Legal News & Updates Blog: All Posts
The personal injury lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. provide information, news and updates regarding legal claims investigated by the firm.
Risk of NSF and death rate higher than previously thought
A new study on nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) confirms a definite and strong association between the use of gadolinium based contrast agents during an MRI and the development of the debilitating condition for those with kidney problems. Researchers also found that the NSF death rate and risk of developing the condition may be much higher than originally thought for dialysis patients.
>>INFORMATION: Gadolinium contrast linked to NSF
Children’s Cold and Cough medicines could be dangerous for young children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a statement earlier this week indicating that children’s cold and cough medicines should contain warnings about use in very young children. There is little evidence that the medicines are effective in young children, and they could lead to serious injuries, including the possibility of a fatal overdose.
Actos and Avandia heart failure risk confirmed
A new study confirms that the diabetes drugs Actos and Avandia increase the risk of heart failure. Both drugs previously received a “black box” warning about congestive heart failure in June, and they have been the subject of several studies since a report in published in May found that users of Avandia face a 43% increase in the risk of heart attacks and a 64% increase in the risk of heart related deaths.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Heart Problems
Frozen hamburger recall due to risk of E. coli food poisoning
Following an initial hamburger recall announced last Tuesday for 332,000 pounds of frozen patties, Topps Meat Co. has announced that they are expanding their recall to include 21.7 million pounds of the ground beef burgers. The frozen patties may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, which could lead to severe food poisoning.
>>INFORMATION: E. Coli Food Poisoning Lawsuits
Research may provide keys to preventing and treating NSF
The use of gadolinium based MRI contrast agents has been directly linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among individuals with kidney problems. Although it is known that the MRI contrast causes the painful and debilitating condition, researchers have been unsure of exactly why. A new study provides a possible explanation, and could lead to a strategy for preventing and treating NSF.
>>INFORMATION: MRI Contrast Side Effects Linked to NSF
Risk of birth defects from drugs is not always conveyed to women
Many drugs on the market today should not be taken by women who are or may become pregnant. The side effect of these medicines on an unborn baby can be devastating, and yet research shows that many women taking these drugs are unaware of the danger.
MRI contrast kidney problem warnings added for risk of NSF
Yesterday the makers of MRI contrast agents containing gadolinium announced the language of a “black box” warning they have added to the labels of their products. They also released a letter which was sent to healthcare providers notifying them of the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis among those with kidney problems. This finalizes the warnings which the FDA requested in May 2007.
>>INFORMATION: MRI Contrast Kidney Problems
Nursing home neglect and abuse may increase after purchase by private investment firms
According to a report last week published by the New York Times, the risk of nursing home abuse and neglect may increase after a facility is purchased by a private investment firm. These private groups often make cutbacks to maximize revenue, even at the expense of the safety and health of residents. Residents and families can pursue financial compensation through a nursing home lawsuit, but the individual investors are often protected from personal liability for their greedy actions.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Lawsuits
Fentora lawsuits are reviewed as FDA issues warning
The FDA issued a public health notice yesterday about the risk of death associated with the use of Fentora tablets. Side effects could result in overdose or death caused by inappropriate use and over-prescription. The manufacturer, Cephalon, Inc., has agreed to add stronger warnings and improve the dosing instructions to reduce the risk of problems. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Fentora lawsuits for deaths caused by overdose after using the drug.
>>INFORMATION: Fentora lawsuits
MRI problems should have been disclosed sooner
Gadolinium based MRI contrast agents have been linked to the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in individuals with kidney insufficiencies. If the manufacturers of these contrast agents had properly conducted studies of their product or analyzed reports and other clinical data, they could have warned earlier about the potential MRI problems. Earlier warnings may have prevented the disabling and painful condition experienced by hundreds, or potentially thousands, of individuals.
>>INFORMATION: MRI Contrast Problems
