Dangerous Drugs: Four Medications That Can Cause Severe Health Issues

When we take medication, we trust it will improve our health—not make it worse. Unfortunately, some FDA-approved drugs carry serious, even life-threatening risks that aren’t always disclosed. At Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, we help clients who have been harmed by dangerous or defective drugs hold pharmaceutical companies accountable.

Below are four common medications linked to severe side effects that have led to lawsuits across the country—including right here in Atlanta and throughout Georgia.

1. Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) – Liver Damage

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers in the U.S. But taking high doses—or using multiple products containing acetaminophen—can cause acute liver failure.

According to the FDA, acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., responsible for more than 50,000 ER visits and 25,000 hospitalizations per year. Many consumers were unaware of the liver risks, especially when combining cold medications, pain relievers, or prescription drugs.

2. Jardiance® – Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Jardiance is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s part of the SGLT2 inhibitor drug class. While effective in lowering blood sugar, it has been linked to a serious and potentially fatal condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)—a build-up of acid in the bloodstream.

The FDA issued a warning in 2015 about this side effect, and lawsuits have been filed alleging that manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and healthcare providers about this dangerous risk.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) – Kidney Disease

Drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) used to treat acid reflux and GERD. However, long-term use of PPIs has been linked to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

In 2019, a study published in the BMJ found that PPI users had a 20–50% increased risk of kidney disease compared to non-users. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed across the U.S., and Georgia residents harmed by PPIs may still be eligible to pursue compensation.

4. Xarelto® – Excessive Bleeding

Xarelto is a blood thinner prescribed to prevent strokes and blood clots. While all blood thinners carry some bleeding risk, Xarelto posed an elevated danger of uncontrollable bleeding—and lacked a reliable antidote when first released.

Many patients suffered internal bleeding, brain hemorrhages, or gastrointestinal bleeds. The key issue in lawsuits was that the bleeding risks and lack of reversal agent were not fully explained to patients or doctors. While a $775 million settlement was reached in 2019, some claims continue.

When Can You File a Lawsuit for a Dangerous Drug?

If you or a loved one suffered serious side effects from a prescription or over-the-counter drug, you may have grounds for a defective drug lawsuit. Cases can be filed when:

• The drug was defectively designed or manufactured
• The company failed to warn about known risks
• You experienced serious health complications or financial loss
• There is a causal link between the drug and your injury

Georgia law allows injured parties to pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
• Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

It’s important to act quickly—Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for most product liability claims.

Why Choose Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA?

With decades of trial experience, Moriarty Injury Lawyer is a trusted name in dangerous drug litigation across Atlanta, Fulton County, and the greater metro area. We work with medical experts, review FDA data, and go up against major pharmaceutical companies on your behalf.

Whether you live in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Decatur, or Marietta, we’re here to help you get answers—and justice.

Talk to a Dangerous Drug Attorney in Atlanta Today

If you believe a dangerous medication caused you serious harm, don’t wait. Contact Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta, GA, for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Your fight is our fight—and it starts with a phone call.