Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

An Iowa Police Officer was recently forced to pull out his firearm and dispatch a dog that was running amok through a residential neighborhood. The officer, responding to numerous calls of a dog running wild, arrived on the scene and found himself face to face with a very hostile German Shepard. According to statements issued by the police chief, the dog was approximately one to two feet away from the officer and snarling. The officer felt extremely threatened and was forced to shoot the dog in self-defense before the animal had a chance to lunge.

Police discovered later that the dog was unlicensed and had no records of rabies vaccinations. The officer claims that the resident’s safety and the safety of a local mailman were his primary concerns when confronted with the animal. In this case, no one was injured; but when an unfamiliar dog is running wild, the potential for confrontation can be very high.

Continue reading " Officer Shoots Rampaging Dog in Self-Defense " »

All pit bull owners in Poplar Buff will be required to microchip and register their dogs by April 1. The city’s animal control officers will be enforcing the new ordinance. If a pit bull is found running wild, the animal will be checked for microchip to determine who the owner is. If the dog does not have a microchip, it will be impounded. The ordinance also states that if a pit bull or pit mix happens to die, the animal’s owner will not be allowed to replace the dog with another pit bull. This decree is an effort to phase out all pit bulls from Poplar Bluff.

Most Missouri dog attacks in Poplar Bluffs involve pit bulls; although, according to animal control, over 50% of all dogs in the city are pit bulls. This type of breed-specific legislation is not uncommon in Missouri. Other cities such as Dexter and Piedmont have also banned pit bulls completely.
Microchipping dogs of all breeds is common, but the frequency of pit bull attacks in Poplar Bluff has left officials with little choice but to impose this measure. The restrictions leveled at pit bulls can seem unfair to pit bull owners despite the fact that this type of legislation is becoming common across America and the rest of the world.

If a pit bull attacks you or someone in your family, you may be overwhelmed by the complexities of the laws pertaining to this breed and dog bites. An experienced St. Louis dog bite lawyer can help protect your legal rights. Call (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation with a skilled and knowledgeable dog bite attorney at Page Law.

Source: http://www.semissourian.com/story/1618351.html

Last October, a stray pit bull viciously attacked a five-year-old boy, almost completely tearing off his scalp. According to the Birmingham News, another dog had saved the boy by fighting the pit bull and carrying the boy to safety. Although pit bulls have been known to have a proclivity toward aggression, the mother did not blame the breed for attacking her son. Instead, she blamed the way the dog had been raised, and the facts may support her opinion.

Some of the facts may be surprising to those who are biased toward the so-called dangerous breeds. If a dog of any breed attacks you, you may be entitled to compensation if the owner is found to be negligent. However, the Missouri dog bite laws can be confusing and also vary from county to county.

Pit bulls account for most reported dog bite cases, which could be because there are more of them than any other breed. Experts claim that the most popular breed of dog at any point in time is always going to be responsible for a greater number of attacks. The popularity of pit bulls could also push some owners to inbreed the dogs, which can produce dogs that are more prone to aggressive behavior. One of the experts owns five pit bulls and is never worried about leaving them with his children, claiming that the way the dog is raised accounts for its aggression.

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a dog attack or sustained a serious dog bite injury, you need an experienced St. Louis dog attack personal injury attorney to help investigate your case and protect your rights. Please call 314-322-8515 for a free consultation with a skilled and knowledgeable dog bite lawyer at Page Law.

Source: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2010/03/dog_bite_reports_defy_most_ste.html

A Kennett, Missouri local was served a summons to appear in court for violating the city’s dangerous dog ordinance. According to a story, at approximately 4:10 p.m. on March 16, 2010, Kennet’s humane officer received a call about a pit bull trying to bite students at a local middle school. Upon arriving at the school, she discovered that the animal had been subdued by a reserve police officer. As she and the officer were discussing the situation, a man aggressively approached them and demanded they relinquish his dog. When pressed to show identification, the man became agitated and started cursing. He then proceeded to angrily push the dog toward the officers and told them to take the animal.

Anticipating trouble at the pound, the humane officer decided to house the dog at an off-site location. The following afternoon someone was caught breaking into the dog pound. The suspect was apprehended in his vehicle and charged with trespassing on city property, breaking into the pound and violating the dangerous dog and leash law ordinances.

Continue reading " Man Charged for Pit Bull Attacks on Local School " »

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a black box warning for Reglan and all other drugs containing metoclopramide. According to a news report, what is curious about the recent buzz surrounding the Reglan black box warning is that it is more than a year old. The FDA news release dated February 26, 2009 talks about the Reglan black box warning. There are no recent releases or warnings that relate to Reglan.

The FDA warning stated that one of the effects of the drug, used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or diabetic gastroparesis, is "tardive dyskinesia," or involuntary movement disorders. The black box warning, which is the most serious warning that can be issued by the FDA, also states that these side effects can be irreversible with no known cure available.

Another analysis of study data by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in that study who used Reglan took it for more than three months. Also, the FDA is continuing to receive more reports of tardive dyskinesia in patients who used or continued to use Reglan. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary movement of facial muscles, the tongue, the eyes, fingers and other extremities. An individual of any age is at risk for drug-induced tardive dyskinesia.

Continue reading " FDA Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Warning More than a Year Old " »

A 5-year-old boy sustained injuries in a Missouri child dog bite attack, ABC 17 News reports. The toddler had to be airlifted to an area hospital for treatment after he was attacked on Old State Road near Highway T. The dog was taken away by animal control. No further information was available about the condition of the child.

The details of how or why this animal attack occurred have not been reported yet. There are many factors that determine fault, negligence and liability in dog attacks. There are several details that need to be examined on a case-by-case basis. Was the dog on a leash? Was the dog provoked? Did the dog have a history of vicious behavior? Some states have a strict liability statute, which means that the dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by his or her pet, irrespective of the circumstances or regardless of whether the owner had knowledge of the animal's prior viciousness.

Continue reading " Dog Bites Toddler in Missouri " »

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children are the most at risk of being attacked by dogs in the United States. Even when kids are taught not to approach unfamiliar dogs or not to bother a dog that is sleeping, as a recent attack demonstrates, children cannot prevent a dog owner from improperly detaining their animals. According to a ksdk.com article, a 3-year-old girl was attacked by three dogs when she was at play in a front yard.

Based on the article, the toddler has been hospitalized for over a week to receive medical attention for over 50 bites, ten of which may have reached the bone in some locations. The girl’s father stated that she is unable to move and has received over 150 stitches, experienced a lot of swelling, and is still in much pain. Apparently, the dogs that dragged the young child almost 90 feet – lab retriever mixes and an Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) – commonly roam “free around the neighborhood” and were not properly held within their owner’s yard.

Continue reading " 3-Year-Old Hospitalized after Dog Attack " »

The County of Santa Clara in California has filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline over its drug Avandia. The suit claims that the drug maker has made billions of dollars on the diabetes medication which has caused heart attacks and strokes. According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, the lawsuit is alleging that the drug maker has been involved in a decade of false advertising and marketing misrepresentation. The suit is seeking compensation on behalf of patients and providers in California.

Numerous patients nationwide have filed personal injury lawsuits against Glaxo over Avandia. However, this is the first lawsuit filed by a governmental entity that claims that the drug maker falsely advertised Avandia's benefits and hid its dangerous side effects from consumers. The lawsuit states that while GlaxoSmithKline made billions of dollars in profit by selling the drug, Avandia caused 60,000 to 200,000 heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths nationwide from 1999 to 2006. A Feb. 20 report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that Avandia caused heart attacks and strokes and recommended that it be removed from the market.

Continue reading " County Lawsuit over Avandia Alleges Dangerous Side Effects " »

A recent Three Rivers Publishing article discusses the perseverance of a 7-year-old girl in her continuing recovery from a serious pit bull attack that occurred in February 2010. According to the story, the young Cuba Elementary first grader was bit in the face by a neighbor’s pit bull after entering the vicinity where the dog was chained. Even though the girl was hospitalized for nine days and underwent two operations to treat the dog bite injuries on her face, the article mentions that she is still in pain, has swelling on her face, visible scarring, jaw damage, cannot open her left eye, and may have permanent vision damage. The first grader may also need reconstructive surgery in the future in addition to other medical care, including possible dental surgery to treat her jaw.

While the injuries sustained in this Missouri dog attack are considerable, even the most minor of injuries from a dog bite can impose tremendous emotional trauma and financial strain upon an individual and their family. In this particular situation, the young girl must be transported from Cuba, Missouri to St. Louis in order to receive the medical treatment she needs. In similar instances where a dog bite victim faces long-lasting medical bills and travel costs due to a dog attack, the dog owner may be held liable for such expenses in addition to compensation for pain and suffering and other related damages.

Continue reading " Cuba, Missouri 7-Year-Old Suffers Multiple Injuries in Pit Bull Mauling " »

According to the Center for Disease Control, dogs bite nearly 4.5 million Americans each year. In 2006 alone, 31,000 people required reconstructive surgery because of dog bites. Also, 16 people are killed each year as a result of dog bites. Those who are most at risk for dog bites are children between the ages of five and nine, adult males and people who keep dogs as pets. Adults with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten.

If you are considering owning a dog, there are tips you can follow in order to prevent dog bites to you, your family and your neighbors:

• Educate yourself about which breeds best fit your household. You may wish to consult a veterinary or other animal specialist to help.


• If you have children, avoid dogs that have a history of aggression.


• Spend time with the dog that you are considering adopting or purchasing.


• If you have a dog, spaying and neutering it often reduces aggressive tendencies.


• Properly socialize and train your dog to be around other dogs as well as children.


• Teach your dog submissive behaviors.


• Do not leave your child alone with a dog.

Missouri dog bite laws are very specific. If a dog has bitten you, or your child, you should discuss your case with an experienced MO dog bite lawyer after consulting a physician. The skilled Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law have a wealth of knowledge in handling dog bite and personal injury claims. Call us today at 314-322-8515 for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/biteprevention.html

A 7th Circuit court has ruled that a lawsuit may go forward against SmithKline Beecham Corp. over the suicide of a 23-year-old woman who committed suicide after taking the antidepressant Paxil. According to an article in The National Law Journal, the court made a unanimous decision to reverse the lower court decision. The appellate court ruled that the drug maker, now known as GlaxoSmithKline, did not show "clear evidence" that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have rejected a change in the drug's labeling to warn about the enhanced possibility of suicide in young adults who take Paxil.

Now, this woman’s case will move forward. Her death has not been the only suicide that has spurred a Paxil wrongful death lawsuit. Several suits have accused the drug maker of ignoring studies that indicated Paxil was ineffective in the treatment of children and adolescents and that they may increase suicidal thoughts. A lawsuit filed in June 2004 by former New York Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, also accuses Glaxo officials of misrepresenting data on the prescribing of Paxil to children.

Continue reading " Seventh Circuit Finds Paxil Manufacturer Did Not Meet Burden to Pre-empt " »

According to an article posted on OzarksFirst.com, a deputy in the Pulaski County Sheriff’s department was hospitalized after being attacked by two dogs. The deputy had been on duty checking on the well being of a woman at her residence just outside of St. Robert’s city limits. As he approached the house, two Great Danes attacked him. He was released from hospital and will be on medical leave for several days for recovery.

Dog bites kill an average of 16 people each year. Although most victims of dog bites are children, situations like this one are becoming more frequent. By law, dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets. While other states impose harsher liability if it is the dog’s first bite, some states allow it to be of no consequence; however, this depends on the severity of the wound.

Regardless, dog bite wounds can leave visible scars as well as affect a person’s future interaction and feelings toward dogs. If a dog has bitten you in Missouri, remember that you have the option to file a dog bite claim in St. Louis and recover medical expenses as well as other financial losses that resulted from the incident. Doing this may also help prevent a particular dog from attacking again and causing injury or trauma to others.

Continue reading " Missouri Dog Bite Injury Lawyer: Pulaski, MO Deputy Gets Mauled By Great Danes " »

A Siberian husky fatally bit an infant in Minnesota on February 18, 2010. According to a news report, the 11-day-old boy was left alone in a car seat on a bed when the incident occurred. The family contacted authorities soon after the attack; however, the infant had stopped breathing. Emergency medical workers were unable to revive him. The dog was immediately tested for rabies and quarantined. It was euthanized on Tuesday, March 2.

The Center for Disease Control reports that 800,000 out of 4.7 million American dog bite victims seek medical help for their dog bites; half of those victims are children. This means 400,000 children are in emergency rooms for dog bites each year. This incident has brought nationwide attention to the serious consequences of dog bites. Missouri dog bite law is very specific with respect to dog attacks and owner liability.

Although dogs do not commonly attack infants, these incidents do happen and are not limited to involving pit bull and Rottweiler breeds. In light of this information, knowing how to properly behave around dogs and other animals can help save your child’s life and prevent injury. Here are a few preventative measures to use and teach your children:

• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog


• Do not disturb a dog while it is sleeping, eating or nursing puppies


• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to smell you first


• Do not approach unfamiliar dogs

Continue reading " Missouri Dog Bite Tort Law Attorney: Husky Euthanized for Fatal Bite to 11-Day-Old Infant " »

Toyota Motor Corp stands firm that its electronic throttle system is in no way defective and has not contributed towards the unintended acceleration issues that have recently forced the recall of more than 8 million Toyota vehicles. According to a Reuters news report, independent testing of Toyota vehicles has led some to believe unintended acceleration issues are the result of faulty electronic systems. This belief is being challenged by Toyota, who, after helping fund similar studies, holds onto the claim that a mechanical defect is ultimately to blame.

Reportedly, an engineering expert at Southern Illinois University recently told a congressional panel that he had found a flaw in Toyota's accelerator controls which could enable a vehicle to unintentionally accelerate. However, studies conducted at Stanford University and engineering company Exponent both claim that the findings were not conducive to real-world driving, and that engineering manipulation was required to create such results. As one Exponent engineer explained, "As engineers we could rewire anything, but that is not realistic."

While time will tell whether or not the problems with Toyota vehicles stem from electronic errors or mechanical defects, the fact of the matter is simple: Toyota vehicles have been recalled for various reasons due to safety concerns.

Continue reading " Conflicting Studies Paint Skewed Picture of Toyota Unintended Acceleration Issues " »

According to an article from The News Press, on December 22, 2009, a two-year-old child was killed from a dog bite in Cape Coral, Florida. The dog in question was a Weimaraner, a generally non-violent breed, and was euthanized a few days after the incident. In memory of their child, the parents have raised donations to build to build a playground 200 feet from a dog park.

The project is said to cost $250,000 and a much-needed amenity to the town. The park, designed by the victim’s mother, has symbolic meaning that will honor the young boy’s memory. In addition to the playground, the parents have also created a foundation to educate parents, dog owners and children about animal safety and prevention of dog bites.

Children under the age of ten-years-old are common victims of dog bites. One resounding aspect of this story that parents and dog owners alike should consider is that dogs of any breed, regardless of training, have the potential to attack. Dogs bite for a variety of reasons, including dominance, predatorily instinct, defense and fear. How a person interacts with a dog also affects the dog’s reaction.

Continue reading " Missouri Dog Bite Compensation Attorney: Family Builds Playground in Memory of Child Killed By Dog " »

Following several congressional hearings and investigations led by federal officials amidst the recall of millions of vehicle models, Toyota remains firm in denying that any electronic flaw is the cause of throttle problems or unintended acceleration. According to a Los Angeles Times article, a March 8, 2010 presentation was held at Toyota’s operations center in Torrance, CA.

Apparently, five engineers have responded to a Southern Illinois University assistant professor’s findings which support that he can create an electrical flaw in Toyota vehicles without the vehicles’ diagnostic system picking it up. The article also mentions that if the assistant professor’s study is determined to be accurate, claims may be made by some Toyota consumers regarding incidents of unintended acceleration without a trouble code being initiated on the vehicles’ computers.

While Toyota engineers support the claim that the assistant professor’s tests are “an unrealistic manipulation,” the automaker has been asked by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to provide a company employee memo that may reveal safety risks being taken as a way to save the company money. While Toyota continues to defend itself against claims of electrical defect, there is no doubt that some Toyota motorists and passengers have experienced the consequences of sudden acceleration in injury and fatal auto accidents.

Continue reading " Toyota Denies Claims of Electronic Defect Causing Unintended Acceleration " »

Based on a US News & World Report article, an incident of sudden acceleration due to a sticking gas pedal took place in Southern California on March 8, 2010. According to the report, the driver of the 2008 Toyota Prius dialed 911 to seek help because the gas pedal in his vehicle was stuck and he could not slow down from 94 mph.

Fortunately, this man was not injured and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer was able to assist him in slowing down the runaway Prius. The article points out that this process took approximately 20 minutes and that the CHP officer instructed the driver through loudspeaker to apply the brakes as well as the emergency brake. Once the vehicle was able to hit 50 mph, the motorist turned off his engine and the vehicle eventually came to a stop.

Although the article didn’t mention whether or not this man’s Prius had received a redesigned gas pedal or a new floor mat, recent speculation and academic studies from outside experts have pointed to electronic malfunction as the origin of Toyota throttle problems. The 2008 Prius involved in the above incident has been included only in the floor mat recall. After learning of the incident, Toyota sent a field technical specialist to provide assistance and investigate the report.

Continue reading " Toyota Prius Involved in Southern California Sudden Acceleration Incident " »

A recent LA Times article reported that a live webcast on March 8, 2010 will discuss Toyota’s defenses against claims of electronic throttle problems made by an automotive technology assistant professor from Southern Illinois University. According to the article, the assistant professor presented his study results to Congress in February, pinpointing electronic issues as the culprit for recalled Toyota vehicles experiencing unintended acceleration and throttle problems.

While the assistant professor has concluded that wiring failure in recalled Toyota cars is connected to sudden acceleration, Toyota has denied such claims of electronic flaw. Based on the article, the automaker referred to the assistant professor’s study as “completely unrealistic under real-world conditions.” Through the webcast, Toyota is supposed to present their defense by re-creating the study and providing rebuttals made by experts from Stanford University’s Center for Automotive Research.

Auto manufacturers are responsible for designing, testing, and creating vehicles that are free of defect or flaw before putting them on the market. The assistant professor involved in the Toyota throttle study asserts that automotive electronics may cause a vehicle to experience problems if the components are not properly tested to respond to extreme vibrations or temperatures.

Continue reading " Toyota Electronic Throttle Problems Supported by Assistant Professor's Study " »

Consumers should be advised about a black box warning for Reglan and other metoclopramide-containing drugs that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. A black box warning is the strongest warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that the drug carries a risk of serious or life-threatening side effects. The black box warning for Reglan from the FDA highlights the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the face and extremities.

Reglan works by increasing muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. Reglan is also used short-term to treat heartburn caused by acid reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms. The drug is used in people with diabetes which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite and a feeling of fullness after eating.

The Reglan black box warning states that patients using the medication as a long-term treatment for gastrointestinal disorders are at risk for tardive dyskinesia. Those who are at risk for this serious Reglan side effect are the elderly, particularly women who have been taking Reglan for extended periods of time. Tardive dyskinesia typically causes the following symptoms:

• Grimacing


• Lip smacking


• Rapid eye blinking


• Involuntary movements of the fingers, hands, arms, face, legs and shoulders


• Pursing of the lips


• Trouble breathing, swallowing talking or walking

The sad fact remains that these symptoms are almost irreversible since there is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia. If you or a loved one has developed tardive dyskinesia after taking Reglan, please contact the skilled injury lawyers at Page Law for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and loss. Call our St. Louis product liability attorneys at (314) 322-8515 today to find out how we can help.

In efforts to quell the number of dog bite victims, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are testing software that will teach children how to behave around animals. According to an article and video posted on ABC News, a non-verbal computer program called “Blue Dog” will ideally become a teaching tool across the nation. Appropriate behavior that the program aims to teach is to not pet animals while they are sleeping or eating.

The Center for Disease Control indicates that dogs bite 4.5 million Americans each year. Keep in mind that these are just the cases that are reported. Countless dog bite instances are left unreported. The most common victims of dog bite attacks and mauling incidents are children. This is due to the fact that children often miss a dog’s warning signs more easily than adults do. Education is a much-needed action for preventing severe instances of dog bites.

Research shows that Missouri dog bites occur more frequently in the spring and summer months than in winter months. This is because during the springtime and summer, children are more likely to be outside and around animals. If a dog has bitten your child in Missouri, clean the wound thoroughly and talk to your pediatrician about possible rabies infections.

Continue reading " Missouri Dog Bite Lawyer: Software Is Said to Prevent Dog Bite Attacks on Children " »

Without announcing a vehicle defect recall, Chrysler is planning to carry out a "safety improvement campaign" to fix the front airbags on 355,000 minivans, including Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravans. According to a Reuters news report, the move comes after Chrysler found that the front airbag sensor could fail to deploy if it becomes damaged and wet. Chrysler is not currently issuing any recalls and is instead claiming that there have been no complaints or injuries due to this new issue. Chrysler also states that an airbag warning light will alert the driver if there is a defect or issue with the system.

Recalls and corrections have become commonplace in recent months. Chrysler is attempting to fix this safety hazard before there are any personal injuries due to faulty manufacturing. This proactive move by Chrysler may have been inspired by the recent woes of Toyota and Honda. Honda recently had to recall almost half a million of their vehicles due to defective airbags, which caused a number of personal injuries and one reported fatality. Toyota recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles for defective gas pedals that caused unintended acceleration. Car manufacturers are required by law to ensure the safety of their vehicles.

Continue reading " Airbag Product Defect Prompts Chrysler Minivan Fix " »

Five people sustained injuries in a Missouri auto accident. According to a news report in the Sedalia Democrat, the accident occurred as one driver who was northbound on Route 131 at Highway 50 failed to yield right-of-way to an eastbound vehicle. The injured parties included four adults and one infant. Thankfully, this incident did not involve any life-threatening injuries, according to the news report.

Failing to yield right-of-way is a common cause of Missouri auto accidents. We see this problem occur most commonly in accidents that take place at street intersections. Very often, these types of accidents will involve a driver who fails to yield right-of-way to another or a driver who runs a red light. Both of these circumstances are serious traffic violations under Missouri law. The driver who failed to yield right-of-way in such cases could be determined to be at fault for the accident and could be held liable for injuries, damages and losses suffered by the victims of a car accident. In such cases, victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of surgery, physical therapy or other related damages.

Continue reading " Missouri Auto Accident Injures Five " »

According to a recent article from ozarksfirst.com, a school bus crash in Missouri left five people injured in El Dorado Springs. The collision occurred in the morning, just east of town, on northbound Highway 39. The bus was stopped in a designated school bus area to pick up passengers when a pick-up truck, driven by a student, struck the rear of the bus.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the bus had its flashing lights on and stop arm extended. The driver of the truck was allegedly speeding and unable to stop the vehicle in time. Four students from the bus and the student driver were transported to the Cedar County Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. There were 16 total students on the bus at the time of the crash.

Continue reading " Five Injured in School Bus Crash " »

In recent years, the sythnetic antibiotic drug, Levaquin, has gained infamy in that it has been causing severe tendon injuries in patients taking the drug. However, events dating back to 2001 indicate that many of the manufacturers of this type of fluoroquinolones had known about the serious side effects of the drug.

In 2001, several European countries convened to discuss warnings for Levaquin, as it is the most tendon-toxic in the group of fluoroquinolones. The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products agreed that further studies were needed.

The leading manufacturer in Europe of levofloxacin (the European counterpart of Levaquin), Aventis, agreed to fund two epidemiological studies in order to examine the drug’s toxic effects on tendons. Aventis then enlisted Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development (PRD) to co-author a U.S. study on fluoroquinolones and tendon rupture as well, thereby promoting the largest epidemiological study to date.

Continue reading " Initial Levaquin Studies Falsified " »

Johnson and Johnson issued a large recall for many of its products after reports that some of them contained a musty smell. The initial Johnson & Johnson recalls were issued in November and December of 2009 for the well-known pain reliever, Tylenol. After the initial recall, research from the Food and Drug Administration concluded in stating, “The breakdown of a certain chemical applied to the wooden pallets used to ship the product was the culprit.”

On January 15, 2010, Johnson & Johnson expanded its recall to cover all lots that may have been affected by the contaminated wooden pallets, regardless of consumer reports. The recall was also extended to include products such as Junior Strength Motrin IB, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Benadryl, Extra Strength Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol Rapid Release, Motrin IB, Regular Strength Tylenol, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, St. Joseph Aspirin, Tylenol Arthritis and Tylenol PM.

Many of the recalled lots were manufactured at one of Johnson & Johnson’s main manufacturing sites located in Puerto Rico. Users of the products have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; though no serious medical problems have been reported.

FDA officials also reported that Johnson & Johnson was aware of consumer complaints as early as September 2008, though it did not thoroughly investigate until late 2009.

Continue reading " Johnson & Johnson Recalls Tylenol and Other Brands " »

A Rhode Island based-company, Daniele International, Inc., issued a recall late January due to a salmonella outbreak. The outbreak affected over 200 people in 42 different states, including Missouri. Over 1.25 million pounds of salami were recalled after the endemic continued to spread across state lines.

Officials determined that those who got sick all shopped at Costco (a Daniele salami supplier) prior to becoming ill. Researchers tested a sample of the Costco salami and it was positive for salmonella. Since salami does not usually contain the bacteria, investigators were led to believe that black pepper was the contaminating factor.

According to the CDC and the FDA, the levels of contamination for pepper and spices are generally low; however, black pepper is more likely to carry salmonella compared to other spices because it is sun-dried in order to retain its outer skins. The direct correlation between Daniele International and the salmonella outbreak is still under investigation; therefore, the company has not taken full responsibility for the outbreak.

Continue reading " Peppered Salami Causes Salmonella Outbreak " »