Are Generic Drug Makers Off the Hook Due to Loophole?

Generic drug makers should be held responsible when their products harm people, just as their brand-name counterparts are. But a loophole is letting them off the hook. This is troubling when nearly 80 percent of all U.S. prescriptions are generics.

In our current email newsletter – You Should Know – we take a look at a recent ruling that may leave you a little vulnerable to generic drugs that may be unsafe.

Did YOU Know…

• Between 2 to 4 million Americans suffered serious, disabling or fatal injuries after using prescription drugs in 2011, based on estimates from data issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Source: QuarterWatch October 2012, Institute for Safe Medication Practices)
• Even though nearly 80 percent of all prescriptions written in the United States are filled with generic drugs, the U.S. Supreme Court recently made it nearly impossible to bring suit against generic drug manufacturers when their products cause injury. (Source: Generic Drugs, Take Justice Back)
• A new study finds that more than two-thirds of generic drugs have some labeling discrepancies. Of more than 1,000 generic drugs reviewed, most had small differences compared to brand-name drugs. However, 9 percent had differences of more than 10 side effects. (Source: Inconsistency Seen in Safety Labeling for Generic Drugs, US News & World Report Health)

Do you think Congress should hold generic drug makers accountable? Are you more concerned about taking generic drugs now that you know this information? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Or, if you have questions about this or would like to schedule a case consultation in regards to generic drugs, please contact our office. We’re happy to meet with you.

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