Vital hormone absent from defective hypothyroid drug

Many Americans have been diagnosed as having the medical condition known as hypothyroidism. Classified as a medical condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the thyroid hormone, individuals impacted by hypothyroidism often experience feelings of tiredness and weakness. If left untreated, those who suffer from hypothyroidism are at an increased risk of developing serious health problems and suffering a heart attack or stroke.

The drug manufacturer AbbVie Inc. recently announced a drug recall of nearly 30,000 bottles of its thyroid-hormone replacement drug Synthroid. Only roughly a year old, AbbVie, Inc. is owned by drug manufacturing giant Abbott Laboratories and the most-recent recall of Synthroid marks the second such recall in the young company’s existence.

Citing a “manufacturing line clearance error” officials at AbbVie believe the effected lot of the prescription medication may contain lower doses of the drug’s vital hormone. As a result, patients who take the drug would not get the adequate or prescribed amount of medication necessary to counteract the adverse side effects of having hypothyroidism.

Currently AbbVie officials assert they have received no complaints related to any patients who are currently taking Synthroid suffering harm due to the defective drug. Now that an official recall has been issued, however, patients who rely upon Synthroid to control symptoms of their hypothyroidism are encouraged to report any negative side effects they’ve experienced to their doctor.

Individuals who have suffered harm or injury as a result of a defective drug may be entitled to compensatory damages. A legal professional who is experienced in handling matters related to dangerous and defective drugs can provide advice and guidance.

Source: Nasdaq, “Former Abbott Drug Unit Issues 2nd Recall of Synthroid in 6 Months,” Peter Loftus, Jan. 11, 2013