The Los Angeles Times reports that nearly one-third of drugs cleared by the FDA are later flagged for serious safety issues. In a review of 232 drugs approved by the FDA, researchers found that 71 of them were later flagged for safety issues that resulted in a recall, a health risk alert or a new box label about life threatening health risks.
Most drugs are tested on fewer than 1000 people, who are studied for 6 months or less. Unfortunately side effects or complications are more likely to develop in a more diverse population of takers over a longer period of time.
My advise is check with your physician or pharmacist about the length of time the drug they are prescribing and dispensing has been on the market. See if an older drug that has the same benefits is available.