Top Drug Recalls You Should Know, Summer 2021
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on June 9, 2021
Prescription and over-the-counter medications improve millions of people’s health and wellbeing each year. They save lives, improve mental health, and treat conditions ranging from seasonal allergies to deadly diseases. In doing so, they routinely carry unpleasant side effects and risks that the user may have to live with. These side effects, like drowsiness or dry mouth are irritating, but usually tolerable. In some instances, however, medications can cause much more harm than good. Each year, the FDA recalls dozens of drugs for containing hazardous ingredients. In the past several weeks, we’ve seen several major recalls and also class-action lawsuits. Keep reading to find out about the top dietary supplement and drug recalls you should be aware of this summer.
Zantac May Cause Cancer
On April 1st, the FDA recalled Zantac, a popular heartburn medication. Ranitidine, a histamine blocker and active ingredient in Zantac, was proven to contain trace amounts of nnitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Since April 1st, Zantac has been removed from stores and consumers are also asked to safely dispose of any remaining Zantac. A class action lawsuit is already in action, as Zantac users suffering from cancer are seeking legal claims against Zanofi, the company behind Zantac. There are also over 125 Zantac lawsuits currently pending across the country.
Major Sunscreen Recall
On May 24th, an independent lab called Valisure wrote a letter to the FDA calling for the immediate recall of several popular sunscreen brands. According to the letter, Valisure tested 300 popular sunscreens for benzene, a known carcinogen, and found the agent in over 27%, or 78 out of the 300 sunscreens. Some of the sunscreens had up to 400% higher than safe amounts of benzene! Some of the brands included are CVS Health, Fruit of the Earth, Banana Boat, Aveeno, and Neutrogena. To read the full list of products as well as Valisure’s letter, click here.
Methanol Hand Sanitizer
For the past several weeks, the FDA has been recalling different brands of hand sanitizer that
contain methanol (wood alcohol), an agent that can cause blindness, seizures, nervous system
damage, comas, and even death. Brands recalled include Medically Minded, Goose Creek,
COCO TKO, Dibar Labs, and Protecto RX. Most of the hand sanitizers have also been distributed
nationwide in great quantities, due to the pandemic.
Coffee Recall
On May 27th, Dash Xclusive, the maker of Imperia Elita Vitaccino Coffee, voluntarily recalled
the product at the consumer level. The FDA found undeclared trace amounts of sibutramine
and fluoxetine in the coffee. Sibutramine is an appetite suppressant that was previously
recalled due to causing strokes and heart issues. Fluoxetine is a common antidepressant, which
chemically alters the brain. Both of these substances pose dangerous risks to consumers. The
product was marketed as a dietary supplement, coming in small black satchels. Dash Xclusive is
currently in the process of notifying their past customers.
Drug Recalls: More Information
More food and drug recalls, product images, and detailed information can also be found at the FDA
Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts Page.
Injuries from defective products can also happen at home or in the workplace. Consumers have
rights that protect them from defective products, and manufacturers also have a legal obligation to
provide consumers with safe products. Products are also defective if they contain a
manufacturing flaw, a design defect, or an inadequate warning.
If you or someone you love is experiences injuries as a result of a defective or dangerous product
in the State of Kentucky or in Southern Indiana, the experienced product liability attorneys at
Cooper and Friedman PLLC can help. For information about a product liability case
including a free legal consultation, contact Cooper and Friedman today at 502-459-7555. Our
product liability attorneys will help you seek justice.