Legal News & Updates Blog: All Posts

An article in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine offers an explanation why gadolinium based MRI contrast agents may cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) in those with kidney insufficiencies.  NSF has been directly linked to the use of gadolinium, and it has devastating consequences for those who develop the condition.

>>INFORMATION: Gadolinium and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Read the rest of this entry »

A new FDA warning indicates that codeine side effects could result in a morphine overdose for nursing babies when the drug is taken by a breastfeeding mother who is an ultra-fast metabolizer of codeine. Read the rest of this entry »

New research indicates that those living in a nursing home may be more likely to suffer a fatal heatstroke.  Elderly residents at long-term care facilities are often unable to regulate their own body temperature and are reliant on proper monitoring and care by the facility to reduce their risk of a fatal nursing home heat stroke. Read the rest of this entry »

According to a new study published in the current issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, the use of antidepressants during pregnancy is associated with lower fetal age and an increased risk of preterm birth .  Researchers found that depression alone, without use of antidepressants, did not adversely impact the pregnancy, which may come as a surprise to many. Read the rest of this entry »

The FDA announced late yesterday that the manufacturers of Avandia and Actos have agreed to add a stronger black box warning regarding the increased risk of heart failure.  The announcement comes two months after federal regulators testified at a congressional hearing that they would be requesting the drug makers add such a warning.  Read the rest of this entry »

According to new research, women who use Cordarone (generic amiodarone) could be more likely to require a pacemaker.  Cordarone is a prescription medication used to treat a common heartbeat problem, known as atrial fibrillation.  While the researchers indicate it is a risk factor for women, the Cordarone side effects do not appear to apply to men. Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, a Maryland lead poisoning lawsuit resulted in a jury verdict of $2.5 million for a 23 year old man and $1.5 million for his 21 year old sister.  The siblings suffered lead poisoning as a result of flaking lead paint during the 1980s when their family lived in a publicly owned rowhouse in Baltimore City.  Read the rest of this entry »

Prilosec and Nexium, two popular heartburn drugs, are being reviewed by the FDA due to concerns that they may increase the risk of heart problems.  Although data submitted to federal regulators from two long-term studies indicate users suffered more heart related injuries, a preliminary analysis by the FDA suggests that there is no firm evidence of a Prilosec of Nexium heart risk.  The final FDA review should be completed in about three months. Read the rest of this entry »

Sales of drug eluting stents have fallen over the past year, following reports in October 2006 that the small devices could increase the risk of blood clots which develop months or even years after it is implanted.  Doctors throughout the United States have not been as quick to implant the devices, and sales data released last month reflect the continuing concern in the medical community about problems caused by drug eluting stents.

>>INFORMATION: Drug eluting stent problems

Read the rest of this entry »

Over two months ago, Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. issued a nationwide recall of their multi-purpose contact lens solution, Complete MoisturePlus. Serious and potentially blinding eye infections, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, have been linked to the solution, yet many contact lens wearers remain unaware of the Complete MoisturePlus recall and continue to use the solution.

>>INFORMATION: Complete MoisturePlus Recall

Read the rest of this entry »