Protecting victims of genuine pharmaceutical harm is what the legal system is designed to achieve. A global pharmaceutical and medical device company recently announced the recall of a lot of a drug for high blood pressure (Labetalol Hydrochloride Injection, USP) because of glass defects found floating in vials of the drug. The lot was distributed nationwide. At least one customer complaint of particles visibly floating in the solution within the vial has been confirmed. Based on an analysis of the vial that was complained about, there are embedded particles within the glass vial that have the potential to become dislodged into the solution.
According to the company, the “embedded particulate” is stainless steel, while the floating particles are iron oxide. The problem of the embedded particulate has been attributed to a supplier's glass defect. The company will be working with the supplier to take corrective and preventative actions to resolve the problem. There had not been any reports of adverse events, however, the health implications of taking the medication unaware of the potential harm may vary. A delay in the effectiveness of the drug to the patient is one possibility.
Pharmaceutical injury can be a serious concern to the many people who require prescription drugs daily to care for health conditions. Defective or harmful drugs can sometimes result in serious injuries or even death. Because of this, pharmaceutical liability lawsuits may arise for compensation of harm and damages. Because pharmaceuticals are relied upon by patients, it is important that victims of pharmaceutical injury or harm are properly compensated for damages they have suffered.
The pharmaceutical industry is an important industry to many today which is why pharmaceutical litigation focuses on fairly compensating those who are harmed. Understanding the rights victims of defective drugs have can be beneficial to victims and the industry.
