This article highlights the dangers of many prescription drugs which hit the open market. Over 32,000 people die every year due to complications and misuse of these medications.

Every year, hundreds of new prescription drugs hit the open market. You've probably seen advertisements for these medications on television where they proclaim, "Ask your doctor about drug xyz" followed by the long list of potential side effects of the drug.

What these ads fail to mention is that most new medications that hit the open market are a high-risk gamble for you and your loved ones. Even with FDA approval, a prescription drug can have horrendous side effects that may wind up being deadly. Some recent examples of dangerous drugs that were taken by hundreds, if not thousands, of people include:

• Fen Phen
• Avandia
• Paxil
• Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills

Roughly 32,000 people die every year in the U.S. due to adverse reactions from prescription drugs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services described unintentional drug poisoning deaths as a "worsening public health problem" and most of these fatalities are due to "misuse and abuse" of prescription drugs.

The data indicates this problem is going to get worse. That's why you, as a consumer, need to thoroughly study any medication before pursuing a prescription. Unfortunately, even after you've thoroughly studied the drug, there's still a chance you'll suffer adverse side effects and wind up requiring treatment, surgery, etc.

If you wind up suffering negative side effects from a prescription drug, consider giving our law firm a call for a free consultation. We possess experience handling dangerous drug cases.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm whose attorneys focus on injury and accident law and have experience handling dangerous drugs cases and prescription drug errors. Check out our dangerous drug information page to learn more about side effects and recalls. We serve every area of North Carolina, including the Outer Banks, Nags Head and the western mountains, as well as all the cities and counties in between.  In South Carolina, we cover the state from Myrtle Beach and Charleston to Orangeburg, Columbia, Florence, Rock Hill, Darlington, Aiken, Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been listed among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008 and the firm has been named a North Carolina "Best Law Firm" for personal injury law since 2010 by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, Rick and Jim have been listed in the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and our firm has the highest rating of AV from national lawyer ranking organization Martindale-Hubbell. That means we have a reputation for demonstrating preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free, initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call promptly.