New research suggests that the number of serious medical errors and mistakes occurring in hospitals nationwide could be reduced by the use of properly trained interpreters, which are not present in many facilities to help heath care providers communicate with patients for whom English is not their native language. Read More
Substantial questions still remain about how individuals should best reduce their risk of suffering a femur fracture from Fosamax, which may occur with little or no trauma at all after long-term use of the osteoporosis medication. As a result of Merck’s failure to adequately research the risks associated with the use of Fosamax, consumers and the medical community are left scratching their heads over how long it is safe to use the medication.
▸ Lawsuits Over Fosamax Fractures
Fosamax (alendronate sodium) was introduced in 1995 and has been prescribed to millions of people throughout the United States for treatment or prevention of osteoporosis.
Although Merck promoted the long-term and continuous use of the medication, side effects of Fosamax may cause certain bones to become weak or brittle after using the drug for a number of years, increasing the risk of suffering a low-energy fracture the longer the medication is used, most commonly involving the thigh bone or femur.
In October 2010, the FDA announced that Merck and the manufacturers of other bisphosphonate medications would update the warning labels about the risk of these atypical femur fractures, encouraging users to seek medical attention if they experienced hip or thigh pain, which may occur before a complete fracture. However, little guidance has been provided to potential users or the medical community about how long the medications can be safely used.
In a report published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, FDA researchers described how the agency is continuing to have trouble narrowing down how long the drug is safe to use before the risk of fractures outweighs the benefits in preventing injuries associated with osteoporosis.
Researchers wrote:
[T]he emergence of safety concerns warrants consideration of new treatment algorithms for patients with osteoporosis. The available data do suggest that bisphosphonates may be safely discontinued in some patients without compromising therapeutic gains, but no adequate clinical trials have yet delineated how long the drugs’ benefits are maintained after cessation. Additional data are needed to determine whether markers of bone turnover or bone mineral density can reliably aid in decisions concerning duration or interruption of bisphosphonate treatments.
As a result of Merck’s failure to adequately research the long-term side effects of Fosamax or provide sufficient warnings to consumers about the risk of femur fractures, users who suffered an injury may be entitled to financial compensation through a product liability lawsuit.
The Fosamax femur fracture lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are continuing to review potential cases for individuals throughout the United States. To review a potential claim for yourself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
A study released late yesterday provides further evidence to support lawsuits filed by women throughout the United States, who allege that side effects of NuvaRing increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism and other blood clots. Read More
NuvaRing is a form of birth control delivered through a small plastic ring inserted into the vagina once-a-month. While it was heavily promoted in direct-to-consumer advertisements, particularly targeting younger women, as a “hassel-free” form of birth control, the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings and information about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening health problems that may develop from NuvaRing.
Hundreds of families and former users are now pursuing product liability lawsuits after suffering blood clots on NuvaRing, which have caused women to to suffer a:
- Stroke
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Wrongful Death
Neither the drug maker’s aggressive marketing campaign nor the NuvaRing warning label adequately informed potential users or the medical community about the risk of these serious and life-altering problems, which may have been avoided if the manufacturer had not suggested that using NuvaRing was in some way better or that taking a daily birth control pill is an unreasonable “hassel.”
Promotional activities targeting young women included things like “ClubNuva”, which featured “NuvaNews” (providing information on women’s health, fashion and entertainment), “NuvaCards” (where users were able to create cards by importing faces, accessories and a personal message) and horoscopes.
At the same time, the manufacturers were were providing false and misleading information to doctors, which suggested that NuvaRing was equally or more safe than oral birth control pills, even though studies have now found that is not the case. It appears that the manufacturer knew or should have known that information was not accurate or supported by any long-term studies.
If adequate information had been provided about the potential NuvaRing problems that users may suffer, many women could have avoided serious blood clots and devastating injuries like stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and death.
NUVARING LAWSUITS REVIEWED NATIONWIDE
FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS
Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. has been providing free consultations for NuvaRing birth control lawsuits since 2008. Although the first trials are likely to begin early next year, our NuvaRing lawyers are continuing to review new cases for women throughout the United States who have experienced problems from the birth control ring.
To review a potential case for youself, a friend or family member, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
Trampolines can be fun entertainment and exercise devices, but they can also be dangerous, especially for children. As summer approaches and kids get out of school, it is important to keep in mind the following safety steps that may help prevent trampoline injuries.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has indicated that trampolines should only really be used for physical education and competitions, as they are not safe for casual play. Serious and potentially life-threatening injuries occur every year due to the improper or unsupervised use of trampolines, as well as due to a lack of certain safety features.
The AAOS has issued the following safety tips for those who decide to use trampolines, in an effort to reduce the risk of injuries:
- Do not use trampolines for unsupervised recreational activity.
- Use of trampolines for physical education and competitive gymnastics, diving training and similar activities require careful adult supervision and safety methods.
- Children using trampolines should be overseen by competent adult supervision at all times.
- There should only be one person using a trampoline at any time.
- High-risk maneuvers, like somersaults, should only be performed by those with proper supervision, instruction, and the use of a harness. Spotters should always be present.
- Trampoline jumping surfaces should be placed at ground level.
- Support bars, strings and surrounding landing surfaces should have proper protective padding.
- Trampolines and associated equipment should be checked regularly for safety conditions.
- Trampolines are not recommended for children under six years of age.
- Trampoline ladders should be removed after use to prevent access by unsupervised children.
More than three years after our lawyers first posted information on this blog about the risk of problems with Medtronic Infuse bone graft surgery, individuals continue to suffer serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
This week, we added new information and resources to our website about potential Medtronic Infuse lawsuits, which are being investigated for individuals throughout the United States who have been hospitalized or died as a result of problems following off-label use of the genetically engineered bone growth stimulator. Read More
In many cases, problems following da Vinci robotic surgery would have been avoided if an alternative surgical method had been used. However, as a result of Intuitive Surgical’s aggressive promotion of their da Vinci surgery robot without providing adequate training or warnings about the risk of complications, it appears that individuals throughout the United States may have suffered severe and devastating injuries that could have been prevented. Read More
The relatively young science of nanotechnology may hold a key for effective early preventative treatment of cerebral palsy, according to a new report. Read More
In recent weeks, there have been several media reports on Yaz and Yasmin settlements, as Bayer is negotiating with law firms on case-by-cases. However, the drug maker continues to face thousands of lawsuits filed by women throughout the country, and this litigation is far from over. Read More
According to new research, lead dust exposure as a child may be a contributing factor to violent behavior, raising societal concerns about low-levels of lead exposure and further highlighting the risk faced by children who suffer lead poisoning after high-levels of exposure. Read More
