Drugs and Medical Devices: Adverse Events and the Impact on Women's Health

Abstract

A large number of medications and medical devices removed from the market by the US Food and Drug Administration over the past 4 decades specifically posed greater health risks to women. This article reviews the historical background of sex and gender in clinical research policy and describes several approved drugs and devices targeted for use in women that have caused major morbidity and mortality. The intended population for the medications and devices, population affected, approval process, and the basic and legal actions taken against the medication/drug company are also discussed. It is recognized that women are still at risk for harm from unsafe medications and devices, and continued improvements in legislation that promotes inclusion of sex and gender into the design and analysis of research will improve safety for both men and women.

Keywords: medication and device safety; sex and gender.

Figure

Historical timeline of important sex- and gender-related clinical research policy. FDA = US Food and Drug Administration; NIH = National Institutes of Health.