Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are two dialysates manufactured by Fresenius and used in Fresenius’s dialysis clinics, as well as in other dialysis centers and hospitals throughout Missouri and the United States. In recent months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into what Fresnius may have known about the risks of using GranuFlo or NaturaLyte – but did not tell its patients. Experienced Missouri GranuFlo injury attorneys have followed the situation to ensure they can provide solid representation to their clients.

Risks related to the use of either dialysate include heart attack, low blood pressure, low blood oxygen, and other conditions that can cause serious injury or death. These risks are particularly high for dialysis patients who also take bicarbonates in addition to undergoing dialysis. The risk is increased for these patients because GranuFlo and NaturaLyte contain high levels of substances that turn to bicarbonate in the blood. Patients who take bicarbonates in addition to receiving dialysis with GranuFlo or NaturaLyte, then, are at a higher risk of a bicarbonate overdose.

Continue reading "FDA Issues Advisory to Dialysis Centers on GranuFlo Use" »

Actos (pioglitazone) is a medication used to treat diabetes patients. While it has been on the market for several years, in 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that Actos had been linked to a 40 percent chance of bladder cancer – particularly if the medication is used for more than one year.

From January to October 2010, about 2.3 million patients in the U.S. had an active Actos prescription. Actos is used to control the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in adults, including high blood sugar.

In 2011, the FDA released the warning about the risk of bladder cancer, based on the results of a five-year study of Actos-using patients. The study found that the risk of bladder cancer continued to climb the longer a patient took Actos, and that the patients with the highest doses of the medication also faced a high risk. The FDA also examined a study conducted in France that showed similar links between Actos use and bladder cancer.

Continue reading "Actos Diabetes Drug Use May Be Linked to Bladder Cancer" »

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, in the past several years, released recalls and other warning information about the birth control pill Yaz, manufactured by Bayer Pharmaceuticals. Since 2009, experienced Missouri Yaz injury attorneys have been fielding questions about the risks associated with Yaz use - especially because until recently, information on these risks has been spotty.

An Overview of Yaz Birth Control

Yaz contains a synthetic hormone known as drospirenone, which mimics the effects of a hormone called progesteronethat the body produces naturally. When combined with other hormones in the same medication, drospirenone suppresses ovulation, preventing conception and therefore pregnancy. Because the hormones in Yaz and similar medications affect the menstrual cycle, the pills may also be prescribed for other reasons, such as to alleviate menstrual pain and other symptoms.

Continue reading "Understanding Yaz Recalls and Risks" »

Missouri residents with damaged or failing kidneys frequently go through dialysis. The dialysis process uses a machine to do what the kidneys do in healthy patients: clean the blood and restore electrolyte balance. A compound called a “dialysate” is a key part of the process - but when a dialysate is not manufactured safely, serious injuries can result.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued several warnings about two particular brands of dialysate, GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. Both are manufactured by Fresenius Medical Centers, the country’s largest dialysis provider, and both are used in Fresenius dialysis centers, as well as by other dialysis providers.

Concerns about GranuFlo and NaturaLyte center around the creation of compounds called bicarbonates. Bicarbonates are frequently prescribed to kidney patients in order to neutralize excess acid in the bloodstream. However, GranuFlo and NaturaLyte, when used, also cause a buildup of bicarbonates in the blood - a risk that many other brands of dialysate have not posed, according to the FDA.

Continue reading "FDA Raises Concerns about GranuFlo, NaturaLyte Used in Dialysis" »

The birth control pill containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol is commonly known under its brand names, Yaz or Yasmin. Recently, some patients who have taken Yaz or Yasmin have experienced serious side effects, including blood clots and other disorders.

As early as 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter noting that Yaz commercials were misleading in that they overstated the conditions Yaz could effectively treat, while understating the risks associated with taking the medication. The warning letter noted, for instance, that the FDA approved Yaz only to prevent conception and to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), not more serious cases of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

The warning letter also detailed the serious side effects that Yaz could cause, which were glossed over or omitted from the commercials. Side effects like blood clots, hypertension (increased blood pressure), and hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels) are all associated with the use of Yaz or Yasmin in some patients. These conditions can cause serious injury or even death. Heart attacks, clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis, strokes, and gallbladder disease have also been seen in some Yaz patients, and the risk of these is increased when the patient smokes.

Yaz and other medications may cause serious side effects, either alone or when combined with other medications or substances. If you’ve been injured by Yaz or another medication, the skilled Missouri injury lawyers at Page Law can help. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free, confidential case evaluation.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel began a hearing on July 13 regarding whether the medication Avandia is safe enough to remain on the market, a news article on KSDK.com stated. Avandia is used to treat Type II diabetes. In several studies, it has appeared that the drug also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from other cardiovascular complications.

In February, a Senate committee concluded that Avandia’s maker, GlaxoSmithKline, knew about the possible risks Avandia posed to patients, yet did not study those risks further. Nor does it appear that GlaxoSmithKline reported the risks it knew about to the FDA.

Since 2007, GlaxoSmithKline has performed six clinical trials and has found that Avandia does not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. A study performed by Dr. Steven Nissen at the Cleveland Clinic, however, found a 44 percent increase in deaths, strokes, and/or heart attacks among patients that took Avandia. The Cleveland Clinic is well-known nationwide for specializing in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, and Dr. Nissen’s study was one of the first to raise the alarm about the effects of Avandia on the human heart.

In 2007, an FDA panel voted 22 to 1 to keep Avandia on the market, but to put stronger warnings about the drug’s possible side effects, including the increased risk of heart attack or stroke, on the label.

If you have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular condition while taking Avandia, you may want to consult an experienced Missouri pharmaceutical liability attorney. The experienced legal team at Page Law will review the details of your case and will protect your legal rights as they fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Page Law today at 314-322-8515 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your Missouri defective drugs case.

Recently, the FDA approved the sale of Chantix, a stop-smoking aid produced by Pfizer. Chantix is a medication that binds to some of the nicotine receptors in the brain, which reduces the body's craving for nicotine and helps people addicted to nicotine quit smoking. Although Chantix may help some smokers kick an unhealthy habit, it may cause disturbing, dangerous, or even life-threatening psychiatric symptoms in others.

According to Pfizer, the makers of Chantix, the drug may cause “agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or ... suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion.” These symptoms may begin when you start taking Chantix, or they may begin after you've been taking Chantix for several days or weeks. A few patients even experienced symptoms after they had finished taking Chantix.

If you experience any of these changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior, Pfizer recommends you stop taking Chantix and consult your doctor immediately. If you already suffer from depression, Pfizer suggests that you avoid taking Chantix altogether, as Chantix is known to make depression worse in some patients. In addition, if you take Chantix and begin thinking or feeling like you're going to hurt yourself or someone else, contact a trusted adult who can supervise you until you reach a doctor, or call 911.

The side effects of Chantix can be life-threatening. If you or a loved one has suffered dangerous side effects from taking Chantix, please don't hesitate to call a Page Law injury attorney. We have access to the experts necessary to hold negligent parties responsible for the damaging effects of medication side effects. Call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 for a free and confidential consultation of your personal injury case.

New research indicates that Reglan, a drug commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disorder and diabetic gastroparesis, is being prescribed to patients who have migraine-associated nausea, reports OpposingViews.com. The report also indicated that the drug can be used during pregnancy. However, Reglan has also been closely linked to causing tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the face and extremities.

Other symptoms of tardive dyskinesia include lip smacking; grimacing; difficulty breathing, swallowing, walking or talking; twitching; and rapid eye blinking. These side effects are, unfortunately, irreversible, as there is no known cure to date. People who are at risk for Reglan-induced tardive dyskinesia are the elderly and women who have been taking the drug for extended periods of time.

On February 26, 2009, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement indicating that all drugs containing metoclopramide, including Reglan, were to place black box warnings on the packaging. Reglan and other metoclopramide drugs are also used to treat heartburn and symptoms of diabetes.

Sufferers of tardive dyskinesia find some daily tasks difficult due to the inability to complete control their extremities. Others are unable to continue work, especially if the job requires steady use of hands or legs.

If you suffer from tardive dyskinesia and have been taking Reglan, you may want to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you. The St. Louis injury lawyers at Page Law have the skill and sensitivity required to handle your case and ensure that your rights are protected. Call 314-322-8515 for a free and comprehensive consultation.

A recent article published on bnet.com reported that the suicide of a Catholic priest might be linked to his use of the antidepressants, Paxil. The priest had begun taking the drug because he was distraught over a child sex abuse scandal that occurred at his parish. The deceased’s sister has since sued GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturers of Paxil, over the death of her brother.

A federal judge ruled that the priest likely committed suicide because of the Paxil side effects and not from the stress of the church’s cover-up. In her complaint, the sister alleged that the drug maker had known of Paxil’s potential for akathisia - psychosis or violent self harm in which patients are unable to rest and believe they are hopeless - as early as 1990.

In addition to risk of akathisia, Paxil has also been known to cause severe birth defects in infants whose mothers had taken the drug during pregnancy. In 2005 the FDA advised medical professionals that Paxil is unsafe if taken during the first three months of pregnancy.

Continue reading "Paxil Increases Risk of Suicide and Birth Defects" »

Recently, federal regulators have requested that Bayer Healthcare revise its marketing materials for birth control products Yaz and Yasmin, adding new safety information to the drugs’ labels. According to News Inferno, Bayer announced Friday, April 9, 2010 that it would add new “Warning” sections to both drugs to include information about risk of blood clots associated with the drug. The new information came into light after two large, multiyear studies of over 120,000 women who took the contraceptives in the U.S. and U.K.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a letter Bayer on April 7: “All promotional materials for your drug product that include representations about your drug product must be promptly revised to make it consistent with the labeling changes approved in this supplement, including any new safety information.”

Bayer had seven days to comply with the directive.

Continue reading "Bayer Healthcare Adds New Warnings to Yaz and Yasmin" »

Missouri personal injury law firm, Page Law, is proud to announce the launching of its new pharmaceutical liability website: http://www.pharmaceuticaldrugattorneys.com/. In providing helpful information relating to drug recalls, potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals, medication injury resources and products liability claims, the new website aims to assist those who have suffered serious side effects from using an over-the-counter or prescription drug. Pharmaceutical liability refers to the legal responsibility of drug makers to design, market, and produce products that are safe, effective, and that will not worsen a condition or create new medical conditions.

As consumers, it is completely understandable for us to expect that the medications we are prescribed and/or purchase are safe for use. However, several drugs on the market are often found to be inaccurately marketed or contain a design or manufacturing flaw. As a consequence, some individuals may endure severe side effects, permanent disability, and even death. The new Page Law pharmaceutical liability website serves as a source for drug injury victims and family members of drug injury victims to learn more about drug manufacturer negligence, breach of warranty, inaccurate advertising, and strict liability.

The drug products liability website contains valuable information, and much more, relating to the following drugs:

• Paxil


• Raglan


• Levaquin


• Oral Sodium Phosphate/Fleet


• Yasmin


• Raptiva


• Chantix

It is important for drug injury victims as well as family members to be aware of potential legal options when a drug maker or seller has been negligent. When drug manufacturing companies put profits before the well-being of trusting consumers, something must be done to ensure that less incidents of pharmaceutical injury take place. To learn more about pharmaceutical liability in Missouri, please visit Page Law’s new website or call 314-322-8515 if you or loved one have suffered severe side effects from a defective drug.

Confidential reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that GlaxoSmithKline's controversial diabetes drug Avandia be pulled from the market because it can cause heart attacks, the New York Times reports. The report obtained by the Times states that if all diabetics using Avandia stopped taking it, about 500 heart attacks and 300 cases of heart failure would be prevented each month.

Several studies, including a Canadian study in 2009, found that Avandia was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and death among older patients. A bipartisan U.S. Senate investigation also determined that Glaxo did not warn patients earlier that Avandia was potentially deadly. Avandia has been linked to causing congestive heart failure, primary pulmonary hypertension and osteoporosis. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who took Avandia experienced a 43 percent higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Continue reading "FDA Wants Avandia Off the Market: Dangerous Side Effects" »

Children of women who take antidepressants such as Paxil in the later stages of their pregnancy "are slower in reaching some developmental milestones," according to new studies performed by Danish researchers. A news report in HealthDay states that the scientists used data obtained from more than 81,000 babies born in Denmark. They found that babies whose mothers took antidepressants during the second or third trimester took more time to sit on their own or walk than children of depressed mothers who did not take these medications.

This particular study is not the first to show that antidepressants such as Paxil may affect fetal development. In 2009, a study in the British Medical Journal found that women who took such antidepressants during the first three months of their pregnancy were threatened with the higher potential of giving birth to babies with septal heart defects or malformations in the wall separating the right side of the heart from the left. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued warnings to consumers about the increased risk of heart defects and other birth defects associated with the use of Paxil during pregnancy. Paxil has also been known to cause other birth defects such as low blood sugar, vomiting, irritability and seizures.

Continue reading "Antidepressants Such as Paxil May Be Slower to Reach Developmental Milestones" »

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 " »

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 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" »

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 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" »

Despite recent black box warnings on Levaquin, an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, many people are still suffering from its serious side effects. In West Virginia, three individuals who are plagued with severe tendon-related injuries filed separate lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

Levaquin belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that have been known to cause tendon injures. Studies suggest that fluoroquinolones can degrade tendon cells by causing apoptosis, or cell death. The damaged cells weaken and can then tear or rupture more easily. Many of the people who take Levaquin are 60 and older, the same group of people who are most at risk for tendon injury while taking the drug.

The three plaintiffs also contend that treatment for Levaquin side effects include corticosteroids – the same drug that greatly increases the risk of tendon rupture when combined with this antibiotic. The suit declares that the defendants did not properly highlight the drug’s tenotoxic effects in their marketing campaigns. Instead, Levaquin’s safety record and minor adverse side effects such as diarrhea and nausea where more prominently advertised while the severe warning of tendon rupture did not receive any special attention.

Continue reading "Three Victims File Lawsuit against Levaquin Manufacturers" »

Over the past few years, there have been a number of complaints and lawsuits filed against Johnson and Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development for their product Levaquin, an antibiotic known to cause severe tendon injuries. The antibiotic is commonly taken for a variety of bacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and prostatitis.

The people who are most at risk for tendon rupture and tendonitis caused by the drug are people in the 60 and older age group and those who are taking corticosteroids. Unfortunately, some who take Levaquin may also be prescribed a corticosteroid as a common treatment for various symptoms the initial drug encompasses.

Levaquin is a part of the fluoroquinolones antibiotics group, and has more frequently caused tendon injuries than any other drug in its group. In countries outside of the U.S., regulatory authorities provided physicians with warning letters discussing the high risks of tendon rupture in patients taking the drug. Conversely, the U.S. manufacturers claimed “proven performance” on 63 million people using Levaquin outside the U.S., but had not disclosed the adverse events reported by the same people.

In some cases, the benefits of taking the antibiotic may outweigh the side effects and risks. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of taking this drug, contact an experienced St. Louis Levequinn injury attorney at Page Law. Call us today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.wvrecord.com/news/223717-trio-says-levaquin-caused-tendon-injuries

On December 23, four people in North Carolina filed lawsuits against Salix Pharmaceuticals for its product OsmoPrep, a prescription oral sodium phosphate commonly used for bowel cleansing in preparation for colonoscopy examinations. As a result of taking the drug, the plaintiffs suffer from acute phosphate nephropathy, a form of severe kidney damage that causes the patient to develop calcium-phosphate crystalline deposits in the renal tubules. They allege that the manufacturer did not adequately warn people about the serious and possibly life-threatening risks of kidney damage from OsmoPrep’s side effects.

In 2008, the FDA added a black box warning to OsmoPrep and Visicol, another oral sodium phosphate. The FDA also indicated that kidney injury could occur within several hours of use or anytime up to 21 days after taking OsmoPrep. This drug has been commonly marketed as an easy alternative to other methods of colon cleansing such as drinking a large quantity of a bowel cleansing liquid. In contrast, OsmoPrep is taken in pill form and uses two sodium phosphates to draw water into the bowls.

Continue reading "Four New Lawsuits Filed against OsmoPrep for Causing Kidney Damage" »

The state of Missouri recently recalled 22,000 H1N1 vaccines. Throughout the nation, government health officials have been recalling hundreds of thousands of these pre-filled vaccines recommended for children because the doses had lost strength over time. Therefore, 22,000 weaker vaccines were distributed throughout 75 counties across Missouri. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer of the vaccine say that the recalled vaccines are still safe and effective. Also, parents should not be worried if their children received the pre-filled vaccine.

The Department of Health and Human Services said swine flu has killed eleven people in Missouri, much milder than when compared to other states such as Kansas, where 22 deaths have been reported. Missouri is one of the few states that has not been strongly affected by the illness.

Continue reading "Missouri Recalls 22,000 Weakened H1N1 Vaccines" »

New research indicates that Paxil may not be effective if taken for mild depression. An analysis of several anti-depressants published in the Journal of the American Medical Association combined the findings of six earlier studies of antidepressants and placebo effects. The discovery indicated that, on average, the benefit of taking paroxetine anti-depressants such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac and imipramine, older antidepressants, may be minimal or nonexistent in patients who have mild or moderate depression. However, for those with severe depression, the benefit of taking these medications over a placebo were substantial.

With these new findings, many women suffering from mild to moderate depression are wondering if taking Paxil is worth the risk, especially since the drug has been known to cause birth defects if taken while pregnant. Some complications for unborn babies include congenital heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a condition that affects newborns’ breathing and circulation capabilities.

Continue reading "Research Shows that Placebo May Be as Effective as Paxil" »

A 39-year-old Newark woman has filed a lawsuit against Bayer Corporation, blaming its popular birth control product Yaz for causing her stroke and other related health issues. The mother of 3-year-old twin girls took the prescription-only product for four weeks in the summer of 2008. She then suffered a stroke that caused her to be hospitalized for six months.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. The complainant had been taking the pills to help reduce premenstrual pains — which is one of the advertised uses of Yaz. While hospitalized, the woman needed to have part of her skull temporarily removed because of excessive swelling in her brain. That portion of skull was later replaced. As a result of the stroke and related illness, she also suffered a diminished IQ and is now borderline mentally handicapped. She has also experienced a change in her mood and speech. The suit attributes the woman’s health problems to Yaz.

As the No. 1 selling birth control in the world, Yaz has been at the center of much criticism in recent years. The Food and Drug Administration has criticized the makers of Yaz three times in recent years regarding the company's advertising campaign, the suit said.

Continue reading "Newark Woman Sues Bayer over Yaz" »

Many of us take prescription drugs because we believe they will make us feel better or help us recover from our illnesses. And make no mistake – many prescription drugs do make us better. Modern medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds helping us prevent illness or the spread of infectious diseases. Almost all drugs have some type of side effect, but in most cases, those side effects are minimal and will disappear once the patient stops using the drug. However, there are some prescription drugs that cause dangerous side effects, which could result in severe complications or even death.

Levaquin is one such drug and has been known to cause serious complications and side effects. The dangerous drug Levaquin is manufactured by the company Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It is basically a synthetic drug agent, which is used to treat severe bacterial infections. Levaquin is in the fluoroquinolone class of anti-infectives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave its stamp of approval to Levaquin in 1996. The company made more than $1.6 billion in Levaquin sales.

Continue reading "Missouri Pharmaceutical Liability Lawyers Concerned about Deadly Levaquin Side Effects" »

In December 2008, the FDA issued a warning against C.B. Fleet Company and its over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate (OSP) laxative, Fleet Phospho-soda. The laxative had been marketed as safe for double doses for colonoscopy bowel preps. However, higher doses of the product have been linked to acute phosphate nephropathy, a form of acute kidney injury, and various other side effects. Although it is rare, acute phosphate nephropathy includes calcium-phosphate crystalline deposits in the renal tubules and could lead to renal failure, dialysis, kidney transplant or death.

Visicol and OsmoPrep, the only two prescription OSPs, also carry some severe side effects such as kidney injury, rectal bleeding or chafing, seizures and arrhythmia, disorders affecting rhythmic heartbeat. They are often prescribed to patients as a bowel cleanser before colonoscopy, x-ray or surgery.

Continue reading "Colonoscopy Laxatives May Cause Severe Kidney Injury" »

Wyeth and Schwarz Pharma, the manufacturers of Reglan, won a recent case regarding a woman in West Virginia who developed tardive dyskinesia and other side effects from taking a generic version of the drug. The woman accused Wyeth and Schwarz Pharma of manufacturing the drug that caused her condition. The company was exempt from liability given that a different manufacturer produced the generic drug the woman was taking. The woman alleged that she was prescribed the Pharma version of the drug, but given a generic version by her pharmacy. It is unknown whether or not the woman will pursue the lawsuit with the manufacturers of the generic drug.

Reglan, also known as Metoclopramide, is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Studies have shown that 27-29 percent of long-term users of Reglan develop tardive dyskinesia; an untreatable condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive and purposeless movements such as rapid blinking, arm and leg jerking, and lip smacking. The syndrome is often devastating and permanent, affecting victims’ emotions, social interaction, mental state and vocation.

Continue reading "Woman with Tardive Dyskinesia Loses Case against Reglan" »

PAGER, a nonprofit organization that provides information and support to parents, patients and doctors, is looking into dangerous side effects caused by the commonly prescribed gastrointestinal drug, Reglan. This is a very common medication prescribed by doctors to improve the muscle tone of the esophagus and intestines. It is also often used to treat heartburn and acid reflux in adults and children. However, earlier this year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a "Black Box Warning," the most severe kind of warning, for Reglan because of an overwhelming number of adverse reaction reports filed.

PAGER (short for Pediatric Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux association) officials say they have been hearing complaints about Reglan since 1995. Several parents reported that their children experienced "unusual facial and neck movements" and very often, those movements did not go away when the drug was discontinued.

Continue reading "GI Drug Reglan Could Cause Irreversible Side Effects" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

With so many different forms of pharmaceutical products and natural supplements available for purchase and use by consumers, it can often be overwhelming just deciding which product to trust, especially when it comes to oral contraceptives. Consumers usually rely on how a product is marketed when determining whether to use it. This decision is mostly based on individual preference in combination with the message provided by a commercial, billboard, or magazine advertisement.

It seems that oral contraceptives are some of the most competitive prescription pills out there. Consequently, such competition amongst drug manufacturers has been known to sometimes lead to false advertising and marketing misrepresentation on the part of manufacturers. At the forefront of this concern, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the makers of the oral contraceptive Yaz, in 2008 stating that their commercials, “Not Gonna Take It” and “Balloons”, are misleading due to widening the pill’s abilities, exaggerating the effectiveness of Yaz, and undermining the serious risks connected to the drug’s use.

While some considered Bayer’s marketing misrepresentation in misbranding Yaz in its TV ads to be an extreme breach of trust, others continued to use the oral contraceptive despite the risks it may pose. As experienced Missouri product liability attorneys, we know that we are not alone in considering it unacceptable for a major pharmaceutical manufacturer to encourage the use of a drug to help treat conditions other than those it has been approved for. By over-promising and minimizing the risks associated with a drug, a manufacturer puts thousands of innocent consumers in danger of suffering as a result.

Continue reading "Yaz Marketing Misrepresentation Puts Consumers in Danger" »

Many Prempro pharmaceutical liability lawsuits have been filed against the makers of the defective drug, Wyeth, allegedly because the drug maker not only failed to adequately warn patients of severe side effects, but also heavily promoted the drug for conditions that weren’t approved by the FDA. A woman in Little Rock, Arkansas, who was diagnosed with breast cancer after taking Prempro for eight years, filed the first of many Prempro lawsuits. The woman was prescribed Prempro for the prevention of osteoporosis, however, this prescription medication ultimately led to her mastectomy.

Prempro, which is primarily prescribed to menopausal women hoping to ease symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, contains a combination of conjugated estrogens and progesterone. These female hormones are important for regulating menstruation and ovulation and are also shown to prevent osteoporosis. However, Prempro has caused several cases of personal injury to those using the drug, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and dementia to name a few.

Especially with long-term treatment, this medication can increase the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, strokes and being diagnosed with breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Smokers and overweight individuals are at increasingly higher risks for developing these medical conditions from taking Prempro.

Despite all of these risks, Prempro is still one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for hormone replacement therapy. Thousands of women are prescribed Prempro every year, many of whom are not aware of the serious and debilitating risks that come along with taking this drug. If you or a loved one has experienced side effects from taking Prempro, or any other prescription drug, call Page Law, A Personal Injury Firm for a free consultation with a skilled St. Louis Prempro side effects attorney to learn about your legal options.

Call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

Fosamax is a prescription medication that is often used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Fosamax changes the cycle of bone formation and breakdown by slowing down bone loss and increasing bone mass at the same time. Although the drug may prevent bone fractures, the drug also carries risks of serious Fosamax side effects.

Fosamax often causes bone loss in the jaw, which is called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis of the jaw results in jaw swelling, pain, gum infection and even tooth loss. Chances of getting this condition are increased in those treated with steroids, radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, those with low blood calcium, a vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease or an ulcer may experience additional medical risks with taking Fosamax.

As awareness of these severe musculoskeletal drug injuries increased, many injured patients filed lawsuits against the makers of Fosamax, Merck. The FDA also issued warnings of the serious side effects associated with taking Fosamax, although some patients had already been injured by taking this drug. Recently, more information about Fosamax was released, alleging the drug also doubles a woman’s chances of developing atrial fibrillation, which is a chronic irregular heartbeat.

If you have taken Fosamax and have suffered any muscle, joint, bone or heart pain, call Page Law, a personal injury law firm to speak with an experienced St. Louis product liability attorney for free. Call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. I am more than happy to discuss your case, answer any questions you may have and help determine your legal options.

Accutane is a prescription medication that is used to treat severe nodular acne. The medication is a form of vitamin A that reduces oil gland secretion to help clear skin of acne. However, Accutane also has serious side effects that can cause psychiatric disorders, increased risks of colon cancer and life-threatening birth defects.

Because of these severe medical risks, Accutane is only available to patients who pledge to be using two forms of birth control and who agree to undergo routine pregnancy testing. This testing is to prevent possible birth defects that affect a baby’s ears, eyes, skull, heart and brain. However, no procedures were or are implemented to protect against the myriad of other medical problems that may arise from taking the drug, which has lead to numerous Accutane product liability lawsuits.

Roche Pharmaceuticals, maker of Accutane, has come under scrutiny by the FDA because the drug maker did not adequately warn patients of the severe side effects besides birth defects, which include psychiatric side effects such as suicide and depression, an increased risk of colon cancer and central nervous systems complications to name a few.

Several multi-million dollar verdicts have come down against Roche Pharmaceuticals in cases where Accutane users, who took the medication to control acne, developed Crohn’s disease and ulceratative colitis. These defective product injury lawsuits primarily allege that the makers of Accutane knew about the side effects of the drug, which is primarily used by teenagers, but neglected to warn patients of these life-altering risks. To date, over 500 Accutane lawsuits have been filed and this number is expected to grow as Accutane awareness grows.

If you or a loved one has experienced medical complications after taking Accutane, contact Page Law, A Personal Injury Law Firm. For a free consultation with a skilled St. Louis personal injury attorney, call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

Paxil is a prescription medication that is often used to treat depression. The drug, which belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), aims to help mood problems by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain. Besides treating depression, Paxil has also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders to name a few.

However, Paxil has also been shown to have severe and serious side effects in addition to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, bringing up serious concern for product liability in Missouri and throughout the nation. Additionally the drug has been prescribed to children, despite the fact that it has proven to be ineffective with most young children and increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. Most often, suicidal thoughts are present in those younger than 24-years-old.

Paxil, which is manufactured by SmithKline Beecham, entered the US prescription market in 1992. Since this time, the dangerous drug has been shown to cause severe side effects such as violent behavior, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and a condition called akathisia, which is severe inner restlessness. As these symptoms appeared in many Paxil-users, many defective product injury and personal injury suits were filed against the makers of Paxil.

The FDA not only required Paxil to display new warning labels on the medication, but also created a plan that requires doctors prescribing Paxil to speak directly with their patients about the known risks that are associated with the drug. These warnings and implementations to protect Paxil consumers, however, have come too late in the case of many, whose lives have been drastically changed and limited by this drug.

If you or a loved one has experienced severe side effects from taking Paxil or any other prescription medication, don’t hesitate to call me for a free consultation. As a founding partner of Page//Cagle, a Missouri Injury Law Firm, I have aggressively represent clients to make sure they are compensated for their injuries.

You can call me 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

The U.S. Supreme Court took a significant step forward in personal injury law on March 4, 2009 when deciding the case Wyeth v. Levine. In Wyeth v. Levine, a Vermont musician, Levine, brought action against Wyeth, the makers of Phenergen, because Levine developed gangrene after receiving an injection of the drug into her artery. The delivery technique used, known as an “IV push,” is not supposed to inject medication into patients’ arteries, although there is a known risk of such an outcome. In this case, an arterial injection led to Levine developing gangrene, which resulted in amputating her arm and ending her music career.

Both Wyeth and the FDA were aware of the risks associated with the “IV push” injection method, but did not prohibit this type of medication delivery. In fact, the FDA approved labeling for Phenergen, and simply warned against the IV push delivery technique. Levine claimed that the Phenergen label was inadequate, thus posing marketing misrepresentation, because it did not prohibit a harmful type of drug administration, but Wyeth countered that its use of the warning label complied with FDA regulations.

Basically in this case, Levine could use Vermont tort (injury) law to win her claim, but Wyeth was claiming that federal law, based on the FDA regulations, preempted the product liability claim. Meaning, because the federal and state law differed on the issue of warning label adequacy, Wyeth said federal law should be used over state law, and therefore, Levine did not have a claim against the drug manufacturers of Phenergen. However, the Supreme Court did not agree with this argument and upheld the Vermont verdict for the nearly $6.8 million dollars awarded to Levine.

Continue reading "Phenergen Dangerous Drug Lawsuit Paves Way for Liability" »

Lederle, drug makers of a polio vaccine Orimune, were recently sued in New York after a 61-year-old Staten Island man contracted the debilitating disease.

The man, who once was a Wall Street executive, allegedly contracted Polio after his changing his daughter’s diaper shortly after she had received a live oral polio vaccine. The drug product liability lawsuit resulted in a $22.5 million dollar verdict for the man.

As reported by AP, the man alleged that the live vaccine passed through his daughter’s body in the 1970’s and exposed the man to the live virus. The oral polio vaccine, Orimune, was found to be unreasonably dangerous as an issue of product liability. The court found that Lederle also failed to warn consumers about the dangers and risks associated with the vaccine and found them liable for the man contracting the virus.

Continue reading "Polio Vaccine Orimune Manufacturers Lawsuit Results in $22.5 Million for Affected Man" »

Between 2000 and 2006 alone, over 65,000 product liability lawsuits have been filed against prescription drug makers. This totals more lawsuits than in any other industry. Although there are no medications that are completely free from side effects, the dangers of Ortho Evra birth control patch have proved to be life altering and outweigh any potential benefits of the drug.

Most birth control prescriptions carry side effects such as mood swings and weight gain. However, in addition to these common uncomfortable side effects, Ortho Evra has been linked to potentially life-threatening conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots caused by Ortho Evra can lead to medical complications, including strokes, pulmonary embolisms and even death.

Despite the fact that most birth control pills do carry the risks of blood clots, many people using the Ortho Evra patch weren’t aware that using the patch instead of other birth control methods means serious medical conditions are three times more likely to occur. An experienced personal injury attorney in Missouri will be able to help determine whether you have a case against the drug manufacturer.

A 2004 study on birth control methods and the patch concluded that there was a 300 percent increase in both blood clots and cardiovascular complications in women who used the patch over the pill. In November 2005, the FDA issued a warning of this finding to consumers and also encouraged Johnson & Johnson to strengthen the drug’s warning label. .

Continue reading "Ortho Evra Dangerous Drug and Product Liability" »

Heparin, a blood thinner regularly used to prevent blood clots during medical procedures, has been linked to hundreds of severe adverse reactions and even cases of wrongful death. Reports of adverse side effects from Heparin reached an all time high of 150 reports in January 2009 alone, so Baxter, maker of Heparin, recently recalled specific types of this blood thinner.

Hemorrhages are also often a serious complication that can result from Heparin use and cause serious personal injury. Additionally thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur in Heparin patients and can lead to skin necrosis, gangrene, which can lead to extremity amputation, stroke, and even death. At this time, Heparin has been linked to at least four deaths.

Although countless patients have reported experiencing dangerous side effects associated with taking Heparin, the drug is still regularly administered because other blood thinners do not work as quickly as Heparin, nor can their administration be reversed as easily.

Continue reading "Heparin Dangerous Drug Linked to Severe Adverse Reactions, Caused 4 Deaths" »

Regardless of the hundreds of defective product lawsuits in Missouri and throughout the nation linking Prozac to suicidal and violent behavior, approximately 38 million people in over 100 countries take Prozac for a myriad of disorders and afflictions. While primarily prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks, Prozac has even been approved to curve eating disorders.

Created by Eli Lilly and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987, it is the only antidepressant approved to treat certain disorders in children, such as major depression disorder (MDD) and OCD in kids. Prozac is also used for several “off-label” purposes, such as to treat alcoholism, sleep problems, attention deficit disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. Because of the substantial range of illnesses Prozac is used to remedy, it is no wonder why critics often call it the most over-prescribed drug in the world. Now Prozac users are experiencing drug injury in Missouri and across the U.S.

How It Words and Side Effects
Prozac works by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin between neural connections in the brain, which leaves more serotonin available to transfer neural electrical messages more smoothly and effectively. Over-prescription, however, is not the only problem that has been associated with Prozac. The drug currently carries a black box warning regarding the risks and dangers of suicidal and violent behavior.

In 2001, a man reportedly committed suicide after taking Prozac for only 3 days. He eventually threw the pills away, but when his body was found 4 days later, high levels of fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, were found in his blood. The lawsuit, brought by the family, alleged that Eli Lilly knew that some people have a hard time metabolizing the drug, yet concealed the information in order not to hinder sales, which resulted in the wrongful death of their son.

Additionally, multiple Prozac users have claimed that the drug made them commit violent acts. In one example, the “Prozac” defense was used by an insurance agent, in 2000, who robbed a bank and was subsequently acquitted because he had been prescribed Prozac and Xanax.

Continue reading "Prozac Product Liability Lawsuits" »

New information indicates that Chantix (Varenciline Tartrate), a chemical anti-smoking drug, has been linked to possible psychological side effects that could greatly increase the risk of suicide, suicidal ideation and aggressive behavior. Several reports have been made documenting users’ infliction of serious injury to themselves or committing suicide while taking the dangerous drug Chantix.

Chantix has raise so much concern for its product liability that a Public Health Advisory has been published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) educating health care professionals, patients, and care givers about the serious side effects associated with the drug. Additionally, in February of 2008, the FDA requested that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Chantix, update its warning label to include information about potential psychiatric side effects, such as possible changes in behavior and mood, along with information regarding suicide and suicide attempts.

Chantix was approved by the FDA in May of 2006 as a smoking cessation drug. The medication provides some nicotine effects to ease smoking withdrawal symptoms by acting in the areas of the brain affected by nicotine; however, not all of the effects have been positive.

The FDA website notes that, “[I]t has become increasingly likely that the severe changes in mood and behavior may be related to Chantix.” The FDA News also stated, “[I]t appears increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.”

In addition to the public health advisory, the FDA has documented 491 cases where users reported suicidal thinking or suicidal behavior, 420 of which are from the United States. Of the reported cases, 39 were suicides, 34 of which were from the United States.

If you, a family member, or a friend committed suicide, suffered serious self-inflicted injury, or experienced suicidal thoughts as a result of taking Chantix, contact a medical professional immediately. Then contact the skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Page Law for a free consultation.

An Achilles tendon rupture is an extremely painful injury that happens when the Achilles tendon is torn from its positioning at the calf to the heel bone. Achilles tendon ruptures often require surgery, in addition to physical therapy and other ongoing rehabilitation efforts to regain normal ankle use.

Although Achilles tendon ruptures are not typically common injuries, a disturbing number of these tendon ruptures have occurred in conjunction with taking certain antibiotics, like Cipro and Levaquin. Cipro and Levaquin are both commonly prescribed antibiotics that are associated with increased risks in tendon injury and rupture. Of the reported tendon ruptures associated with dangerous drugs Levaquin and Cipro, 60 percent were attributed to using Levaquin and the most common tendon rupture was the Achilles tendon. An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer will be able to help you with your Cipro or Levaquin lawsuit.

The manufacturers of these drugs failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks of tendon damage and injury, which has led to several personal injury lawsuits. The FDA now requires warnings about antibiotics that cause tendonitis and other severe forms of tendon injury, but these warnings are too late for some patients.

Continue reading "Defective Drugs, Cipro & Levaquin, Causing Achilles Tendon Rupture" »

Death by lung cancer or suicide? Seems like a lofty subject and daunting outcome in either case, but for users of dangerous drug Chantix, who hoped to quit smoking, these two depressing choices could be the options they face. Chantix, a drug that has been prescribed to many seeking help in quitting smoking, has been shown to not only decrease nicotine addiction, but also to increase suicidal thoughts- a gamble most patients were not aware of before taking the drug.

After reports of Chantix causing suicide were released, several lawsuits ensued against Pfizer, maker of Chantix, because several patients killed themselves while using the drug. The widow of a man who killed himself while taking the drug brought the first of these lawsuits in July 2008 and several others have followed in taking the same action. An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer will be able to help determine if you have a Chantix case.

The makers of prescription medications have a duty to make sure all of their products are reasonably safe for the intended use by consumers. Although all product liability issues are taken seriously, prescription medications present a stronger issue than other products. Most patients taking such drugs are under a doctor’s orders and the patient’s generally feel the drugs are safe.

The FDA required Chantix warn consumer of these psychological side effects in 2008, but for many patients it was already too late. If you are a loved one has been affected by the drug Chantix, call the skilled Missouri personal injury attorneys at PageCagle for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information.

With the recent “black box” warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has applied to Levaquin and Cipro, it is important for those who are taking, or have taken the medications know the signs and symptoms of a possible medical problem. Although it is an FDA term, the “black box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can give a drug short of an all out recall due to issues of product liability.

More than half (approximately 60%) of the tendon ruptures that were reported to the FDA were caused by the use of Levaquin. Additionally, although both medications have been linked to tendon ruptures in the rotary cuff, biceps, hands and thumbs, the Achilles tendon, the tendon that attaches the calf to the heel bone, has been the most prominent tendon to rupture.

An Achilles tendon rupture is an extremely painful injury that often requires extensive surgery to repair. In addition to undergoing the knife, months of rehabilitation and therapy are often both necessary in order to return to a point where the ankle is functional. It is also not uncommon for an individual who has ruptured an Achilles tendon to experience ongoing pain and tendon problems, even after undergoing surgery to mend the rupture.

Continue reading "Levaquin and Cipro: Signs and Symptoms of a Problem" »

Recent analysis of a 2002 study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) has revealed that short term exposure to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications are in fact linked to the development of breast cancer. In addition to the researchers previous findings, concluding that long-term exposure to HRT medications can and do have severe adverse effects, the new analysis is the first to warn of the dangers of short term exposure.

Although the original study was published in 2002, its findings and subsequent analysis still send shock waves through the medical community because despite the manufacturer’s original claims that long-term HRT use could actually provide cardiovascular benefits to women suffering from the side effects of menopause, women who use the drugs have become disproportionately ill when compared to non-users.

The study discovered so many dangerous side effects, in fact, that the research was actually terminated at least two years prior to the expected conclusion date because of concern for the health and safety of the women who were participating. The risks and exposure to personal injury simply outweighed the benefits.

Prempro is a popular HRT introduced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1996. The medication was originally dispensed to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. The major problem is that upon the drug's introduction to the market, there had not been any large clinical trials to scientifically test and research its long term affects. The aforementioned study was the first to document that Prempro, and similar hormone related drugs, dramatically increased the risk of stroke, blood clots, heart attack and breast cancer.

Continue reading "Prempro, Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer" »

Driving a tractor trailer is a demanding position; it requires long hours and careful attention to detail, as road conditions can change in a split-second. It is important that truck drivers are alert while behind the wheel to ensure safe driving conditions and to prevent tractor trailer accidents in Missouri.

In order to make sure that commercial vehicles are safe on roadways, the federal government created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA created regulations that must be followed by commercial vehicles traveling in between states. The regulations set out specific guidelines for trucks, trucking companies and truck drivers.

Truck drivers, specifically, must undergo an extensive medical examination to make sure that any possible health conditions will not affect safe driving abilities. In addition to health exams, driver medications are also evaluated to ensure that harmful side effects will not impair driving ability.

The FMCSA medical exam regulation indicates the purpose of the examination is to detect the presence of physical, mental, or organic conditions of such a character and extent as to affect the driver's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. Further, the FMCSA issues advisory warnings periodically about certain medications or conditions that can adversely affect driver ability as such information becomes known to them.

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“Death Jaw” is another name for jaw osteonecrosis (ONJ), a jaw bone decay disease that involves the breaking down and loss or “death” of the jaw bone. Recent research has linked instances of ONJ to Fosamax medication and other similar bisphosphonates. Although the exact nature of the relationship is unknown, medical providers agree that there is no definite way to treat ONJ and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple reports concluding that Fosamax is exercising misrepresentation of product and does not do a good enough job warning patients about the possibility of osteonecrosis and ONJ side effects.

Fosamax (Aldenodrate) belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates and was granted FDA approval in 1995. Bisphosphonates are used to improve bone density, by maintaining or increasing the volume of minerals and calcium within the bones. It is often taken to combat the bone density disease commonly referred to as osteoporosis. Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co., a pharmaceutical company that courts are currently holding legally responsible for the companies arthritis drug Vioxx because of the drugs correlation to patient heart attacks.

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