Drug Recall Lawsuit in 2025 | Get the Right Lawyer

Drug Recall Lawsuit Overview

Every time a patient takes medication, they trust that pharmaceutical manufacturers have created safe products.

Unfortunately, some drug companies violate this trust by selling defective or harmful medications.

In many cases, drugs are released before all side effects are known, or problems occur during the manufacturing process.

When these issues are discovered, the drugs are typically recalled from the market, but often after patients have already been harmed.

Latest Drug Recall Lawsuit Updates

• April 2025 – The FDA has issued more than 25 drug recalls in the first quarter of 2025, with manufacturing issues continuing to be the primary reason for recalls according to the latest industry reports.
• March 2025 – Several major lawsuits involving recalled blood pressure medications containing carcinogenic impurities continue to progress through the court system.
• January 2025 – New legislation has been proposed to strengthen FDA inspection requirements following reports that thousands of drug manufacturing facilities remained uninspected for years.

Active Lawsuits

• Valsartan, Losartan, and Irbesartan: These widely-prescribed blood pressure medications are responsible for over 75 recalls in recent years due to contamination with a cancer-causing impurity. Valsartan lawsuits are currently being filed nationwide.
• Zantac: The extremely popular heartburn drug Zantac (generic: ranitidine) was recalled over the potential contamination with the cancer-causing toxin NDMA. This is an active lawsuit. Our drug recall lawyers are handling these cases in all 50 states.
• Talcum Powder: Although talcum powder is not considered a drug, the FDA issued a recall announcement because Johnson’s Baby Powder was found to have asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma. Johnson & Johnson plus additional manufacturers are already facing thousands of talcum powder lawsuits claiming that the product leads to ovarian cancer and/or mesothelioma. This is an active lawsuit. Contact our drug recall lawyers to see if you qualify.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to federal data and industry reports:

• Nearly 8,000 prescription medications were recalled between January 2013 and October 2018
• The FDA typically oversees about 4,500 drug and medical product recalls annually
• Approximately 91 Class I recalls (those involving products that could cause serious health problems or death) occurred in a 7-year period
• Almost 20% of Class I recalls were not reported by any FDA alert system
• Over 2,500 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities remained uninspected over a five-year period
• More than 1,600 facilities, including 400 outside the U.S., went uninspected for a decade

See all dangerous drugs lawsuits our lawyers are currently taking on.

Types of FDA Drug Recalls

During the first quarter of 2020, manufacturing issues were the top reason for medicine recalls, according to a Stericycle Expert Solutions Report [1].

Other reasons for market withdrawals included problems with the quality of the drug, presence of foreign material, issues with the drug label, or contamination of the drug process.

The Food and Drug Administration classifies drug recalls into three categories:

• Class I Drug Recall: Dangerous or defective medications that contain ingredients with a reasonable probability of causing “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
• Class II Drug Recall: A drug that might cause a temporary health problem or pose a slight threat of a serious nature.
• Class III Drug Recall: A product that is unlikely to cause any adverse health reaction but which violates FDA labeling or manufacturing laws.

Drug Recall Injuries & Side Effects

Recalled drugs can cause a wide range of injuries and adverse effects depending on the specific medication and the reason for recall. Some common problems include:

• Contamination Issues: Exposure to harmful bacteria, carcinogens, or foreign materials
• Incorrect Dosage: Too much or too little of the active ingredient
• Dangerous Side Effects: Heart attacks, strokes, organ damage, or death
• Drug Interactions: Unexpected and dangerous interactions with other medications

Do You Qualify for a Drug Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a drug recall lawsuit if:

• You took a medication that was later recalled
• You experienced serious side effects or health complications
• Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the recalled drug
• You file your claim within the statute of limitations for your state

Related Article

: Zantac Cancer Lawsuit (Ranitidine Attorney)

Evidence Required for a Drug Recall Lawsuit

To build a strong case, you will typically need:

• Medical records documenting your prescription and usage of the recalled drug
• Proof of your injuries and medical treatments
• Prescription records showing you received the recalled medication
• Product packaging or receipts if available

Damages You Can Recover

In a successful drug recall lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• In some cases, punitive damages against the manufacturer

Statute of Limitations for Drug Recall Lawsuits

The time you have to file a drug recall lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date you discovered or should have discovered your injury.

It’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your legal rights are protected before the deadline expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Should I Do if I’ve Been Harmed by a Recalled Drug?

If harmed by a recalled drug, immediately seek medical attention, report the issue to the FDA, and consult a lawyer to explore potential legal actions.

2. Can I File a Lawsuit if I Experienced Side Effects From a Recalled Drug?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit if you experienced side effects from a recalled drug, potentially seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, and other damages.

3. What Is the Process for Initiating a Drug Recall?

A drug recall can be initiated by the FDA or the manufacturer when a product is found to be defective, unsafe, or mislabeled, requiring immediate corrective action.

4. Who is Responsible for Drug Recalls?

Contrary to popular belief, the FDA rarely forces manufacturers to recall medications. In most cases, manufacturers identify problems with drugs and voluntarily recall them, with the FDA overseeing the process.

5. What is the Most Common Type of Drug Recall?

The majority of drug recalls are minor (Class II or III) and don’t pose significant health threats. Manufacturing issues, quality problems, labeling errors, and contamination are the most common reasons for recalls.

6. When is a Drug Recall Completed?

A recall is considered complete after the FDA reviews and approves the pharmaceutical company’s corrective actions. The agency ensures recalled drugs are properly destroyed or reconditioned.

7. Why Do Many Drug Recalls Go Unreported?

Studies have found that approximately 20% of Class I recalls (those involving serious health risks) are not reported through any FDA alert system, making it difficult for healthcare providers to identify important safety information.

8. How Can I Stay Informed About Drug Recalls?

The FDA maintains a Drug Recall Alert System and MedWatch Reporting System, though these don’t catch all recalls. Consulting with your doctor or pharmacist regularly is the most reliable way to stay informed.

Get A Free Drug Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries caused by recalled drugs. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that give you only 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim.

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in drug recalls lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Our services include:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled drug, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit, and we can help.

References:

1. https://pages.stericycleexpertsolutions.com/hubfs/