Dangerous Drugs Facts:- 40,000 people die each year from pharmaceutical drugs;- More people die from prescription drugs than car accidents each year;- More people die from prescription opioids than heroin each year;- More than 50% of drugs marketed to U.S. consumers have injurious effects, despite testing and FDA approval, (CDC estimate).- History shows that dangerous drugs cause most harm within 12 months of their release. Many products are released without a full appreciation of their risks, often causing injury as a result. - Prescription medicine when not used correctly or in the wrong amounts can be dangerous, especially those used for weight loss, benzodiazepines and antidepressants.What leads to defective or unreasonably dangerous medicines?
Unclear or failure to warn of side effects.
Medications that have similar names but different purposes.
What can be done to improve drug safety?
Improve prescribing methods to limit dangerous drugs.
Medical professionals should use the state prescription drug monitoring programs to prevent abuse and increase safety by preventing negative interactions and labeling errors.