Legal News & Updates Blog

The FDA has issued an alert to healthcare providers regarding an increased suicide risk associated with 11 different antiepileptic drugs, including Neurontin, Lamictal, Lyrica, Trileptal and Topamax. A review of prior clinical trials demonstrated that users of the drug were more likely to commit suicide, attempt suicide or have suicidal… Read more.

Although it violated the confidentiality rules of the New England Journal of Medicine, GlaxoSmithKline was provided an advance copy of an article published in May 2007 which linked Avandia to an increased risk of heart attacks. The study was leaked during the peer review process by a Texas doctor who… Read more.

A troubling story about a case of nursing home abuse in Ohio highlights the importance of facilities investigating reports of suspicious behavior by their employees. Former nursing home worker John Riems has been charged with raping and assaulting a paralyzed male patient, and according to police he indicates that he… Read more.

Given concerns about medications with potential side effects that may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior, the FDA has instituted a new policy which will require drug manufacturers to examine whether patients become suicidal during clinical studies. The new policy was developed following the discovery that several… Read more.

At least five Sierra Heparin syringe lawsuits have been filed by individuals who were seriously injured by a contaminated pre-filled syringe. Thousands of Heparin pre-filled syringes and Saline pre-filled syringes have been recalled over the past thirty days after it was discovered that they could be contaminated with a bacteria… Read more.

As a result of substantial financial losses suffered following the subprime mortgage crash last summer, Morgan Keegan class action suits have been filed on behalf of investors who thought they were putting their money in relatively low risk bond funds.  The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential… Read more.

Following the release of damaging data about their blockbuster cholesterol drugs, Merck and Schering-Plough now face Zetia and Vytorin class action lawsuits from users who claim that the drugs carry no medical benefits over cheaper, generic alternatives. In addition, the FDA issued an early communication late Friday indicating that they… Read more.

Johnson & Johnson has issued a world-wide balloon catheter recall for a medical device used to open blocked blood vessels during a heart procedure known as PTCA, or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The defective balloon catheters could fail to properly function, leading to a risk of serious injury or death…. Read more.

Pfizer indicated late last week that they are going to update the Chantix warning label. Information will be placed more prominently which suggests that doctors should monitor users of the drug for signs of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior. The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential Chantix… Read more.

According to estimates made by FDA staff scientists, approximately 83,000 additional heart attacks have been caused by Avandia since the drug came onto the market. Information outlined in a Senate Finance Committee report suggests that many of these Avandia heart attacks could have been avoided if the drug manufacturer had… Read more.