Johnson & Johnson announced this week it is recalling approximately 70,000 syringes. The syringes contain an injectable antipsychotic medication, Invega. Apparently, cracks in the syringes have resulted in improper dosages of the medications and infections in patients.

The company has experienced prior issues with product recalls, experiencing several such instances in the last few years. Johnson & Johnson lost approximately $900 million on product recalls in 2010. The company issued a recall in January of approximately 43 million over-the-counter medication bottles manufactured at a Pennsylvania facility. The issue in the January recall was a sanitary concern regarding the cleaning of the bottles.

The Wall Street Journal, Health Blog, J&J Recall Watch: 70,000 Syringes of Injectable Antipsychotic Pulled, 02/15/11

It is very important for you to pay close attention while taking medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Despite government regulations from the FDA and the best efforts of health professionals and manufacturers, instances of negligence do occur. Dangerous prescription drugs are the result in cases where manufacturers have failed to meet the standard of reasonable care (i.e. they were negligent). In other scenarios, a pharmacist or doctor may have improperly provided a prescription, resulting in medical malpractice. In these instances, it is crucial that you understand the law and your rights. It is important that you immediately consult a Charlotte personal injury lawyer.