Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

For several years, GlaxoSmithKline P.L.C. ignored evidence that its antidepressant, Paxil, may have caused birth defects in Missouri and throughout the nation, according to details emerging from a pharmaceutical liability lawsuit. The claim was filed by a woman who says her 3-year-old son has heart problems because she took Paxil during her pregnancy. Attorneys nationwide who have filed these Paxil lawsuits on behalf of injured clients and their children are alleging that Glaxo, for many years, knew about early tests and research results which all raised issues of concern. In fact, an attorney cited a test where rats that were administered Paxil were more likely to have pups that did not survive past four days.

Warnings relating to Paxil apparently came as early as the 1980s. A scientist warned in an internal memo that "there remains the possibility" that Paxil could cause birth defects in higher doses. But Glaxo ignored those research findings. There are now 600 or more pending cases in the United States, which allege that Glaxo knowingly put Paxil on the market and concealed its risks from consumers in order to boost profits. Paxil, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, generated $942 million in sales just in 2008. Attorneys for Glaxo have denied all allegations and maintain that Paxil has cleared all clinical trials.

Statistics show otherwise. By 1997, within five years of Paxil's approval, Glaxo had received reports of 50 miscarriages or intrauterine deaths. A Glaxo scientist at that point warned that the high number of cases was "an alarming finding." That warning was also ignored by the pharmaceutical company and went unreported to the FDA.

Continue reading " Drug Company Ignored Evidence of Paxil Birth Defects for Years, Lawsuits Allege " »

In learning that a handful of patients with pre-existing kidney problems developed a serious condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), the FDA issued a letter of warning in 2006 informing healthcare professionals about the addition of a boxed warning for Gadolinium-based contrast agents, commonly used in MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). The FDA announcement also included new warnings about the danger of NSF.

Previously referred to as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy, NSF is a skin condition that, although currently under peer review, occurs only in individuals with kidney disease. The reason for this is that gadolinium (a heavy metal ion) is capable of staying in a person’s system unless the kidneys are able to get rid of it.

The International Center for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Research defines the condition as large areas of solidified or hardened skin. An affected area may contain raised papules, plaques, or confluent papules, which may raise skin deposits of mucous or display pigmentary variation. As a consequence of NSF, some patients lose the ability to entirely extend the joints of their feet, arms, legs, and hands, and may not be able to walk.

Continue reading " FDA Reveals Risk of NSF from Gadolinium-FDA Reveals Risk of NSF from Gadolinium " »

The holiday season includes overeating, celebrations and, often times, heartburn. Many people turn to over-the-counter medications and prescriptions to relieve heartburn caused by gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other gastrointestinal pains. However, one such product has been reported to create a more severe problem for patients.

Long-term use of Reglan has been linked with tardive dyskinesia, an incurable condition that involves involuntary repetitive movements. The symptoms of the condition include twitching, blinking, sudden jerks and other purposeless movements. There is no treatment for the condition or its symptoms, which are seldom reversible. Unfortunately, patients who develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia from Reglan use may retain the condition for the rest of their lives even if they have stopped using the drug.

The FDA has approved Reglan for short-term use (4-12 weeks), yet 30% of patients are prescribed the drug for 12 months or longer. Studies have shown that close to 29% of patients using Reglan long-term develop tardive dyskinesia, which is contrary to the warning labels that indicate the occurrence is possible but rare.

Continue reading " Long-Term Use of Reglan Linked to Twitching Condition " »

It is very common and routine for doctors to request a colonoscopy for patients aged 50 and older. However, the drugs often prescribed to cleanse the bowels before the procedure can have severe side effects.

OsmoPrep and Visicol are the only two prescription oral sodium phosphate (OSP) laxatives used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopies, x-rays and surgeries. These products have been known to cause the following:

• Irregular heartbeat


• Acute phosphate nephropathy (kidney damage)


• Renal failure


• Seizures


• Rectal bleeding


• Chafing

Some of the above side effects may cause permanent damage or death if left untreated.
In 2008, the FDA required manufacturers to add boxed warning labels to these products and to conduct further research on the benefits and risks of OSPs. The FDA also issued a warning to the makers of Fleet Phospho-soda for the defective product, later causing the company to recall the over-the-counter OSP.

Continue reading " OsmoPrep Side Effects and Risks " »

The end of each year is marked by holiday cheer. However, during the holidays, statistics show an increase of drivers on the road as well as intoxicated driving. This year, the Missouri Highway Patrol is participating in operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) over the holidays. During Thanksgiving weekend last year, there were 1,736 traffic crashes with 14 killed and 634 injured.

According to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD), about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some point in their lives. In addition, a first-time offender has driven an average of 87 times prior to being arrested. The highest number of drunk driving fatalities fall under the 21-24 age group. In 2007, Missouri had 130 fatalities for that age group, 45% of which were alcohol-related. December holidays and New Years often show an increase in drunk driving accidents.

Continue reading " December Holidays Show Increase in DWI Accidents " »

In 2005, the FDA released a warning on the drug Paxil indicating that the drug increased risks of birth defects when taken during the first three months of pregnancy. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) given to patients to relieve depression. Other SSRIs included in the report were Celexa, Fluvoxamine, Lexapro, Prozac, Symbyax and Zoloft.

Mothers who had been taking Paxil or other SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than pregnant mothers who did not take antidepressants. PPHN is a severe but rare disease that is characterized by abnormal blood flow leading to a lack of oxygen to the baby’s heart and lungs. The condition can be fatal to babies and may cause permanent neurologic damage to survivors.

Continue reading " Paxil Warning: May Cause Serious Birth Defects if Taken While Pregnant " »

A woman was killed and a child injured at a private railroad crossing in Webster County, Missouri. According to an article in the Kansas City Star, the Captain of the Southern County Fire Protection District said that the train’s engineer had seen the truck and tried to stop.

Two other children were in the truck bed but had jumped out of the vehicle before the crash. The 33-year-old woman, pronounced dead at the scene, had picked up the children from school and was on her way home. Her eight-year-old daughter sustained serious injuries and was air lifted to Springfield hospital.

The Missouri Department of Transportation reports that every two hours, a train hits a vehicle or pedestrian in the U.S. Another terrifying statistic is that you are 20 times more likely to die in a vehicle-train accident than a two-car crash.

Continue reading " Missouri Train Accident Kills One, Injures Another " »

In today’s world, many of us rely on doctor’s advice and medications to heal us and make us feel better. Still, it is important to keep yourself well informed on any medications that you are taking in order to prevent serious damage.

Levaquin and Cipro are two such medications that have harmful and often irreparable effects. These drugs are antibiotics classified under the flouroquinolone family and often prescribed for serious bacterial infections. Cipro gained publicity in 2001 for being the most common treatment for anthrax attacks.

The two most common symptoms of flouroquinolone antibiotics are tendon rupture and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a painful skin disorder also known as erythema multiforme. Other symptoms include vision damage, hearing loss, insomnia, anxiety, organ disorders, suicidal thoughts or actions, tendonitis, joint and muscle damage, and gastrointestinal damage.

Levaquin and Cipro side effects are also compounded when taken in combination with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, Advil and Motrin. Unfortunately corticosteroids and NSAIDs are often prescribed or taken to treat symptoms of TEN.

Continue reading " Dangerous and Permanent Side Effects of Levaquin and Cipro Antibiotics " »

On December first, the U.S. Senate will begin debates on its version of healthcare reform including a considerable expansion of the Elder Justice Act and other issues concerning seniors and long-term care. The Senate’s version is reportedly more extensive than the House’s bill. The main issues in both reforms include more effective worker screening programs with national background checks. In addition, the Senate’s version incorporates an increase in federal aid for elder abuse identification and requires long-term care providers to report cases as well as implement new anti-abuse programs alongside the Department of Health and Human Service.

Other provisions include Medicare market basket payment updates for 2010, long-term insurance programs and the expansion of Medicaid to community-based and home services. The Senate’s reform will also implement the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act, which enable long-term care insurance programs for current workers to pay gradually in preparation for elder years.

Continue reading " Senate to Debate on Health Reform and Elder Justice Act December 1 " »

Patients undergo MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) for various reasons. Whether it’s to discover an injury that an X-ray cannot detect, or to determine the presence of cancer, MRIs are frequently used. When undergoing an MRI, technicians and physicians will turn to a contrast agent, such as Gadolinium, to help alter the images of the area being screened to improve its quality in the results.

These Gadolinium contrast agents are injected into the patients’ bloodstream prior to the MRI scan so that the MRI computer can make an accurate distinction between abnormal and normal tissue. However, once researchers discovered in 2006 that Gadolinium use directly caused nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with pre-existing kidney problems, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning. It is no surprise then, that some patients have become mistrustful of MRIs.

Continue reading " Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in MRIs Connected to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis " »

Two semi trucks collided on the shoulder of Interstate 57. A 45-year-old man driving a semi truck hit a parked truck when he lost control of the vehicle and ran onto the shoulder of the highway. The other driver, a 24-year-old man, was in the second vehicle. The two trucks were carrying cargo of butter and lumber. The collision caused one truck’s fuel tank to split open, igniting the cab while the other truck’s trailer spilled sticks of butter on the highway.

The local fire department managed to keep the flames from burning all the cargo. Police and cleanup crew spent two days cleaning the butter spilt onto the interstate. The at-fault driver reportedly ran off the road upon spilling his coffee. Both drivers were hospitalized for serious injuries.

Continue reading " Two Semi Trucks Crash, Spilling Butter All Over Interstate 57 " »

The H1N1 vaccine may be proving more dangerous than helpful. According to ABC News and MSNBC.com reports, the swine flu vaccine is proving detrimental to some users, causing severe allergic reactions in some and proving to be altogether ineffective for others.

ABCNews.com reports that a batch of the H1N1 vaccine has been recalled by its maker, U.K.-based GlaxoSmithKline, because the vaccine has caused a severe allergic reaction in at least six people. A total of 170,000 doses of the vaccine have been recalled in Canada. At this point, reports claim that this particular issue with the vaccine is isolated and has yet to affect users in other countries. To date, a total of 7.5 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed in Canada.

An MSNBC.com article cites an equally scary report, claiming that over 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been recalled by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine’s division of France-based pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis Group. These particular doses of the vaccine have been deemed ineffective in preventing the onset of swine flu. Each dose in question has been cited as losing potency, thus failing to protect its user from contracting the illness. What’s more problematic about this particular instance of pharmaceutical product recall is that the futile doses in question were distributed amongst children.

As consumers, we trust that the products we buy are going to be free of error and perform as is advertised. Pharmaceutical recalls and the failure of pharmaceutical companies to deliver safe products are particularly unnerving because the health and well-being of consumers is put in great jeopardy.

At Page Law, our attorneys will keep a watchful eye over new developments involving the H1N1 vaccine recall. If you feel as though you have been a victim of a defective product, H1N1 or otherwise, please don’t hesitate to contact our Missouri personal injury attorneys. Call 866-620-5757 for a free consultation of your particular situation, or visit or main website: www.injuredclient.com for more information on this and other defective products.

Source Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/wireStory?id=9162438
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34432437/ns/health-cold_and_flu/

A personal injury lawsuit filed by a woman and her husband is underway in Madison County Circuit Court. The couple claims that the other driver, a man, struck the rear end of their vehicle causing the wife to sustain chronic headaches; jaw, back and neck pain and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

The woman has recently added to the claim that she is no longer able to care for her husband who suffers Parkinson’s disease and other neurological degradations. The woman’s conditions, as a result of the accident, have caused her to lose wages, experience a diminished quality of life, incur medical costs, and become incapable of providing services or companionship to her afflicted husband.

The two blame the other driver for causing the rear end accident, driving too fast, and not keeping a careful eye on the road. They are requesting over $100,000 in compensation in addition to attorney’s fees and any other relief the court deems just.

Continue reading " Couple Accuses Driver of Causing Chronic Injuries " »

After this summer’s dog fighting raids, nearly 500 dogs were left without homes. Dogs found in the raids that showed any signs of aggression toward humans were killed, while many others were put up for adoption or sent to rescue groups. However, if homes cannot be found for these abused dogs, they, too, will be put to sleep.

One of the most common dog fighting breeds is the Pit Bull terrier. Training for fights can begin as young as a few weeks old. Regardless of previous training, a dog fight can happen at any time, which is an intimidating fact for owners of certain dog breeds and for their neighbors.
There is no way to tell if a dog will end up normal or a vicious fighter, although a large part of it depends on the owner and training of the animal. Still, several towns are beginning to ban ownership of specific breeds because of the dogs’ proclivity to violence, which makes it more difficult to find homes for ex-fighters. Rescuers believe that these bans are unnecessary because with proper training and care, ex-fighters can live normal, loving lives without the urge to fight or attack.

Continue reading " Ex-fighting Dogs Left Without Homes After Summer Raids " »

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently put out an alert about two prescription drugs used to cleanse the bowel before a colonoscopy that may cause kidney damage. According to a Health Day news report, the oral sodium phosphate products Visicol and OsmoPrep could cause acute phosphate nephropathy, in other words, severe kidney damage. The FDA has apparently received reports of 20 unique cases of kidney damage associated with the use of OsmoPrep. The onset of kidney injury in these cases varied, occurring in some patients within several hours of using these drugs, and in other cases, up to 21 days after use. A number of patients routinely take oral sodium phosphate products – either prescription or over-the-counter – to clean the intestines prior to a colonoscopy or other medical procedures.

In 2006, the FDA put out an alert saying that sodium phosphates should be used with caution. Now the federal agency is saying that oral sodium phosphate products should not be used by patients under the age of 18 or in combination with other laxatives containing sodium phosphate. Those at risk also include patients 55 years of age or older; people who suffer from dehydration, kidney disease, acute colitis or delayed bowel emptying; and those taking medication for kidney function such as diuretics.

Continue reading " Oral Sodium Phosphates Linked to Kidney Damage " »

A 19 year-old man from Hughesville plead guilty to a single count of involuntary manslaughter and causing a two-car crash on Interstate 70 near Lee’s Summit Road in Missouri last January. The accused, driving a red 2005 BMW M3, hit the right rear of the deceased’s silver 2001 Ford F-150. The collision spun the truck out of control, causing it to veer right and roll several times. The male victim, age 50, was ejected from the truck and died two hours later from head injuries and internal bleeding at a hospital. Witnesses told Missouri police that the alleged was racing another vehicle, cutting in and out of traffic, and reaching speeds up to 100 mph.

Reckless driving poses a threat to all motorists and pedestrians, causing accidents, injuries and, in this case, death. Careless driving is indicative of negligence and the guilty party is responsible for all damages and costs relating to the accident. Over 40,000 people are killed in an estimated five million car accidents each year. Many of these accidents involve teens.

Continue reading " 19-Year-Old Driver Responsible for Two-Car Crash " »

A 38-year-old woman sustained major injuries in a Missouri car accident after her vehicle was rear-ended at an intersection, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Web site. Officials said that the woman's 1983 Ford Fairmont stopped to make a left turn at an intersection when she was struck from behind by a 2002 Ford F-250 pickup truck. The Ford Fairmont then crossed over the center line because of the crash impact and was struck by a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. The woman was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. No other injuries were reported.

In any incident where injuries are caused by someone else's negligence, an injured victim may qualify to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and even costs of long-term care if catastrophic injuries are involved. Car accidents often occur because of someone else's negligence. In some cases, drivers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted, or driving recklessly.

Continue reading " Woman Injured in Missouri Car Accident " »

Recent research demonstrates a possible association between a popular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and the incidence of a rare disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney disease, according to a Science Daily report. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis triggers thickening of the skin, organs and other tissues. There's no effective treatment for this serious, debilitating disease.

NSF is a serious condition. Patients who are afflicted with NSF experience an increase of collagen in the tissues, which causes thickening and hardening of the skin of the extremities. This could result in an inability to move. It could also cause a tightening or deformity of the joints. NSF can develop pretty quickly and could result in the patient becoming wheelchair-bound in just a few weeks. In some cases, other tissues including those of the lungs, heart, diaphragm, esophagus and skeletal muscle could be affected. Since there is no effective therapy or treatment for this disease, chances for recovery are indeed challenging.

Continue reading " Gadolinium Contrasting Agent Linked to Rare Degenerative Disease " »

Two people sustained injuries in a car accident on the Highway 70 after the driver of a Toyota Camry lost control and struck a Chevy Suburban that was pulling a boat. According to a news report, the driver of the Camry lost control and hit the boat that detached from the Suburban. The sport utility vehicle overturned. The driver of the Suburban was airlifted to an area hospital with severe injuries. A passenger in the Suburban was also taken to the hospital with less traumatic injuries. The driver of the Camry fled the scene, but was apprehended shortly after the crash, Missouri State Highway Patrol officials said.

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime under Missouri law. Missouri Revised Code Section 577.060 states: "A person commits the crime of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident when being the operator or driver of a vehicle on the highway or on any publicly or privately owned parking lot or parking facility generally open for use by the public and knowing that an injury has been caused to a person or damage has been caused to property, due to his culpability or to accident, he leaves the place of the injury, damage or accident without stopping and giving his name, residence, including city and street number, motor vehicle number and driver's license number, if any, to the injured party or to a police officer, or if no police officer is in the vicinity, then to the nearest police station or judicial officer."

Continue reading " Two Injured in Missouri Car Accident " »

Paxil, or paroxetine, is an antidepressant that has been known to cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. The FDA classifies Paxil as a Category D medicine, indicating the level of risk to unborn children. Category D medicines can be given to pregnant women, if the benefits of the drug outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. In the case of Paxil, if a woman is unresponsive to other antidepressants and suffers acute depression, the drug may be prescribed.

Still Paxil poses a prominent risk to babies if mothers take the drug during pregnancy. If taken in early pregnancy, the drug denotes possible heart problems to the fetus and mother ranging from mild to severe and may require surgery. Paxil is also known to cause persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a condition that affects newborns’ circulation and breathing patterns, preventing oxygen from the heart and lungs. PPHN can be fatal or cause permanent damage to the baby. Paxil can be found in breast milk and can be harmful to feeding babies.

Continue reading " FDA Classifies Paxil as a Category D Medicine " »

This autumn, regions in Missouri have been struck by heavy rainfall, especially in Hannibal. The monthly average rainfall for Hannibal increased from 11.37 inches to 11.46. Rain leads to flooding which contributes to poor road conditions. Many roads have been closed and reopened due to excess rainfall. The heavy rain has also been the perpetrator in several car accidents that claimed a few lives. To ensure road safety, the Missouri Department of Transportation has been monitoring road conditions and posting updates on the traveler information map section of its website.

Rainwater coats roads, making them slicker, which can cause tires to lose traction or hydroplane. The best way to prevent a hydroplane is to make sure there is enough tread on your tires and to drive five miles below the posted speed limit, or slower, if conditions are more severe. If you drive too fast in the rain, your tires may not be able to grip the road properly and could skid on the water, causing the vehicle to spin and even accelerate. If this happens, release the gas pedal and drive straight until the tires regain traction.

Continue reading " Tips on How to Drive in Missouri's Heavy Rain " »

A 20-year-old man from O’Fallon, Missouri was killed in a head on collision with a tractor trailer. The crash occurred westbound on Highway 40 near Barat Haven, shutting down the road for several hours. Police suspect the man had been driving under the influence of alcohol and are waiting for toxicology test results.

The man was driving a 2000 silver Infiniti east at 3 a.m. head on against westbound traffic before striking a tractor trailer, driven by a 48-year-old man from Kansas City. The collision caused an explosion that melted the cab and part of the trailer. The young driver died 40 minutes later at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur. The truck driver was not hurt.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2007 Assessment of Alcohol-Impaired Fatalities reports that the age group with the highest risk of alcohol-related traffic accident fatalities is 25-34. The age group 45-64 was the only one reported to have an increase in fatalities from 2006 to 2007. Missouri alcohol-related fatalities account for 30-34% of all statewide traffic accident fatalities.

Continue reading " Man Killed Driving Eastbound on Westbound Highway " »

Bayer says that a study by Swissmedic, the Swiss medical authority, released recently in German, shows that the risk of potentially fatal embolisms, or clots, is about the same for its Yaz brand contraceptives as it is with other birth control pills. According to a report on Bnet, Bayer has provided an incomplete translation of Swissmedic's study, which may not provide the complete picture. This study is being looked at with great interest by attorneys who have filed pharmaceutical liability lawsuits on behalf of personal injury victims who have suffered greatly as a result of taking Yaz. So far, about 130 Yaz lawsuits have been filed. These lawsuits basically allege that Bayer's use of drospirenone, the active ingredient in the pill, increases risks of blood clots, which can result in heart attacks and strokes.

Swissmedic began investigating all birth control pills after a 16-year-old was disabled by a lung embolism after she took Yaz. Reportedly, there have been nine deaths connected with the use of oral contraceptives in Switzerland since 1990. Bayer launched Yaz, a lower-dose version of Bayer's contraceptive Yasmin, last year in Europe where it was expected to generate peak annual sales in the low triple-digit millions of Euros within five years. Bayer's contraceptives, Yasmin, Yaz and Yasminelle, were the pharmaceutical company's best selling products last year, generating sales of 1.2 billion Euros in 2008 alone.

Continue reading " Swiss Medical Authority Investigates Yaz Drug Side Effects " »