What is the primary purpose of drug recalls?

The primary purpose of drug recalls is to remove dangerous products from the market. Recalls are initiated when a pharmaceutical company or regulatory authorities, such as the FDA, identify a risk that a specific drug may pose to patient health or safety. This could be due to contamination, incorrect labeling, unexpected side effects, or other serious quality control issues.

By promptly withdrawing these products, the goal is to protect consumers from potential harm, ensure public safety, and maintain trust in pharmaceutical products. The process of recalling drugs is a critical component of pharmacovigilance, which helps ensure that only safe and effective medications remain available to patients.