Your prescription was recalled — what now?
A recall notice is not the end of a story. It's often the start of one.
When the FDA announces a prescription drug recall, most patients think first about what to do medically. That's correct — talk to your prescriber before making any changes. But once your health is stable, three legal steps preserve your rights.
Step one: document what you took, and for how long
Pharmacies must retain dispensing records for years. Request a printout showing every fill of the affected medication — dates, dosages, prescriber. This single document often determines whether a case is viable.
Step two: save the packaging if you have it
Lot numbers, expiration dates, and NDC codes matter. If you still have bottles, blister packs, or shipping paperwork, photograph them and set them aside.
Step three: connect symptoms to the drug in medical records
Ask your doctor to note in your chart any symptoms, side effects, or diagnoses potentially tied to the recalled medication. This does not lock you into a claim — it simply preserves the medical evidence.
Time limits vary by state and by drug. California generally allows two years from discovery of the injury, but earlier deadlines can apply.
How pharmaceutical cases move forward
Most large drug cases are consolidated into federal MDLs or state coordinated proceedings. That structure benefits injured consumers by pooling discovery costs, coordinating experts, and enabling global settlement frameworks. We handle California representation within those structures.
There is no fee unless we recover for you.
Related practice area
Defective Pharmaceuticals
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