How Can I Find Out if I Have a Defective Medical Device or Recalled Drug?

by Caleb Fleschner

Last Updated July 28, 2026 In Newsletter

When you take a prescription medication or rely on a medical device, you trust that it has been thoroughly tested and is safe to use. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Every year, medications and medical devices are recalled because of manufacturing defects, contamination, dangerous side effects, or design flaws that put patients at risk.

Knowing whether a product has been recalled can help protect your health, and if you’ve already been injured, it may also protect your legal rights.

How Do I Know if a Drug or Medical Device Has Been Recalled?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the safety of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, medical devices, and many other healthcare products. When a serious safety concern is identified, the FDA or the product’s manufacturer may issue a recall or safety alert.

If you take a medication or use a medical device regularly, there are several ways to stay informed:

• Check the FDA’s online recall and safety alert database.
• Sign up for FDA email alerts to receive notifications about new recalls.
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about a medication or device.
• Keep the original packaging whenever possible so you can easily identify the manufacturer, lot number, or model if a recall is announced.

Don’t Rely on One Source

Healthcare providers work hard to keep patients informed, but recalls happen frequently, and information doesn’t always reach every patient immediately. Taking a few minutes to monitor products you use can provide valuable peace of mind.

If you experience unexpected symptoms after taking a medication or using a medical device, don’t ignore them. Seek medical attention right away and ask your healthcare provider whether your symptoms could be related to the product.

What if I’ve Already Been Injured?

Unfortunately, many recalls are issued only after patients have already suffered serious injuries. Defective hip implants, surgical mesh, CPAP machines, hernia mesh, prescription medications, and other medical products have all led to lawsuits after patients experienced preventable harm.

If you believe a defective drug or medical device caused your injury, you may have legal options. Preserving medical records, keeping the product (if possible), and speaking with an attorney early can help protect your claim.

“People place an enormous amount of trust in medications and medical devices,” says attorney Caleb Fleschner. “When a company puts a dangerous product on the market, patients shouldn’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden alone. Our job is to help families understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.”

We’re Here to Help

If you or someone you love has been injured by a recalled medication or defective medical device, the attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are ready to answer your questions and explain your legal options.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have represented injured Hoosiers for decades and understand the complex issues involved in defective drug and medical device claims.

Call Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today at (800) 477-7315 for a free consultation.