7. Pfizer’s Bextra
This happened in 2005.
The FDA almost knocked out Pfizer when it ordered the company to recall Bextra, which was a painkiller for arthritis. The drug got linked into increasing the possibilities of skin reactions, which could be life threatening, and heart risks.
This came at a time when Bextra was one of the best-selling products of the pharmaceutical giant. Its annual sales had touched a whopping $1.3 billion in 2004.
After effect:
In 2009, Pfizer made history by settling one of the biggest health-care scam and the biggest criminal fine of the time. It was accused of illegally marketing Bextra.