People don’t expect the medication they use for an illness to cause more health concerns, and yet, thousands of Americans have, over the years, been exposed to defective pharmaceutical drugs, leading to major side effects and reactions, including death.  Some of the pharmaceutical industry's biggest companies have been involved in manufacturing drugs that were later found to have serious side effects.  In most of these cases, a drive to boost their bottom lines led these companies to cut back on manufacturing standards and testing protocols and indulge in malpractice that severely impacted patients' lives.

Avandia

Glaxo SmithKline's type II diabetes drug has been closely linked to the incidence of heart disease, including heart failure, irregular or accelerated heartbeat and even cardiac arrest. Research has also linked Avandia to an increased risk of bone fractures in women.

Chantix

Pfizer's anti-smoking drug, Chantix, has been found to have neuropsychiatric effects in patients.  People who have taken these drugs have been found to develop depression, mood changes and even suicidal tendencies.  Several suicides have been linked to the use of Chantix and, in some cases, individuals who attempted suicide have suffered severe injuries.

Digitek / Digoxin

Several batches of Digitek, a popular medication used to treat heart conditions, were recalled in 2008 when the tablets in these lots were found to have twice the prescribed dosage of Digoxin, which is the main ingredient in Digitek.  Overdose of Digoxin can cause kidney failure, and eventually lead to death.

Effexor

Effexor is an antidepressant manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Wyeth. The usage of Effexor by pregnant women has led to newborn birth defects including, heart defects, lung disorders and a condition called Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). This disorder causes constriction of the lungs, leading to a reduction of blood flow and oxygen levels.  

Heparin

Baxter's anti-coagulant drug, Heparin, was responsible for a health scare in 2008 when hundreds of patients began to suffer severe and extreme reactions to the medication. Most of the side effects were restricted to people who were exposed to high doses of the medication, such as patients on dialysis for kidney problems.  By the time Baxter finally recalled its product, more than 20 deaths had occurred. That number has increased, along with the amount of cases of near fatal reactions to the drug.  In the days since, fingers have been pointed at a Chinese plant for contamination of the drug.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is a morphine derivative painkiller manufactured by Purdue Pharma LP.   The company failed to disclose that this medication had a dangerous propensity toward the development of addiction.  When abused – crushed, chewed, snorted or intravenously injected – Oxycontin can cause heart problems, lung disorder and even death.

Paxil

Paxil is an anti depressant manufactured by Glaxo SmithKline. It is used to restore serotonin balance, and thus, treat mood disorders and depression. However, pregnant women who have used Paxil during pregnancy have given birth to babies with congenital abnormalities, including cardiac defects and a lung condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

Trasylol

Bayer Pharmaceutical's Trasylol is one of the company's best selling prescription medications; it is used to prevent blood loss during surgery.  It has, however, been associated with serious side effects, including kidney and renal failure, cardiac arrest and strokes.

Tamiflu

Tamiflu is an anti-viral drug used to treat the symptoms of influenza.  The drug is known to cause unusual behavior, especially children. These unusual behaviors may include hallucinations, deliriums and even possible self injury. The FDA has issued warnings about the potentially serious neuropsychiatric effects of taking Tamiflu.