Category: Dangerous Drugs
Topamax Linked To Birth Defects
The New York Times reports that Topamax, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, has been linked to birth defects, such as a higher risk of developing cleft lips and palates, genital malformations, and cranial malformations. Topamax is an anti-seizure and migraine drug used in the treatment of migraines and epilepsy. It is also used in the… read more
Medical Malpractice Reform Should Focus On Patient Safety
Medical Malpractice reform has been receiving much attention recently with the introduction of H.R. 5, which seeks to impose national tort reform measures, including the imposition of caps on non-economic damages as well as potentially taking away the right to trial by jury in some medical malpractice cases. As New Mexico medical malpractice lawyers, we… read more
Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Generic Reglan Drug Label Suit
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments over whether generic drug makers can be sued for the failure to warn about dangerous side effects on their drug label even when they follow federal rules. In PLIVA, Inc. v. Mensing a woman took metoclopramide – the generic equivalent of Reglan – for four years… read more
American Dangerous Drug Trials Being Conducted Overseas
A recent investigative article has disclosed some scary statistics. Even with FDA approval, prescription drugs kill nearly 200,000 Americans each year. As a result of consumer backlash and the raised awareness of the potential risks of dangerous drugs such as Avandia, Reglan, and Darvon/Darvocet, many U.S. drug companies have now moved their clinical trials overseas… read more
Darvon/Darvocet Pulled From The Market
Last week, the FDA finally pulled propoxyphene – sold as Darvon and Darvocet – from the U.S. market. For nearly 50 years concerns have been raised over the side effects of Darvon/Darvocet usage, including its toxicity even at low levels and its highly addictive properties. Additionally, it has not been shown to be very effective… read more
Doctors With Questionable Records Hired By Drug Companies
ProPublica, an independent news organization, has been investigating the connection between physicians and pharmaceutical companies, and how pharmaceutical company payments influence physician prescription practices, including the prescription of dangerous drugs such as Avandia, Levaquin, and Meridia. This in-depth report reveals that hundreds of doctors received payments from drug companies who had been accused of professional… read more
Can Parents Sue For A Vaccine’s Design Defect?
Last week the United States Supreme Court heard arguments concerning whether the parents of a girl who became sick shortly after being vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis can sue the vaccine’s manufacturer. The parents allege a design defect. Nearly 5,000 potential lawsuits may result if the court allows the parents to sue, asserting a… read more
FDA’s Avandia Restrictions – A “Victory” For Consumer Safety
In a victory for consumers, the FDA finally restricted sales of Avandia in the United States (as well as suspending all use in Europe.) However, as noted in the New York Times, the dangers associated with Avandia only came to light after a cardiologist analyzed data from clinical trials that GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of the… read more