symptoms related to this condition are muscle pain, weakness, fever, dark urine, vomiting and nausea. 

Meridia is a weight-loss pill that has caused many serious side effects. Some of these side effects include cardiac valve dysfunction, heart valve disease, and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). 

Vioxx is a popular and heavily advertised arthritis drugs which has been linked by researchers to an increase in the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) is used in cold and cough medicines like Alka-Seltzer Plus, Comtrex, Contac, Coricidin, Dimetapp, Robitussin-CF and Triaminic. It can also be found in Dexatrim and Acutrim. Young women who have taken this drug may have an increased chance of hemorrhagic stroke. 

Ephedra is often used in dietary supplements. This drug has many side effects, including heart attack, stroke, seizures, headaches, dizziness and irregular heartbeat. 

Murphy Law Firm handles personal injury claims. The lawyers handle cases throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria, Hammond, Lake Charles and surrounding areas. 

The attorneys at Murphy Law Firm represent the victims of defective drugs. The lawyers do not represent drug-manufacturing companies. If you have suffered an illness due to a defective drug, you do not have to be a victim twice. Contact the attorneys at Murphy Law Firm to help you receive compensation for the injuries you have sustained from taking a defective drug. Our lawyers will take the case to trial if necessary.