Latest News
FDA issues Bextra recall due to heart attack risk
Bextra, designed to treat arthritis and menstrual cramping, has been withdrawn from the American and European markets over concerns about the drug’s heart attack risk to patients. The Food and Drug Administration also cited risks of a potentially deadly skin condition which is a Bextra side effect in recommending Bextra’s withdrawal.
Congress upset about asbestos tunnels beneath Capitol
Several senators and representatives have written angrily worded letters to Architect of the Capitol Alan Hantman, expressing their ire that Capitol workers are being exposed to dangerous conditions in the asbestos-lined tunnels beneath the Capitol building. The letters were written in response to a letter from the 10 workers who maintain the tunnels.
Pennsylvania boy awarded $4M cerebral palsy verdict
A Pennsylvania boy and his family have been awarded a $4 million medical malpractice lawsuit against his doctor and the hospital where
he was born. Jurors ruled that Drs. Roy Pazmino and Peter Matgouranis,
and Tyrone Hospital were liable for birth injuries that occurred during
the delivery of Jacob Mayhue in 1995. Because of his injuries, Jacob
has developed cerebral palsy.
Ortho Evra patch warning issued by manufacturer
Ortho-McNeil, maker of the Ortho Evra patch, say that its users are exposed to a much higher dose of estrogen than are users of birth control pills. The company says that this increased exposure raises the risk of Ortho Evra side effects, such as blood clots, heart attack or stroke.
Bard expands Kugel hernia patch recall
C.R. Bard, Inc. and the Food and Drug Administration have announced an expansion of the hernia patch recall first issued in December 2005. The expanded recall covers all lot numbers of the extra- large and oval models of the Composix Kugel mesh patch, as well as some lot numbers of the large oval and large circle versions of the patch.
Ortho Evra lawsuit filed in death of Indiana woman
The family of a 20-year-old Indiana woman who died from side effects of the Ortho Evra patch has filed a lawsuit against its manufacturer. The family claims in its Ortho Evra lawsuit that Ortho-McNeil failed to adequately warn the public about the patch’s health risks.
Former paper mill workers file mesothelioma lawsuits
Two former paper mill workers from Maine have filed lawsuits against the asbestos manufacturers and suppliers whose products, they say, caused them to contract mesothelioma.
Study warns of broader Tequin health risks
An upcoming study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that patients taking the antibiotic Tequin are at risk for potentially deadly side effects, regardless of prior health conditions. The study, which will be published in the NEJM later this month, was released early on the Internet due to its public health implications.
FDA to launch medical patch safety study
Concerns about the safety of the Ortho Evra patch are leading the Food and Drug Administration to conduct “an exhaustive review” into the safety of medical patches in general.
Experts say heat and medicated patches are a deadly combination
Medicated patches, used by millions of people for a variety of ailments, can be rendered unsafe when heated by exercise, or when their wearers soak in a hot tub or have a high fever. Most patients do not realize this and should be warned, experts say.