Drug companies continually develop and test new pharmaceuticals that are designed to better treat and manage various ailments.
These drugs alter how an individual's body works, so they must undergo extensive testing before the government will allow the companies to sell them.
Testing occurs in various stages.
After a drug is developed, the company that developed it will first turn to laboratory testing.
This testing consists of administering the drug to laboratory mice.
The examination period will let the scientists know whether the pharmaceutical is safe for human testing or not.
In the human testing stage, the pharmaceutical company pays individuals to be part of a drug trial.
The development scientists will observe the individuals and take note of how well the drug works in combating the targeted ailment, as well as any side effects resulting from usage.
When the scientists determine the drug is safe, the Food and Drug Administration may conduct its own tests before allowing the pharmaceutical company to market the drug to the public.
When the company gets the go ahead, though, it is allowed to sell its product.
Even though newly developed pharmaceuticals undergo extensive testing, some of which takes years to complete, some side effects do not appear in lab testing or drug trials.
When this is the case, individuals who have been given the medication may be at great risk for unintended side effects.
Many drugs pass testing phases and are allowed to be sold.
In some cases, unfortunately, it is later discovered that these drugs cause cardiovascular disease and liver damage, as well as other damaging side effects.