Dangerous Drugs

Millions of Americans use prescription and over-the-counter drugs to manage health conditions and provide symptom relief. However, manufacturers don’t always warn of potential side effects and health risks, putting patients in harm’s way. If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. See if a top lawyer may be able to file a dangerous drug lawsuit for you.

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Why Take Legal Action?

By filing a dangerous drug lawsuit, you can pursue financial compensation and justice from the companies that caused you or a loved one harm.

Results Secured

  • $1.75 million for a woman who suffered a pulmonary embolism from the birth control medication Yaz®
  • $1.39 million for a woman in Florida who experienced severe side effects from the arthritis drug Vioxx®
  • Over $600,000 for injuries related to Abilify® in New York
Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Last updated:

What Is a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit?

A dangerous drug lawsuit is a legal claim filed against companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute medications without adequately warning of possible risks, causing harm to patients.

These lawsuits typically fall under product liability law, which holds companies accountable for unsafe or defective products, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Dangerous drug lawsuits often involve:

  • Drug recalls: Medications removed from the market after causing serious injuries
  • Manufacturing defects: Errors during production that make the drug harmful
  • Undisclosed side effects: Severe reactions that injure patients

While many medications are safe and effective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls over 1,000 dangerous drugs each year.

LawFirm.com works with lawyers who have recovered over $1.6 billion for patients injured by dangerous drugs and medical devices.

If you or a loved one was harmed, a dangerous drug attorney may be able to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Get started with a free case review.

Medication Lawsuit List 2025

Pharmaceutical companies are required by law to test their products to ensure they’re safe for use and warn of any risks. When they fail to do so, patients can’t make informed decisions about their health.

Some patients have fought back after being harmed by dangerous drugs and taken legal action against the companies responsible. Below are examples of some dangerous drugs that have been linked to serious side effects and are currently the subject of lawsuits.

Depo-Provera®

Depo-Provera is a birth control shot that’s been associated with an increased risk of meningioma brain tumors. Women using Depo-Provera were over 5 times more likely to develop a meningioma compared to non-users​, according to one study.

Depo-Provera brain tumor symptoms include:

  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Hearing and vision problems
  • Memory loss
  • Seizures
  • Weakness in the arms or legs

Depo-Provera lawsuits claim Pfizer Inc., the drug’s manufacturer, knew or should have known about these risks but failed to provide adequate warnings to prescribing doctors or their patients.

HIV Medications

Many Americans take medications to treat and manage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, some HIV medications have been known to cause kidney damage, bone density issues, and other health problems.

Potentially dangerous drugs used to treat HIV include:

Patients argue that pharmaceutical companies knew about these risks but withheld information to protect their profits.

Oxbryta®

Oxbryta, which is used to treat sickle cell disease, has caused some patients to suffer vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). This condition causes severe pain, prevents blood flow throughout the body, and can even result in death.

VOCs from Oxbryta may increase the risk of:

  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Splenic sequestration
  • Stroke

In September 2024, Oxbryta was recalled due to safety issues, but this came too late for many patients who already suffered severe side effects.

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or chat with a case manager to get help with a dangerous drugs lawsuit.

Ozempic®

Ozempic is a type of medication known as a semaglutide that’s used to control diabetes and help patients lose weight. However, some patients who’ve used Ozempic or other semaglutides like Wegovy® or Rybelsus® have suffered serious health issues.

Semaglutide and Ozempic side effects include:

  • Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
  • Bowel or intestinal obstructions
  • Chronic vomiting
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Esophageal injury
  • Ileus (intestinal inability to contract and pass waste)
  • Pancreatic cancer

When dangerous drugs cause harm, victims may be able to fight back by taking legal action against the companies that made and sold them.

Suboxone®

Suboxone, a treatment for opioid addiction, is under scrutiny for causing tooth decay, infections, and other dental issues. The warning label didn’t mention these risks until 2022, so many patients have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for their dental problems.

Tepezza®

Used to treat thyroid eye disease, Tepezza has been associated with hearing problems like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and permanent hearing loss. Patients claim the drug maker did not adequately test the drug for side effects or warn users of these risks.

Tylenol®

Lawsuits against the manufacturers of Tylenol (acetaminophen) allege that prenatal use of the drug increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Plaintiffs claim that Johnson & Johnson and other defendants may have known about the risks but failed to place a warning label on bottles or notify the public of the dangers.

Veozah®

Veozah, a medication used to treat hot flashes during menopause, has been linked to severe liver injury.

Symptoms of Veozah liver problems may include:

  • Abdominal swelling
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue
  • Itching
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)
  • Light-colored stools
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the upper right abdomen

Veozah lawsuits claim patients were not adequately informed about these life-threatening dangers. The FDA now recommends that patients get more frequent liver blood testing to detect possible issues.

If you or someone you love suffered serious side effects after using one of these medications, you may be eligible for compensation from a dangerous drug lawsuit.

Get a free case review now to take the first step toward compensation and justice.

Who Can File a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a dangerous drug lawsuit if you or a loved one:

  • Used a prescription or over-the-counter medication as intended
  • Experienced a personal injury as a result

Families of victims may also be eligible to file a drug lawsuit if a loved one has passed away from their injuries.

Compensation from a pharmaceutical lawsuit can help cover medical expenses, lost income, and more. Filing a lawsuit can also make your voice heard and send a message to negligent manufacturers that their actions won’t be tolerated.

How to File a Dangerous Medication Lawsuit

An experienced dangerous drugs lawyer can handle all of the legal work involved in filing a medication lawsuit, making the process as easy and stress-free as possible. With an attorney by your side, you’ll have peace of mind and be able to focus on your health.

The process of filing a dangerous drugs lawsuit includes:

  1. Getting a free case review to find out if you may be able to take legal action
  2. Gathering evidence, like your medical records, purchase receipts, and proof of damages
  3. Filing a dangerous drug lawsuit against any companies responsible for harming you
  4. Negotiating drug lawsuit settlements to access compensation faster

Most dangerous drug lawsuits end in out-of-court settlements. If a settlement can’t be reached, your legal team will be prepared to represent you in court and fight for a trial verdict that provides as much compensation as possible.

Defective Drug Lawsuit Statute of Limitations

The time limit for filing a defective drug lawsuit is determined by the statute of limitations, which varies by state.

In most states, victims have 2 to 4 years to file a claim for injuries caused by dangerous drugs. However, this deadline can be as short as 1 year in some areas.

Exceptions sometimes apply that give you more time to file a dangerous drug lawsuit. A prescription drug lawsuit attorney can tell you about the deadline in your case and act quickly to protect your legal rights.

If you wait too long, you may miss out on your chance to pursue compensation for dangerous drugs.

See if we may be able to connect you with a top dangerous drug lawsuit attorney — before time runs out.

What to Look for in a Dangerous Drug Lawyer

Finding the right dangerous drugs attorney is key to securing the compensation you deserve. Lawyers that sue pharmaceutical companies have the resources to prove liability and secure as much compensation as possible for clients like you.

Qualities of top dangerous drugs lawyers include:

  • A proven track record of success in cases similar to yours
  • Nationwide presence, allowing them to handle lawsuits for dangerous drugs across the country
  • A contingency fee policy where they won’t charge any upfront costs or hourly fees, so there’s no financial risk to take legal action
  • Relationships with medical experts who can collect evidence about the medication you took and how it impacted your health to strengthen your case
  • Years of experience handling lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies and navigating state and federal laws

LawFirm.com has a network of experienced personal injury attorneys who have all of these qualities and more. If you’ve been harmed by a dangerous drug, they’re ready to help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

Get Help With a Dangerous Drugs Lawsuit

Drug manufacturers must follow certain procedures before making a medication available to the public. When they cut corners or fail to warn of the potential risks, they can be held accountable.

LawFirm.com has teamed up with dangerous drugs lawyers who can even the playing field for victims by standing up to powerful pharmaceutical companies on their behalf.

Together, they’ve secured over $1.6 billion for patients injured by dangerous medications and medical devices.

Our trusted legal partners:

  • Are leaders in dangerous drugs litigation
  • Can help victims in all 50 states
  • Never charge any upfront costs or hourly fees

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to see if you may be eligible for compensation.

Dangerous Drug Lawsuit FAQs

Can I sue for drug side effects?

Yes, you may be able to sue a pharmaceutical company for drug side effects if the medication was defective or the company failed to properly warn of the health risks.

A dangerous drug lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for your health care costs and related expenses and hold manufacturers accountable.

Get a free case review now to see if a top dangerous drugs lawyer may be able to fight for you.

How long does a pharmaceutical lawsuit take?

The amount of time that a pharmaceutical lawsuit takes may vary depending on the facts of the case. Dangerous drugs lawsuits that are not overly complex or settle are likely to take less time to resolve than those that go to court.

A prescription drug lawsuit attorney understands the physical and emotional toll a dangerous medication can take, so they strive to secure compensation as quickly as possible.

What qualifies as a dangerous drug?

While many different types of controlled substances can be hazardous, some may be more harmful than others.

Examples include:

  • Benzodiazepines such as Alprazolam (Xanax®)
  • Crack cocaine
  • Diazepam (Valium®)
  • Fentanyl (a synthetic opioid)
  • Heroin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Methadone
  • Methamphetamine
  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin®)

These dangerous drugs are considered addictive substances and can lead to drug overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In recent years, illicit drugs, including street and prescription drugs, have led to a drug use crisis in the United States. Those suffering from substance use disorder may benefit from professional help and treatment programs.

How much is a dangerous drug lawsuit worth?

Dangerous drug lawsuit payouts vary but can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries and other factors.

In one case, our legal partners secured $1.75 million for a woman who developed a pulmonary embolism from taking the birth control medication Yaz®.

A dangerous drug attorney can tell you how much compensation you could receive and act quickly to pursue compensation.

Call (888) 726-9160 now to see if we can connect you.

Rae Theodore

Fact-Checked and Legally Reviewed by: Rae Theodore

Rae Theodore is a writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in legal publishing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Pennsylvania State University.

  1. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, May 5). “Depo-Provera® (Birth Control Shot).” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4086-depo-provera-birth-control-shot.
  2. Drugs.com. (2024, December 16). “Tepezza.” Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/tepezza.html.
  3. Drugs.com. (2024, December 20). “Veozah.” Retrieved from https://drugs.com/veozah.html.
  4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, March 29). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drug-recalls-are-common-202303292907#.
  5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017, December). “Over-the-Counter Medicines DrugFacts.” Retrieved https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/over-counter-medicines.
  6. National Library of Medicine. (2024, March 20). “Over-The-Counter Drugs Laws.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603745/.
  7. Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). “Possible Side Effects of Ozempic® (semaglutide) Injection.” Retrieved from https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html.
  8. Pfizer. (2024, September 25). “Pfizer Voluntarily Withdraws All Lots of Sickle Cell Disease Treatment OXBRYTA® (voxelotor) From Worldwide Markets.” Retrieved from https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer-voluntarily-withdraws-all-lots-sickle-cell-disease.
  9. Roland, N., Neumann, A., Hoisnard, L., Duranteau, L., Froelich, S., Zureik, M., & Weill, A. (2024). “Use of progestogens and the risk of intracranial meningioma: National case-control study.” BMJ, 384, e078078. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-078078.
  10. Sokolove Law. (2025, May 1). “Dangerous Drug Lawsuit.” Retrieved https://www.sokolovelaw.com/dangerous-drugs/.
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