Prescription drugs are powerful medication that can be used for great healing or can cause great harm. Many medications have dangerous side effects or don’t do what they are supposed to do. If you or a family member has had an adverse reaction to any of the drugs below, it’s time for us to talk.

Accutane – also known as Isotretinoin, Roaccutane, Amnesteem, Claravis and Sotret, is a medicine used to treat acne, pimples, and skin conditions. Accutane has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease seriously affecting the stomach, intestine, and rectum.

Actiq – also know as the Fentanyl Lollipops because Actiq is a powerful pain medicine that you suck on like a lollipop.  It is to be used only for cancer patients, but is routinely prescribed against the FDA’s recommendation for headaches and backpain.  Actiq has been linked to respiratory distress and severe dehydration causing the death of over 120 patients.

Actos – is a medication used to treat diabetes. It is also used in medications Actoplus Met and Duetact,  Actos has been linked to heart problems and also causing weaker bones and bone fractures.

ADHD Drugs – such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concentra, Cylert, Dexedrine, Focaline, Methylin, Metadate, Rubifen is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  These drugs are  linked to sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension in children and adults.

Advair – and Serevent are asthma drugs in an aerosol spray disc which relax muscles around the airways to the lungs. Sometimes, however, the muscles around the airways tighten and the inability to breathe can cause death. People of African decent may be at greater risk for Advair and Serevent side-effects than Caucasians, although researchers are unsure of the causation.

Ambien – a popular sleeping pill has made news with people sleep-walking, sleep-driving, sleep-eating or doing many other activities that cause injury to themselves or others, but later they have no memory of whatsoever. 

Antidepressants – Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Remeron, Serzone, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Zyban and other generic antidepressants have been linked to higher risk of suicide in children and sometimes adults.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs – such as Depacon, Depakene, Depakote, Lamictal, Lyrica, Stavzor, and Topamax which are used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, manic depressiveness, and chronic pain have been linked to an increased risk of liver damage and birth defects and deformities.

Asthma Drugs – such as Advair, Foradil, Serevent, and Symbicort may actually increase the risk of severe asthma problems and death in both adults and children. These drugs should only be used in conjunction with other treatment methods.

Avandia – also known as Rosiglitazone is a blood sugar control medication used for type II diabetes patients. Avandia has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, liver failure, and osteoporosis.

Baycol – a cholesterol reducing drug that has been linked to a muscle weakening disease and known as Rhabdomyolysis. Symptoms include fever, nausea, muscle pain and weakness and potentially heart attack and renal failure.

Bextra – an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitors like other drugs Celebrex and Vioxx has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke along with a rare skin disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome which causes severe eye damage. 

Birth Control & Oral Contraceptives – YAZ, Yasmin, and Ocella are oral contraceptives which have been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, hyperkalemia, gallbladder disease, kidney failure, pancreatitis, and death.

Budeprion XL – a generic alternative for antidepressant medication Wellbutrin XL.  Budeprion XL has been proven to cause more side effects and to be less effective than Wellbutrin XL because of the pills dissolving release rate.  Budeprion XL advertised that it contained the same chemical composition as Wellbutrin XL but failed to disclose that its delivery and release mechanism in the body was much less effective than Wellbutrin XL.  The brand name Wellburtin XL has a timed-slow release that gradually lets out medication, while Budeprion XL release dumps a larger dose in the body causing a medication spike. 

Byetta – an injectable diabetes drug linked to urinary problems, kidney dysfunction, kidney failure, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, and pancreatitis - a severe infection of the pancreas that can cause internal bleeding and death.

Cardura – also known under its generic name Doxazosin Mesylate is generally prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, hypertension, and benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlarged prostate. Cardura has been linked to an increased risk of congestive heart failure.

Celebrex – an anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitors like other drugs Bextra and Vioxx has been linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke along with a rare skin disorder known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome which causes severe eye damage. 

CellCept – an organ transplant medication linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, and birth defects and deformities. Before prescribing the medicine a pregnancy test should be done.  CellCept is also prescribed “off-label” for unapproved uses, such as treating lupus. Cell Cept is linked with anemia and a severe neurological disease, known as Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, which can be fatal. 

Chantix – anti-smoking drug Chantix has been linked to an increased risk of suicides, suicide attempts, and aggressive and unusual behavior.

Crestor – also known under its generic name rosuvastatin, is a prescription drug used to lower cholesterol. Crestor has been linked to kidney damage, muscle weakness, rhabdomyolsis, renal failure, and death.

Digitek – also known as Digoxin, is a medicine used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats in which some pills contained twice the normal strength.

Dostinex – also known as Cabergoline is a drug used to treat blood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and restless leg syndrome has been linked to severe and even fatal heart valve damage.

Eczema Drugs – eczema is a chronic skin disorder, like dermatitis, that involves scaly and itchy rashes. Two drugs, Elidel Cream and Protopic Ointment have been linked to increased risk of skin cancer and lymphoma.

Effexor – is an antidepressant used to treat anxiety, panic, and social anxiety disorder has been shown to be highly addictive.  People taking Effexor have had severe head pains, mood-swings, and other withdrawal effects when trying to quit the medication. Effexor has also been linked to suicide, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior and suicide attempts

Exjade – is a medication for people with chronic anemia and iron overload due to a blood transfusion. Exjade has been linked to increased risks of kidney failure, blood vessel inflammation, hives, and hypersensitivity.

Ephedra – also known as Phenylpropanolamine is used in some diet drugs for weight loss and bodybuilding. The stimulant, which speeds the heart rate and constricts blood vessels, can cause stroke, heart attack, and brain damage.  A government ban on Ephedra is now in place.

Fentanyl Patch – also known as Fen-Phen or the Duragesic patch, is used in patients with moderate to severe chronic pain usually in cancer patients. Fentanyl is an extremely strong pain medication that is 100 times stronger than morphine. Each patch contains a three day dose of Fentanyl gel which is designed to release a steady dose through a rate controlled membrane. The patch has been linked to over 120 overdose deaths due to dosage confusion, mis-prescriptions, and misuse.

Fentora – is the pill tablet form of fentanyl to be taken orally.  The Fentora pill is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain usausally in cancer patients. The Fentora pill has been linked to overdose deaths like the Fentanyl Patch. 

Fleet Phospho-soda Prep & Oral Sodium Phosphate – is a solution commonly used to relieve constipation or as a bowel cleanser prior to a colonoscopy. When it is used at higher doses for colonoscopy prep, it can cause a form of kidney damage and kidney failure known as acute phosphate nephropathy.

Fosamax – is used to treat osteoporosis usually in post-menopausal women. Fosamax and other similar drugs such as Actonel, Aredia, Boniva, and Zometa, have been linked to a serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw causing jaw decay or “dead jaw” which requires painful and expensive surgery to correct.

Gardasil –  is a vaccine used on teenage girls to protect against cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).  Gardasil has been linked to causing fainting spells, in which the patient falls and injures herself. 

Ginkgo Biloba – Many companies that manufacture and market ginkgo biloba supplements make outrageous claims about their products' will prevent the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's disease and improve memory.  Recent research has shown such claims to be false.

Haldol – also known as Haloperidol is an antipsychotic and schizophrenia medication.  The drug is to be given as a shot in the muscle, but many times it is injected into the veins.  Haldol has been linked to heart and cardiovascular problems and sudden death.

Heparin - also known as Heparin Sodium, is a blood thinner administered in surgery that decreased the ability of blood to clot.  Heparin was found to be contaminated when manufactured in China.  Heparin has been linked to sudden death and other cardiovascular problems.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – are drugs such as Estradiol, Medroxyprogesterone, Premphase, Premarin, Prempro, and Provera which are used to replace female hormones during or after menopause.  These drugs place women at a higher risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, dementia, and other serious illnesses.

Humira – is injectable drugs that treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.  Other medications include Cimzia, Enbrel, Remicade, and Simponi. Humira and these other drugs have been linked to an increased risk of several kinds of cancer and serious fungal infections.

Hydroxycut – an extremely popular weight loss supplement has been linked to abdominal pain, seizures, muscle damage, and liver failure

Invirase – also known under the generic name Saquinavir is an antiviral medications that act as protease inhibitors to prevent the progression of HIV infections. Use of Invirase with another another drug, Norvir (ritonavir), has been linked serious heart complications.

Ketek – is an antibiotic used to treat bacteria infections that are found in the lungs, sinus, and throat. Ketek that has been linked to hepatitis, severe liver damage, and liver failure.

Klonopin – also known under its generic name clonazepam is a drug used to control seizures in epilepsy and for the treatment of panic disorder. Klonopin has been linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide.

Lamisil – is a drug used to treat nail fungus, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. Lamisil comes in both cream and tablet form. Lamisil tablets are usually prescribed for an extended period of time before results are seen. Lamisil has been linked with liver disorders. including liver failure that can lead to death or liver transplant. Additionally, Lamisil has been found to cause damages to the eyes and in rare cases, severe skin reactions.

Levaquin – also known as Levofloxacin and other drugs like Avelox, Cipro, Floxin are prescription drugs used to treat bacterial infections in lungs, skin, urinary tract, and sinuses. They are also prescribed to treat bronchitis and pneumonia. Levaquin has been linked to an increased risk of tendon rupture, particularly with the Achilles tendon. Levequin is also associated with a rare but very serious side effects called Stevens Johnson Syndrome which can cause numerous areas of the skin to become detached, vision loss and blindness.

Mifeprex – RU 486 – also known as the “day-after pill” is a pill administered for a medical abortion up to 7 weeks after pregnancy, and is an alternative to surgical abortion. The drug blocks a hormone required to sustain a pregnancy.  Mifeprex has over 600 reported cases of adverse side effects including serious infections, septic shock, excessively bleeding, some resulting in death. All the deaths have been associated with a rare bacterial infection called Clostridium sordellii.

Miraprex – is a medication used to control tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome.  Unfortunately, drugs like Miraprex and Requip have been associated with addiction and pathological obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, sex, drug or alcohol addiction and binge over-eating which the patient had no prior history of before taking Miraprex.

Natrecor – is used to treat congestive heart failure.  Natrecor has been linked to a higher risk of death within when administered intravenously in a hospital or clinic. It has also been linked with dangers of kidney and renal toxicity and failure.

Neurontin – also known as Gabapentin, is anticonvulsant drug.  It is being investigated by 47 attorneys general for allegedly being illegally marketed and sold for off-label uses such as bipolar disorder, pain management, migraine, attention deficit disorder, restless leg syndrome, and drug and alcohol withdrawal. Neurontin is not approved for these “off label” uses and may cause serious side effects. 

NeutroSpec – is a radio-pharmaceutical imaging agent used for the diagnosis of appendicitis. NeutroSpec is injected into a patient's bloodstream and has been liked to cardiac arrest, hypoxia, dyspnea, and hypotension.

Norvir – also known under the generic name Ritonavir is an antiviral medications that act as protease inhibitors to prevent the progression of HIV infections. Use of Invirase with another another drug, Invirase (saquinavir), has been linked serious heart complications.

Nuvaring – is a prescription birth control device that has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, stroke, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, and deep venous thrombosis. The FDA mandated a warning for the NuvaRing birth control ring after several young women died as a result of complications. The NuvaRing drug's warning section now notes that these types of birth control expose women to higher levels of estrogen than most birth control pills.

OxyContin – is a powerful painkiller that contains the narcotic drug oxycodone. OxyContin is highly addictive.  Children and teenagers use this drug recreationally by breaking or crushing the pill which may lead to serious injuries or death by overdose.

Paxil –is an antidepressant that has been linked to pregnancy birth defects specifically affecting the baby’s heart and lungs and a rare birth defect of Craniosynostosis, which prevents the baby’s brain from growing normally. Surgery is required to relieve pressure associated with brain growth.

Permax – is a drug used to treat blood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and restless leg syndrome has been linked to severe and even fatal heart valve damage.

Plavix – is often used in conjunction with aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke. However, it has been linked to ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, internal hemorrhaging, heart attacks, strokes, and other serious side effects.  Additionally Paxil has been linked to birth defects, including heart defects, skull defects, brain defects, and abdominal defects.

Provigil – also known under the generic name of Modafinil, is prescribed to treat narcolepsy. Provigil itself is often described as a "wakefulness promoting agent.” Provigil has been prescribed “off label” for attention deficit disorder, fatigue from work or stress, and other unapproved uses.  Provigil has been linked with an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, and a severe skin condition known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome where the patient’s skin peels off the body which leads to damaging infections which may be fatal.

Raptiva – is an injectable drug used to treat psoriasis, an inflammation of the skin. Raptiva has been linked to viral meningitis, bacterial sepsis, fungal disease, and a rare brain infection called encephalopathy that often leads to death among patients diagnosed.

Reglan – also known under its generic name metoclopramide and other versions such as Degan, Maxeran, Maxolon, Primperan, and Pylomid are used to slow gastric emptying in people with diabetes, to prevent morning sickness in pregnant mothers, to treat heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children and adults, and for various stomach problems such as nausea and vomiting.  Reglan has been linked with Tardive Dyskinesia, a potentially permanent movement disorder. Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological disorder like Parkinson’s that consists of potentially irreversible, involuntary movements of the tongue, mouth, face, lips, and sometimes the arms and legs.

Requip – Requip is a popular medication used to control tremors associated with Parkinson’s Disease and Restless Leg Syndrome.  Unfortunately, drugs like Requip have been associated with addiction and pathological obsessive-compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, sex, drug or alcohol addiction and binge over-eating which the patient had no prior history of before taking Requip.

Rituxan PML – also known as Rituximab, is a drug used to treat certain types of cancer.  Rituxan has been linked with a rare brain infection, known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalitis (PML) which has a 90% fatality rate.

Seroquel – an antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder, anxiety, sleep disorders, and schizophrenia has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes (especially in children), weight gain, pancreatitis and death.  Off-label uses include treatment of anxiety, obsessive dementia, compulsive disorders and autism.

Singulair – is an asthma medication that has been linked to mood swings, aggressiveness, and suicidal thoughts in children.

Tamiflu – is used to treat the flu and influenza has been linked to serious allergic reactions and serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and anaphylactic shock. Tamiflu has also been linked mood swings and suicidal thoughts in children.

Terbutaline –is an asthma medication that is commonly used to held preterm labor contractions. Terbutaline is sold under the brand names Brethine and Bricanyl. Recent studies have shown a link between the use of Terbutaline during pregnancy and an increased risk of brain damage and cognitive deficits in the baby.

Topical Anesthetic Creams – are skin-numbing creams used to treat skin itching, irritation, and pain.  The creams usually contain lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, or prilocaine. Applying the creams across large areas of the body can result in high levels of these products in the blood causing life-threatening side effects, such as an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and death.

Total Body Dietary Supplements – Total Body nutritional supplements were recalled after they were discovered to contain excess amounts of selenium and chromium--levels that were high enough to be considered toxic. The supplement have caused kidney and thyroid damage, leg pains, and hair and fingernail loss. 

Trasylol – also known as aprotonin, is an injectable drug which decreases bleeding during surgery and aids the body’s ability to prevent bleeding. Normally, the drug is given to patients undergoing heart bypass surgery to control blood loss, but has also been used in other surgeries, such as hip replacement surgery. Trasylol has been linked to increased risk of death, kidney or renal failure, heart attacks, strokes and encephalopathy among heart surgery patients.

Tysabri – is a drug used to treat multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.  Tofanelli has been linked to rare and deadly brain infections, one called herpes encephalitis and another known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML – both are serious and often fatal.  Tysabri is also linked to serious liver damage may lead to death or the need for a liver transplant.

Viagra – and other drugs like Cialis and Levitra are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and have been linked to serious side effects including sudden death, heart attacks, and most recently vision loss and blindness caused by blood vessels breaking in the eyes. 

Vioxx – is a drug used to treat arthritis, joint pain, and chronic pain. However, in 2004 Vioxx was recalled by the FDA due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Voltaren – also known as Cataflam or diclofenac, is a pain killer and anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis and joint pain which comes in pill form or topical gel.  Voltaren gel has been linked to liver failure, liver necrosis, jaundice and hepatitis, and death.

Xenical – also called Orlistat is a drug used for obesity management and weight loss but has been linked to serious liver injury, liver failure, and colon cancer.

Zelnorm – is a drug to treat constipation symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Zelnorm has been linked to heart attack, stroke, and severe chest pain in women.

Zevalin – is a drug used to treat some forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  Zevalin has been linked to respiratory and breathing problems and also heart attack.  Zevalin has also been linked to deadly and serious skin conditions called Steven-Johnson syndrome and erythema multiforme in which the skin peels away from the body. 

Zicam – is popular over-the-counter cold remedy.  Zicam comes as a nasal spray or nasal swab.  Use of Zicam Nasal Gel and Zicam Nasal Gel Swabs products has been linked to permanent or long-lasting loss of the sense of smell (anosmia).

Zithromax  – also known as Azithromycin, is a popular antibiotic used for the treatment of several types of infections such as skin infections, venereal disease, respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, strep throat, and tonsillitis. Zithromax has been linked to abnormal liver function and liver failure as well as vision loss. 

Zocor -  is a prescription drug used to lower cholesterol. Zocar has been linked to kidney damage, muscle weakness, rhabdomyolsis, renal failure, and an increased risk of diabetes.

Zoloft – a popular antidepressant that has been linked to a higher risk of suicide in children and sometimes adults.  Zoloft has also been linked to birth defects in newborn infants whose mothers took Zoloft during pregnancy and bone loss in elderly patients.

Zyprexa – and another drug Seroquel are antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.  Zyprexa and Seroquel are typical used in nursing homes to treat elderly patients, but have been linked to several serious side effects including diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar disorders.

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