The Covid-19 Pandemic Has Increased the Risk of Using Some Drugs

As a TN drug injury lawyer who has been fighting for families for more than three decades, I want to talk about the current risk of dangerous drugs among the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a recent article from Harvard Medical School, the health care system is overloaded with Covid-19 cases, which means emergency room doctors are overwhelmed and first responders may arrive more slowly. Because of this, many Americans are choosing to treat themselves at home for ailments they would normally get treated at an urgent care clinic or the hospital. But there are risks associated with using both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs alike. Sometimes, what seems like a harmless medication can cause irreparable damage to your health or that of your loved one.

In the time of Covid, it’s especially imperative to know how dangerous the medications in your home may be.

The Most Dangerous Common Drugs 

You might be surprised by some of the medications that made this list, which include well-known over-the-counter pain relievers. Here are the most common dangerous drugs I see in my work as a TN drug injury lawyer:

  • Valsartan: Valsartan is an active ingredient used in several drugs that treat heart failure and high blood pressure. But the FDA recalled the drug, linking it to cases of kidney, liver, and colorectal cancer.
  • Zofran: Zofran has been associated with devastating and serious birth defects in babies if taken within the first trimester of a pregnancy. These include hole in the heart, heart murmur, cleft palate, and cleft lip, and other birth injuries
  • Opioids like Percocet, Oxycontin, and others. Opioid-based drugs like these are highly addictive and easily abused. They can cause birth defects in babies and are responsible for killing a record number of Americans. As mental health declines and social isolation increases overall during the pandemic, more Americans are at risk of using, and overdosing on, opioids.
  • Tylenol: This one may surprise you. In 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US between 1998 and 2003. Soon after, numerous people came forward with reports of serious liver damage from using Tylenol exactly as directed on the label. Learn more about the dangers of Tylenol here.
  • Baby Powder: Baby powder, also known as talcum powder, contains talc — a mineral that isn’t meant to be absorbed into the human body. Though many products use it to prevent rashes, research has linked talc to cancer. Studies have found that talcum powder can travel into a woman’s internal organs, causing ovarian cancer in some cases.

Although this list may seem scary, the reality is that we all need to take medication from time to time, or perhaps every single day. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe.

Follow These Tips to Stay Safe

  • Communicate well with your doctors and health care providers. Before your next doctor’s appointment, write down all the medications you currently take or have taken recently. Include prescription and non-prescription drugs. Take the list with you to all of your medical appointments (whether in person or virtual) and make sure your doctors know that you are taking each medication.
  • Do your research. If your doctor recommends a new drug, don’t be afraid to do your own research. Some well-known drugs have led to serious injuries and lawsuits. The FDA regularly releases warnings and even recalls certain medications. If you have any concerns about side effects, make sure to talk about them with your doctor.
  • Use one pharmacist you trust. Using multiple pharmacists for your medications can be confusing for them and for you. Keep one pharmacist who can track your prescription history and check for dangerous drug interactions.
  • Be cautious if mixing over-the-counter medication with prescription drugs. Certain medications can be dangerous to take together or with certain foods or beverages. If you’re already taking a prescription drug but need another medication – even aspirin or cough medicine – ask your pharmacist if there might be any concerns. Read the labels of any non-prescription medication carefully and make sure not to exceed the dosage instructions.
  • Keep your medications in a safe place at home. Store all medicine out of sight and out of reach from children. Keep them separate from any other household goods that could be confused for it – including cleaning supplies, supplements, vitamins, and hygiene products. 

While I hope these tips will help, sometimes drug injuries happen anyway. If you or your loved one has suffered from a drug injury, you could be eligible for compensation.

A TN Drug Injury Lawyer Can Help

Though I cannot restore you or your loved one to health, I might be able to help you get substantial compensation for what happened. This way, you can focus on your recovery.

Right now, I am offering a FREE consultation with no strings attached. I would be happy to answer any of your concerns and see if you have a case.

If you think you or a loved one might have been injured by a dangerous drug, contact us online or call (901) 327-1212 today.