If you’re a diabetic patient, you might have heard about some medications being recalled and are probably wondering why this happened and what steps you should take next. Drug recalls occur when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determines a medication is too dangerous for public use, leading to its removal from the market.

If you find out that a medication you’re taking has been recalled, it’s essential to get medical advice right away. 1-800-THE-LAW2 suggests that you consult with a doctor immediately and consider speaking to an experienced attorney to check if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit.

### Which Drugs Have Been Recalled?

As of 2011, about 8.3% of Americans had diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Some popular drugs for type 2 diabetes that have been linked to severe health issues include Byetta, Janumet, and Januvia. These medications, intended to improve blood sugar levels, have been associated with serious conditions like thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatitis.

Actos, another type 2 diabetes medication, has been connected to a 40% increased risk of bladder cancer. Although it hasn’t been officially recalled, the FDA has updated its warning labels to include this risk.

Even though many medications are never officially recalled, the FDA maintains a list of drug recalls each year. Pharmaceutical companies are often required to add warning labels or modify dosage instructions to highlight possible side effects. If you suffer adverse effects from a medication, you may be entitled to financial compensation, regardless of whether the drug was officially recalled. A skilled drug recall lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.

### What Should I Do?

If you’re managing your diabetes with medication, stay informed about any alerts, warnings, or recalls related to the drugs you take, both currently and in the past. Sometimes, people experience negative effects from a medication, switch to a different one, and later discover the initial drug was recalled.

Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your doctor. Stopping on your own can cause serious health issues. Your doctor can guide you on the safest course of action regarding your current and past medications. After discussing your situation with your doctor, it’s wise to speak with a knowledgeable drug recall lawyer.

Remember, always talk to your doctor before discontinuing or altering the dosage of any medication. If you or someone you know has taken a recalled drug or one under warning, consult a drug recall attorney to explore your options for financial compensation.