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.
Repeated use of corticosteroids linked to risk of cerebral palsy
According to a study published in the current issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, repeated courses of corticosteriods given to pregnant women at risk for premature labor may increase the chances that the infant will develop cerebral palsy. Use of only one course of the steroid treatment to accelerate lung development and increase the baby’s chances of survival was found to be just as effective and may not carry the same risk.
Actos better than Avandia according to recent study
According to a new study presented earlier this week, the diabetes drug Actos may be better than Avandia at controlling blood sugar and lipid levels. Over the past few months, many individuals who have been given Avandia to treat their type 2 diabetes, have been concerned about the safety of the drug following reports which indicate Avandia may increase the risk of heart attacks and heart related deaths. If Actos is more effective than Avandia, more individuals may decide that the risk of Avandia heart attacks outweighs the potential benefits provided by the diabetes drug.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia heart attack risk
Poor nursing home care may be more likely for African Americans
A study published in the current issue of Health Affairs indicates that black residents of nursing homes may be more likely to receive poor care than whites. Approximately 60% of black nursing home residents in the United States are in under 10% of the facilities, and most of those facilities have previously been cited for providing substandard care which could result in bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition and other nursing home injuries.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing Home Injuries
Haldol side effects tied to potentially fatal heart problems
The FDA announced late yesterday that a new warning will be added to the schizophrenia drug Haldol, indicating that users could face an increased risk of sudden death from dangerous heart conditions. Haldol side effects have been associated with sudden death, QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes (TdP), especially when given through an IV or at higher doses.
>>FDA LINK: Haldol Alert
Dole salad recall due to E. Coli contamination
A nationwide Dole salad recall was issued today after bags of Dole’s Hearts Delight salad mix was found to be contaminated with E. Coli bacteria, which could result in severe illness. The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Dole salad lawsuits for individuals who required medical treatment for food poisoning after eating the recalled lettuce.
>>INFORMATION: E. Coli Food Poisoning
FDA panel does not recommend Trasylol recall
An FDA advisory panel met last week and found that a Trasylol recall is not warranted at this time, despite evidence that suggests the drug may increase the risk of kidney failure, heart failure, stroke and death. The recommendation was made after the panel of experts had an opportunity to review additional data which the manufacturer, Bayer AG, failed to provide to the FDA before a prior hearing in September 2006.
>>PRIOR POST (9/11/2006): Heart surgery injection increases risk of
kidney failure and death
Fentanyl overdose deaths linked to off-label use of Fentora
According to warnings posted yesterday by the FDA, Fentora has been linked to several deaths caused by fentanyl overdose. Fentora is a newer medication, similar to the Actiq lollipop, which is only approved for use in cancer patients who have breakthrough pain not managed by other medications. The manufacturer of Actiq and Fentora, Cephalon, Inc., is currently being investigated for improper marketing practices which encouraged widespread off-label use of their powerful drugs for conditions such as headaches and back pain.
>>INFORMATION: Fentanyl death and overdose
Rocephin injection could cause fatal reaction
An FDA Alert has been issued regarding updates to the label for Rocephin, an antibiotic injection. A potentially fatal reaction could result for individuals of all ages if the injection is administered together with calcium containing products.
Avandia recall should be considered according to researchers
Two studies and an editorial published yesterday in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), provide compelling evidence which researchers indicate may warrant an Avandia recall. One study confirmed earlier findings that Avandia increases the risk of heart attacks, while a second study found that Actos, an alternative drug for treatment of type 2 diabetes, may actually reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia Heart Side Effects
Heart bypass surgery injection increases risk of kidney failure and death
According to FDA staff members, a heart bypass surgery injection known as Trasylol (aprotonin), appears to increase the risk of kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes and death. The statement was yesterday in advance of an advisory panel meeting scheduled to begin tomorrow.
>>INFORMATION: Heart Bypass Surgery Injection Problems
