Archive for 2009

Heart Disease Warnings Included in Labeling for Diabetes Drug Avandia

Heart Disease Warnings Included in Labeling for Diabetes Drug Avandia

Warning labels on the diabetes drug Avandia® (rosiglitazone maleate), marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), caution that the medication can cause or worsen heart disease and that those who have experienced heart failure cannot be started on the drug.

Lawsuits Claim Makers Ignored FDA in Promoting Shoulder Pain Pump Use

Lawsuits Claim Makers Ignored FDA in Promoting Shoulder Pain Pump Use

Five lawsuits have been filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing makers of post-surgical pain pumps of promoting the devices for shoulder surgery patients without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, resulting in irreversible cartilage damage.

State Laws Allow Children to Operate Controversial Rhino, Other ORVs

State Laws Allow Children to Operate Controversial Rhino, Other ORVs

News about personal injury lawsuits concerning Yamaha Rhino off-road vehicle (ORV) rollover accidents has people thinking about a number of related safety issues, including state laws that allow children to operate ORVs.

More than 100 Lawsuits Filed over YAZ, YASMIN Contraceptives

More than 100 Lawsuits Filed over YAZ, YASMIN Contraceptives

Personal injury and wrongful death suits are stacking up against Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals over its YAZ® and YASMIN® oral contraceptives, most blaming the pills for dangerous blood clots. There are already more than 100.

FDA Demands Danger Warnings from Makers of Shoulder Pain Pumps

FDA Demands Danger Warnings from Makers of Shoulder Pain Pumps

Saying it never cleared them for use on joints, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has demanded that makers of pain pumps and the anesthetics used in them warn patients of the possibility of severe cartilage damage.

Bayer Spending $20 Million on YAZ Correction Messages Ordered by FDA

Bayer Spending $20 Million on YAZ Correction Messages Ordered by FDA

Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc., will spend $20 million dollars on media messages to correct claims for its YAZ® birth control pill, under orders from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Scientifically Researched Primary Ingredient” in Hydroxycut? It's Caffeine

“Scientifically Researched Primary Ingredient” in Hydroxycut? It's Caffeine

Hydroxycut, a dietary supplement marketed as a weight-loss aid, was recalled earlier this year as the result of reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that users of the product line suffered liver damage. So far, the FDA says it does not know what ingredients in Hydroxycut might be potential culprits.

Two More Lawsuits Blame Diabetes Drug Avandia for Heart Disease, Stroke

Two More Lawsuits Blame Diabetes Drug Avandia for Heart Disease, Stroke

Litigation mounted recently against drug maker GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK) over alleged heart disease and strokes caused by its diabetes drug Avandia® (rosiglitazone maleate). Two more lawsuits were filed in an Illinois circuit court.

States' Laws on Cell Phones, Texting in Cars Vary from Strict to None

States' Laws on Cell Phones, Texting in Cars Vary from Strict to None

Concern about the danger of drivers speaking on cell phones and sending text messages varies widely across the country, if judged by states' laws regulating, or not regulating, the practices.

Feds Warn Yamaha Rhino Owners to Get Free Doors Installed

Feds Warn Yamaha Rhino Owners to Get Free Doors Installed

The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned owners of Yamaha Rhinos not to use the popular side-by-side four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles until they have been equipped with half doors the company is installing free of charge.

Previous Hydroxycut Formulation Contained Banned Substance Ephedra

Previous Hydroxycut Formulation Contained Banned Substance Ephedra

The recall of the dietary supplement Hydroxycut earlier this year at the urging of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some people remembering the last time it was recalled. That was in 2004, and the problem then was ephedra.

2008 FDA Warnings on Levaquin First Requested by Consumer Group in 1996

2008 FDA Warnings on Levaquin First Requested by Consumer Group in 1996

In 1996, 2005 and 2006, a national advocacy group and the state of Illinois asked the federal government to order a package warning that taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Johnson & Johnson's Levaquin®, could result in damage to tendons.

Some Fibromyalgia Sufferers Using Powerful Fentanyl Painkiller Patches

Some Fibromyalgia Sufferers Using Powerful Fentanyl Painkiller Patches

Some fibromyalgia patients seeking relief of chronic pain and the depression that often comes with it are turning to the fentanyl transdermal patch, which delivers a powerful pain killer through the skin.

Thousands of Cerebral Palsy Cases Diagnosed Every Year

Thousands of Cerebral Palsy Cases Diagnosed Every Year

According to United Cerebral Palsy, a national charity dedicated to serving CP victims and their families, about 8,000 newborns and infants are diagnosed with the condition each year.

Latest Hydroxycut Recall Caused by Reports of Liver Damage

Latest Hydroxycut Recall Caused by Reports of Liver Damage

Reports to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of liver damage in users of the dietary supplement Hydroxycut prompted a recall of the product line by its manufacturer earlier this year.

Documents Suggest Yamaha Rhino Doesn't Handle as Advertised

Documents Suggest Yamaha Rhino Doesn't Handle as Advertised

Statements from a government safety agency and numerous civil lawsuits concerning Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents have people concerned that using the vehicle according to the company's guidelines could result in tragedy.

Levaquin Tendon Injury Risk Higher in Patients over 60, Transplant Patients

Levaquin Tendon Injury Risk Higher in Patients over 60, Transplant Patients

The antibiotic Levaquin®, which has been linked to serious tendon injury, especially to the vulnerable Achilles' tendon, presents the greatest risk of such injuries to patients over 60 and those who have had kidney, heart, or lung transplants.

Covidien Gets FDA Approval for Generic Version of Actiq Fentanyl Lozenge

Covidien Gets FDA Approval for Generic Version of Actiq Fentanyl Lozenge

Covidien PLC has announced its intention to market a generic version of the Actiq® fentanyl citrate painkiller lozenge by early 2010, after recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How to Identify Chinese Drywall in Your Home

How to Identify Chinese Drywall in Your Home

Thousands of complaints have been lodged with federal and state agencies about alleged property damage and health problems blamed on Chinese drywall used in home construction. If you think your home contains Chinese drywall, there are ways to find out, some certain, some circumstantial.

Idaho Jury Awards Motorcyclist $1.8 Million for Crash with Dump Truck

Idaho Jury Awards Motorcyclist $1.8 Million for Crash with Dump Truck

An Idaho jury awarded a motorcyclist $1,826,000 for injuries suffered in a 2006 collision with a construction company dump truck.

NY Makes DWI with Child in Vehicle a Felony, Adopts Ignition Locks

NY Makes DWI with Child in Vehicle a Felony, Adopts Ignition Locks

Spurred by two tragic fatal accidents, New York State last week made driving while intoxicated (DWI) with a child in the vehicle a felony offense.

FDA Asks For Shoulder Pain Pump Safety Label Updates

FDA Asks For Shoulder Pain Pump Safety Label Updates

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring the manufacturers of shoulder pain pumps to update safety labels to include a warning about the dangers of anesthetics on cartilage.

Sen. John Kerry's Daughter Escapes Charges after DUI Arrest

Sen. John Kerry's Daughter Escapes Charges after DUI Arrest

The Los Angeles City Attorney's Office will not file charges against Sen. John Kerry's daughter, who was arrested and booked for driving under the influence (DUI) in Hollywood.

The Most Dangerous Motorcycles on the Road

The Most Dangerous Motorcycles on the Road

While riding any motorcycle is inherently more dangerous than driving a four-wheeled vehicle, the class known as sport or supersport motorcycles is by far the most dangerous.

Chinese Drywall Maker Agrees to be Tried in U.S. Courts

Chinese Drywall Maker Agrees to be Tried in U.S. Courts

A major defendant in a class-action defective products liability lawsuit over damages allegedly caused by Chinese drywall has agreed to be tried in U.S. courts, rather than forcing the issue into international courts. Plaintiffs' attorneys say this will speed up the process.

Driver Killed in NY Yamaha Rhino ATV Rollover Accident

Driver Killed in NY Yamaha Rhino ATV Rollover Accident

A Rochester, N.Y., man was killed when the Yamaha Rhino all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he was driving overturned as he made a sharp turn. His passenger escaped with minor injuries.

Judge Aims for August 2010 Start of Levaquin Lawsuit Trials

Judge Aims for August 2010 Start of Levaquin Lawsuit Trials

The judge overseeing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over the antibiotic Levaquin has set a schedule for pretrial proceedings that may allow the first federal court trial to begin in August of 2010.

CPSC Calls for Mandatory ROV Standards

CPSC Calls for Mandatory ROV Standards

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is asking for mandatory rules to regulate recreational off highway vehicles (ROVs) such as the Yamaha Rhino.

Bill Introduced to Protect Homeowners from Losing Insurance over Chinese Drywall

Bill Introduced to Protect Homeowners from Losing Insurance over Chinese Drywall

A bill intended to protect homeowners from loss of, or changes to, insurance coverage because of Chinese drywall in their homes has been introduced in Congress by a representative from Louisiana, a state heavily affected by the issue.

Cerebral Palsy Victim Awarded $43.5 Million after 24-year Legal Battle

Cerebral Palsy Victim Awarded $43.5 Million after 24-year Legal Battle

A 24-year-old woman confined to a wheelchair because of permanent brain injury suffered at birth has been awarded $43.5 million by a New York jury.

Johnson & Johnson Objects to Consolidation of Levaquin Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson Objects to Consolidation of Levaquin Lawsuits

Johnson and Johnson is opposing a move to consolidate three lawsuits against the company and its subsidiary, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., over the antibiotic Levaquin, claiming it would create an unfair disadvantage in hundreds of pending suits.

The Potential Dangers of Thiazolidinediones

The Potential Dangers of Thiazolidinediones

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) is a class of drugs that are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes patients.

Agency Report Fails to Support Charges against Chinese Drywall

Agency Report Fails to Support Charges against Chinese Drywall

In a blow to thousands of homeowners seeking financial assistance in dealing with property damage and health issues they blame on dangerous Chinese drywall, the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has declined to support the allegations.

Safety Defects That Led to the Yamaha Rhino Recall

Safety Defects That Led to the Yamaha Rhino Recall

The Yamaha Rhino all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was marketed as a recreational vehicle capable of off-road operation under a wide variety of conditions. However, its design turned out to be extremely dangerous, causing rollover problems that resulted in serious and life threatening injuries to consumers.

College Students at High Risk for DUI

College Students at High Risk for DUI

College campus culture can lead to a high incidence of students driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs, according to the results of several studies conducted in recent years.

Shoulder Pain Pump Placement – Intra-articular vs. Soft Tissue

Shoulder Pain Pump Placement – Intra-articular vs. Soft Tissue

Placement of pain pumps in the shoulder joint (intra-articular placement) has been linked to the development of Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL).

Most Dangerous Vehicles of 2009

Most Dangerous Vehicles of 2009

Forbes Magazine has released an analysis of what they consider to be the most dangerous vehicles of 2009, based on crash test data compiled by the federal government and the insurance industry.

First Chinese Drywall Lawsuits Targeted for January

First Chinese Drywall Lawsuits Targeted for January

Defective Chinese drywall litigation is set to begin in January 2010, with six cases being heard by U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon.

Mel Gibson's 2006 DUI Conviction Expunged from Record

Mel Gibson's 2006 DUI Conviction Expunged from Record

Mel Gibson's infamous 2006 drunk driving arrest may be in the public memory for years to come, but it won't be in the public record, thanks to a judge's recent order to expunge it.

Facebook’s Controversial Beacon Program Remains Subject of Lawsuits

Facebook’s Controversial Beacon Program Remains Subject of Lawsuits

Despite an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit to the tune of $9.5 million dollars, Facebook continues to find itself the subject of legal action resulting from the company’s controversial Beacon advertising program.

Survival Rates for Mesothelioma

Survival Rates for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a medical condition that affects the protective film that surrounds major body organs. Given that symptoms may not manifest themselves until much later in life and early detection may prove difficult, survival rates for the condition will vary based on a number of factors.

Asbestos Removal - Abatement Procedures and Contractor Information

Asbestos Removal - Abatement Procedures and Contractor Information

If there is asbestos on your property, it is important that it be removed as soon as possible from the premises. It is important that you hire a professional company rather than do it yourself, however, and to know what to look for in a professional.

New Laws to Increase Ignition Lock Use against Drunk Driving

New Laws to Increase Ignition Lock Use against Drunk Driving

New California laws will expand use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in the cars of convicted drunk drivers.

Toyota Issues Recall after Runaway Lexus Crash Kills CHP Officer

Toyota Issues Recall after Runaway Lexus Crash Kills CHP Officer

Toyota has recalled 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to potentially defective floor mats that may cause the accelerator to stick.

Reglan Use in Infants and Children - Is it Safe?

Reglan Use in Infants and Children - Is it Safe?

Reglan is a drug that is prescribed to treat stomach problems such as nausea and heartburn. The drug has not been FDA approved for treatment in children, and may increase their risk of developing serious muscle disorders.

Asbestos Testing - At-Home Kits vs. Testing by Professionals

Asbestos Testing - At-Home Kits vs. Testing by Professionals

If you suspect your home contains asbestos, you should consider having it tested for asbestos. If you or a loved one has suffered an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, consult an attorney.

$5 Million Approved for Louisiana Chinese Drywall Claims

$5 Million Approved for Louisiana Chinese Drywall Claims

The Louisiana Recovery Authority has approved at least $5 million to cover property damage caused by defective Chinese drywall.

Recognizing Fluoroquinolone Brand Names

Recognizing Fluoroquinolone Brand Names

Fluoroquinolones such as Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox are prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Learn about the most common fluoroquinolone products on the market.

Is Reglan Use During Pregnancy Safe?

Is Reglan Use During Pregnancy Safe?

Reglan is a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat nausea. However, it has been associated with dangerous side effects. Is Reglan use safe during pregnancy?

Do You Have Asbestos inYour Home?

Do You Have Asbestos inYour Home?

Asbestos exposure can result in debilitating conditions, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is why it is important to ensure there are no objects or products in your home with contain asbestos. The following is a brief rundown of objects in a home that may contain asbestos.

Ignition Interlock Device Designed to Prevent Drunk Driving

Ignition Interlock Device Designed to Prevent Drunk Driving

Ignition interlock devices can be installed in the cars/vehicles of DUI offenders to check their blood alcohol levels via a breath test before they can start or while driving their vehicles.

Chinese Drywall Makers May Ignore Lawsuits - Who Will be Liable for Damages?

Chinese Drywall Makers May Ignore Lawsuits - Who Will be Liable for Damages?

Defective Chinese drywall has caused property damage and health problems for thousands of residents of the southeastern United States. Who is liable for damages in these cases?

Yamaha Rhino Rollover Texas Trial - Yamaha Not Found Liable

Yamaha Rhino Rollover Texas Trial - Yamaha Not Found Liable

Although Yamaha was not found liable in the Rhino rollover death of a 13-year-old boy, many believe that the vehicle's defective design caused the accident.

Shoulder Pain Pump Trials Set for 2010

Shoulder Pain Pump Trials Set for 2010

Shoulder pain pump lawsuits are set to go to trial starting in January of 2010. The plaintiffs in the suits claim that they have suffered significant cartilage damage as a result of the pumps.

New Fentanyl Mouth Patch Available for Use

New Fentanyl Mouth Patch Available for Use

Biodelivery Science's fentanyl mouth patches are now available for use in adult cancer patients who have developed a tolerance for opioid drugs.

Avandia and Bone Fractures - The Scientific Evidence

Avandia and Bone Fractures - The Scientific Evidence

Recent studies suggest that the type 2 diabetes drug Avandia is associated with an increased risk of bones fractures in patients who take the medication.

Defective Products from China – From Chinese Drywall to Lead-Contaminated Toys

Defective Products from China – From Chinese Drywall to Lead-Contaminated Toys

Experts believe that several products manufactured in China, including drywall, food, and toys, are defective and can pose serious health risks to consumers. Learn more about Chinese defective products.

Safety Information for Owners of Yamaha Rhino Models 450, 660, and 700

Safety Information for Owners of Yamaha Rhino Models 450, 660, and 700

Yamaha rhino accidents involving the 450, 660, and 700 models have resulted in an estimated 60 deaths in the United States; as a result, Yamaha is facing defective product litigation filed by injured consumers.

Shoulder Pain Pumps and Cartilage Damage – The Scientific Evidence

Shoulder Pain Pumps and Cartilage Damage – The Scientific Evidence

Shoulder pain pumps have been the subject of litigation due to their potential risk to cartilage. Two recent studies have found a link between shoulder pain pumps and serious cartilage damage.

Is Avandia Dangerous? What Consumers Should Know about Avandia and Heart Problems

Is Avandia Dangerous? What Consumers Should Know about Avandia and Heart Problems

Avandia is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, use of the drug has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other heart-related problems.

Seattle Hospital, Dentist Sued in Fentanyl Death of Autistic Teen

Seattle Hospital, Dentist Sued in Fentanyl Death of Autistic Teen

The family of an autistic teenager who died after using a Fentanyl pain patch has filed a lawsuit against a dentist, dental resident, and Seattle hospital. The teen was prescribed Fentanyl for dental pain; however, this is not an approved use of the drug.

Texas Man Alleges Fentanyl Lollipops Caused Tooth Decay

Texas Man Alleges Fentanyl Lollipops Caused Tooth Decay

A Texas man has filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the Actiq Fentanyl lollipop, alleging that the product caused severe tooth decay and almost $40,000 in dental work.

Several Prescription Drugs Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia

Several Prescription Drugs Linked to Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a muscle disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary, movements of the face, arms, legs, and torso. This disorder may be linked to use of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, Reglan, and other metoclopramides.

Abuse of Painkiller Fentanyl Increases Nationwide

Abuse of Painkiller Fentanyl Increases Nationwide

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid that is 100 times stronger than morphine. While Fentanyl can legally be prescribed to patients who suffer from chronic pain, the drug has been subject to abuse.

New Prescription Metoclopramide Tablet Wins FDA Approval

New Prescription Metoclopramide Tablet Wins FDA Approval

The FDA has approved a metoclopramide tablet that melts in the mouth. This is despite recent lawsuits filed against the makers of Reglan (a form of metoclopramide) that allege the drug is associated with an increased risk of the development of muscle disorders.

Man Awarded $2.3 Million for Injuries Sustained at Boomers in Boca Raton

Man Awarded $2.3 Million for Injuries Sustained at Boomers in Boca Raton

A Palm Beach County jury has awarded $2.3 million to a man who suffered injuries from an accident that occurred at an entertainment complex in Boca Raton.

Fluoroquinolones May Cause Double Vision

Fluoroquinolones May Cause Double Vision

A study that was recently published in Ophthalmology journal found that people who take flouroquinolones have an increased risk of developing double vision.

Lenawee County Circuit Court Jury Awards Nearly $2 Million to Man Injured by Teenage Driver

Lenawee County Circuit Court Jury Awards Nearly $2 Million to Man Injured by Teenage Driver

A man who suffered a brain injury in a 2005 car accident has been awarded nearly $2 million by a Lenawee County Circuit Court jury. Douglas Mayher, of Britton, Michigan was injured when his vehicle was struck by a teenage driver whose car went airborne as she attempted to pass another vehicle on M-50.

Missouri Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Bank Robberies

Missouri Police Arrest Suspect in Multiple Bank Robberies

On September 12, Missouri police arrested Chad Schaffner, 37, whom police believe robbed at least 10 banks in multiple states since May. Schaffner, who has a criminal record, faces multiple charges, including bank robbery, burglary, armed robbery, receiving stolen property, and drug charges.

Actress Katherine Heigl Adopts a Korean Child

Actress Katherine Heigl Adopts a Korean Child

Actress Katherine Heigl, 30, revealed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show that she and her husband, Josh Kelley, 29, are adopting a special-needs child from Korea. The baby girl will turn 1 year old in November.

Four New Levaquin Suits Filed Over Tendon Rupture Risks

Four New Levaquin Suits Filed Over Tendon Rupture Risks

Four Levaquin lawsuits have been filed in Illinois state court against the manufacturer of the drug Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiary, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical Inc., as well as against Walgreen Co.

Family of Drowning Victim Awarded Almost $3.8 Million

Family of Drowning Victim Awarded Almost $3.8 Million

The family of a nineteen-year old man who suffered fatal injuries in a hotel pool accident has been awarded almost $3.8 million. The victim drowned in the deep end of the pool and was unable to be found right away because the water was so dark and cloudy.

Multi-Million Dollar Settlement Awarded to Family of a Car Accident Victim

Multi-Million Dollar Settlement Awarded to Family of a Car Accident Victim

The family of a man who died from injuries sustained in a crash on Interstate 15 has been awarded almost $4.4 million in damages. A Utah jury found that the state department of transportation and a subcontractor assisting with bridge construction were partially responsible for the accident.

Actress Lori Petty to Serve Five Years Probation for DUI

Actress Lori Petty to Serve Five Years Probation for DUI

Actress Lori Petty, star of Tank Girl and A League of Their Own, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Under Petty’s plea deal, she will attend AA meetings, pay fines, and receive outpatient treatment.

Justice Department Files Lawsuit Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

Justice Department Files Lawsuit Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Ventura County under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit alleges that the county did not hire a qualified candidate because she is deaf.