Reference:
ProCon.org. (2021). FDA-approved prescription drugs later pulled from the market by the FDA. Retrieved from https://prescriptiondrugs.procon.org/fda-approved-prescription-drugs-later-pulled-from-the-market/
Summary:
The article by ProCon.org discusses various prescription drugs that were once FDA-approved but later withdrawn from the market due to safety concerns. The FDA’s role in drug removal is highlighted, emphasising that drugs are typically pulled when their risks outweigh their benefits, often due to unforeseen serious side effects. Cases mentioned include Baycol, linked to kidney failure and numerous deaths; Belviq, associated with cancer risks; and Vioxx, which raised concerns over heart attacks and strokes. Other notable withdrawals include Zantac due to potential carcinogenic impurities, and Darvon, which posed serious cardiac toxicity risks. The article serves as a cautionary reminder of the complexities in drug approval and the importance of ongoing safety evaluations.