Explanation of Drug Outcomes

Here are the different outcomes listed in the drug database:

Boxed warnings: While the drug may remain on the market, it now must include severe safety warnings intended for serious, life-threatening, and fatal complications.

Discontinued: This means the manufacturer is no longer marketing the drug. Discontinuations can be for a particular dose of a drug or a delivery method (oral versus injection, for example), while other forms of the drug remain on the market. A drug can only be discontinued for reasons other than safety and efficacy problems. 

Withdrawn: This means the manufacturer has voluntarily taken the drug off the market or the FDA has ordered it to do so. If the FDA orders it off, the drug loses its FDA approval. The manufacturer can take it off the market for safety or efficacy problems or for business reasons. Drugs can be withdrawn for specific conditions or diseases, or they can be withdrawn from sale altogether.