You’re watching the news, and you see a report that several prescription drugs are being recalled. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) monitors every drug before allowing it out onto the market. Even after a drug becomes available, the FDA and drug companies keep a watchful eye on the medication. Sometimes, effects crop up after they’re released or the drug may have safety questions raised. In this instance, and others, a recall is declared.

A recall is done to make sure that you don’t unwittingly take any drugs that may have adverse effects. Knowing why a recall is triggered, and how to find out if there is one, is important. It’s also especially key that you know what to do in the event of a recall that affects you.

What Triggers a Recall?

Generally, a recall is declared by either the FDA or the drug company. When the drug company is the one doing the recall, it’s called a voluntary recall. When a recall is issued, the FDA oversees the drug company’s strategy, assesses the quality, and, finally, classifies the recall. There are three classes of drug recalls that identify the severity of the recall:

  • Class I: The drug is dangerous or defective and could cause serious health problems or even death
  • Class II: The drug may cause temporary health problems or pose a slight threat of a serious nature
  • Class III: The drug is unlikely to cause any adverse health reaction but violates the FDA’s labeling or manufacturing laws.

These classes are determined by the reason the recall is declared. First, a drug is considered dangerous if it has side effects or health risks that were discovered after it’s been released for wider use. Another health-related reason for a recall is if the drug has been found to be potentially contaminated.

When a recall is issued, the FDA oversees strategy, quality, and classification based on the reason for the recall.

If there are issues with the drug’s quality, purity or potency, the FDA will also often request a recall. Finally, if the labels are found to be misleading, either because the drug is mislabeled or the dosage or instructions are confusing, a recall will usually be issued. These reasons are to ensure that you’re getting the quality medication that you’ve purchased or been prescribed.

How Can I Find Out if There’s a Recall?

There are several ways that you can keep an eye out for any recalls. One of the most common ways is through media coverage. This is a particularly effective way to get the word out, since many channels will pick up the news. This may be helpful for many seniors, but it shouldn’t be the only way. Generally, only large recalls of a commonly used drug or one that causes severe injury or death will be reported on within the media.

Generally, only large recalls of a commonly used drug or one that causes severe injury or death will be reported on within the media.

There are two other common methods for you to stay informed. Drug companies are required to send out a recall notification to the direct accounts, like pharmacies and drug stores. These notifications must:

  • Notify the account of the recall
  • Ask the account to stop selling the drug
  • Inform customers, if deemed necessary
  • Tell the account what to do next

Finally, you can receive recall notifications directly from the FDA. On their website, they have a Drug Recalls list which is updated whenever a new recall, voluntary or otherwise, is declared. This list includes the date of the recall, the brand name and company, product description, and the reason for the recall. You can also subscribe to the FDA’s alert list for free updates. For recalls older than 60 days, you can also check out their recall and safety alerts archive. Between these three options, you should be able to stay up to date on any recalls that may be declared.

What Should I Do?

If your medication is recalled, the first thing you’ll want to do is stop taking it. The next step will depend on the type of drug. If it’s over-the-counter, you should safely dispose of the medication. If it’s a prescription drug, you should immediately contact your primary physician. They’ll be able to recommend or prescribe an alternative drug if there is one.

If a prescription drug is being recalled, you should immediately contact your primary physician. They’ll be able to recommend or prescribe an alternative drug if there is one.

Most importantly, don’t panic if you’ve been taking the drug. A recall can be ordered for a variety of reasons, so it doesn’t automatically mean the worst. To assuage some of these fears, you can talk to your doctor and keep an eye out for any of the symptoms related to the recall.

Finally, in many cases, you can return the drug to the pharmacy or drug store where you got it. Many locations have recall refund policies that allow you to get your money back.

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When you see a drug recall reported, it can be very scary, since sometimes drug recalls are declared for serious reasons. However, now that you know recalls and understand why they’re declared, you know what to do next.