Prescription drugs are medications that are not able to be legally purchased without a prescription from authorized medical professionals, such as doctors or dentists. Over-the-counter medications are those which can be purchased without a prescription.
Prescription drugs tend to be more effective, or stronger. They also tend to have more side effects than over-the-counter medications.
It is important to be aware that certain newer prescription drugs may lack long-term testing or research, which means that the side effects of the medication may, in some cases, develop over time.
What Are Dilaudids?
Dilaudids are prescription drugs that include the main ingredient hydromorphone. Dilaudid is the brand name for this type of medication.
This drug is derived from morphine. It acts as a powerful pain killer as well as a sedative.
Hydromorphone drugs are legally classified as narcotics. These medications should only be issued according to a physician’s prescription.
This type of medication is usually issued to a patient who is recovering from surgery or individuals who are suffering from chronic pain issues. Similar to other types of pain killing medications, Dilaudid can be habit forming as well as physically addicting.
The withdrawal symptoms from this medication may, in some cases, be worse than the actual pain which was caused by the surgery for which the medication was prescribed.
What Are Some Dangers Associated with Dilaudids?
As noted above, one of the main dangers associated with Dilaudid pills is that they may be addictive and habit-forming. This may cause individuals to resort to prescription drug crimes in order to support their habit.
Thefts and other crimes which are associated with Dilaudids may cause problems for pharmacists and physicians. Another danger which is associated with Dilaudid is that the medication may, in some cases, have a physical appearance which is similar to heroin.
A small amount of Dilaudid has led to a fatal overdose in some heroin addicts who mistakenly believed the substance was heroin.
Is it Illegal to Sell Prescription Drugs?
Pursuant to numerous state laws and federal laws, it is illegal for individuals to sell a prescription drug if they do not hold a valid license to write prescriptions. In addition, it is illegal for an individual to distribute or provide another individual prescription drugs without a license.
Pursuant to these laws, a sale does not necessarily require only monetary compensation for the prescription drug. A sale may also involve the exchange of someone of value, such as services or a gift.
It is illegal for an individual who holds a license to knowingly distribute or sell a prescription drug to an individual if they do not have a valid prescription or a legitimate need for that particular drug. Prescribing more drugs than which is needed or abusing or replicating prescription forms is also illegal.
Are There any Criminal Penalties for Illegally Selling Prescription Drugs?
Yes, the illegal sale of prescription drugs is among the most serious types of prescription drug crime. The sale of prescription drugs typically results in more serious penalties than other types of prescription drug crimes, such as use or possession.
An illegal sale of prescription drugs usually results in felony charges, which are punishable by criminal consequences including 1-5 years in prison and criminal fines. A professional who is a doctor or pharmacist may face additional consequences, including the loss of their practicing license or the loss of their certification.
A prescription drug sale which involves the illegal manufacturing of a prescription drug may also involve more serious penalties.
Are There Any Legal Penalties for Dilaudid-Related Violations?
As noted above, Dilaudid is a controlled substance and requires a prescription. Criminal penalties may result for individuals who are in illegal possession of the drug.
In addition, many criminal cases involve the illegal distribution of Dilaudids as well as other hydromorphone-based substances. Depending upon the criminal offense involved, the penalties for a prescription drug crime may range from 1-5 years for a misdemeanor charge and up to 10-20 years for a felony charge.
A criminal fine may also be imposed, which can be very costly for the offender.
What are Painkiller Lawsuits?
In recent years, there have been many pain killer lawsuits which have arisen in connection with prescription medications. These lawsuits usually involve injuries which are related to the side effects of the medications, which are often manufactured from powerful opioid ingredients.
Common painkiller side effects may include:
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Constipation;
- Addiction; and
- Respiratory ailments.
In some cases, the side effects may be more severe, even life threatening, including:
- Heart ailments;
- Liver damage;
- Unconsciousness;
- Stomach or intestinal damage; and
- Injuries which result from interactions with other medicines or other medical conditions.
Examples of painkiller drugs which are commonly associated with a high risk of side effects include:
These types of medications are also commonly connected with criminal conduct, such as the illegal sale of prescription drugs.
Who can be Held Liable for Injuries from Pain Killer Side Effects?
Depending upon the situation, there are various different parties which may be held liable for injuries due to painkiller side effects. In certain cases, the manufacturer of the prescription painkiller may be held liable for injuries which are caused by the defective product.
For example, if the drug product contained in the package does not match the label of the packaging. Another example may occur when the manufacturer fails to provide sufficient warning language with the medication.
These types of claims are usually filed under product liability laws. In other cases, medical professionals or pharmaceutical professionals may be held liable for a prescription error that causes injury to a patient.
For example, if a doctor prescribes a painkiller to the wrong patient or prescribes the wrong dosage, the doctor may be held liable for the injuries that result from that error. Individuals or parties who are found to be manufacturing counterfeit pain killer drugs may be held liable for injuries that the substance causes.
In addition to being illegal, these types of drugs are commonly produced under conditions which do not meet medical health and safety standards, which may drastically increase the risk of injury.
What are the Legal Remedies for a Pain Killer Injury Lawsuit?
An injury from a painkiller may be serious and, in certain cases, life-threatening. Legal actions may, in some cases, be required to provide the injured party with compensation for their injuries.
In these types of lawsuits, monetary damages awards may be issued to the injured, or non-liable party, also called the plaintiff. These damages are intended to cover losses including:
- Medical expenses;
- Additional hospital bills;
- Lost wages; and
- Other costs.
In cases which involve a product defect, a pain killer recall may also be issued.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Dilaudid Legal Issues?
A crime that involves Dilaudid may be very serious. You should never attempt to acquire Dilaudid without a valid prescription.
In addition, you should never share any prescription medications with other individuals because it may result in criminal penalties. If you have any issues, questions, or concerns related to these issues, it may be helpful to consult with a drug lawyer.
Your attorney can provide you with legal advice regarding questions and can represent you in court if necessary. If you have been charged with a Dilaudid related drug crime, your attorney may be able to negotiate a reduction of your charges or negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution.
