Drugs, Prescribed: Drug Product Liability

All drugs have the potential to cause harm. This may be through inadequate testing before licensing and marketing, the emergence of uncommon adverse effects following licensing and more extensive use, or errors in clinical use or in the supply of the drug. This chapter explores the issues of product liability as it relates to drugs, how parties may be held liable for harm caused, and identifies ways in which clinicians can minimize the risk both to themselves and to patients. The general principles are applicable worldwide, references to particular statutory legislation, statutory professional and advisory bodies relate to the United Kingdom.