The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees drugs and medical devices that are released on the market. Manufacturers are required to go through a rigorous and comprehensive testing process before each pharmaceutical drug or device is approved for human use.
Manufacturers develop these drugs and devices with the intention of providing patients with safe and effective treatment options for what can be serious medical problems. And most times, for most people, they do just that.
Unfortunately, sometimes drugs and devices have not been properly tested or manufactured. When this occurs, severe side effects, irreparable health consequences, or even death can result. Even after a defective drug or device is found to cause medical problems, it can remain on the market for a period of time before being recalled, causing a significant number of injuries or deaths.
