Medical products and devices include any tools, instruments, materials and medicines used in healthcare settings. Medical products can range from lab gowns to surgical tools, while devices can include pacemakers, blood pressure monitors and defibrillators. Medicines are self-explanatory; anything prescribed to you by your doctor falls under this category.

Basically, anything used by medical personnel falls under the category of medical products and devices. What is important is that your healthcare provider is using the newest and best products and the latest technology available.

Medical products, devices and medicines are sometimes recalled. The best way to determine which products have been recalled is by visiting the Web site for the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov. The site also offers tips on medical device safety and announces some new products and technology in the “Recently Approved Devices” section.

Medical products and devices are recalled when they don’t perform correctly and when they pose a health risk to patients. Unfortunately, sometimes patients die before the recall is announced. Also, recalls are often voluntary instead of mandatory, which means that companies don’t have to fully disclose all the problems or the extent of the malfunctioning of their products. 

Medicines are also recalled. A list of these medicines can also be found on the FDA’s Web site. Medicines get recalled because they cause adverse reactions in patients, and they don’t heal the intended illness or injury. Again, the recall can be voluntary or mandatory.

The best way to determine your rights concerning medical products, devices and medicines is to contact your personal injury attorney.