The United States FDA recalls potentially harmful drugs about once every month, but the agency needs to improve its   communication of recalls with doctors and patients. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine over the last 8 years , the FDA failed to send notifications of serious product recalls one out of five times – 20% - through its two electronic systems used to alert physicians and the public. The recalls dealt with what are called “Class I” issues. This means these drugs have the potential to cause “serious adverse health consequences or death.”  Therefore, we recommend that at least every quarter you check the FDA website directly to see whether there are any issues with your medications. Do not depend on the company or your doctor or pharmacist to tell you of a problem!