A conservative estimate: between 225,000 and 296,000 deaths annualy are caused by adverse drug reactions from prescription drugs (excluding errors). [JAMA, 2000]
The latest published estimate, based on reports to FDA’s MedWatch database:
FDA-approved prescription drugs are linked to 45 million adverse effects–of which 2.5 million to 4 million are serious, disabling or fatal. [QuarterWatch , May 2012 ]