Monthly Archives: August 2017
Fracking Boom Changing Way of Life in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier
In just a few years, the impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) drilling on northeastern Pennsylvania is hard to miss. Thousands of natural gas wells have been opened in that area specifically in the last five years as companies look to exploit the vast Marcellus shale formation about two miles below the ...
FDA Advisory Panel Wrestling with Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Safety
An advisory panel for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) began a highly-anticipated meeting yesterday to discuss the safety of metal-on-metal hip implants. Among other things, the panel of outside experts is being asked to make recommendations regarding the best practices for monitoring patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements. ...
What Action Will the FDA Take on E-cigarettes?
As health and quality concerns trouble the e-cigarette industry, experts and the public await the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s action to regulate the devices.
Tennessee Resident Files Pradaxa Bleeding Lawsuit Following Cerebral Hemorrhage
A man from Tennessee has filed a lawsuit against the maker of Pradaxa, claiming that the blood thinner caused him to suffer a cerebral hemorrhage. The complaint alleges Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. concealed knowledge that Pradaxa can cause Serious, life-threatening bleeds, and did not warn that Pradaxa bleeding side effects ...
Former Executives Accuse Health Technology Firm of Fraud
Former NantHealth executives claim that the company made fraudulent claims about the reliability of its system, which links patient information gathered by the devices.
Dozens-Receive-Nonsterile-Simulated-Saline-Solution
The FDA said last week that more than 40 patients had received intravenous simulated saline that was not sterile and was not intended for human use.
Canadian Study Confirms Actos Bladder Cancer Risk
A new study conducted by Canadian researchers has found that users of the type 2 diabetes drug, Actos (pioglitazone), may face a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than first thought. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that taking Actos for two years doubles the likelihood ...
New York Property Owners Challenge Binghamton Fracking Ban
According to a Reuters report, the landowners believe the Binghamton, N.Y., city council and Mayor acted against proper protocol when voting to ban fracking drilling the the city. Instead, they feel the city should have consulted with the Broome County Planning Commission before approving the ban.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Lawyer Takes Issue with Statements Made by DePuy Orthpaedics Official During FDA Meeting
An attorney with a national law firm that represents victims of alleged metal-on-metal hip implant injuries has expressed dismay at some statements made last week regarding the regulation of all-metal hip replacement devices by an official with DePuy Orthopaedics. According to Daniel Burke, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker ...
Thousands of Propane Cylinders Recalled Because of Fire Risk
On July 13, 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Health Canada announced the recall of certain refillable propane cylinders that pose a risk of explosion and fire. YSN Imports, of Gardena, California, which distributes the … Continue reading
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Recall due to Potentially Hazardous Batteries
The most recent unfortunate news for Samsung’s beleaguered line of Galaxy Note smartphones is that over 10,000 refurbished batteries for the Note 4, a three-year-old phone, are being recalled due to a risk of overheating, with the potential of fires … Continue reading
Cook Medical Recalls Medical Device due to Blood Clot Risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has identified the Cook Medical Zenith Alpha Thoracic Endovascular Graft as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall where there is a “reasonable probability that the use of or exposure … Continue reading
Papaya Salmonella Victims Increase to 141 with More Possible
As of August 11, 2017, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that 141 people in nineteen states have confirmed cases of strains of salmonella traced back to papayas imported from Mexico. Victims range in age from 1 to … Continue reading
Increased Risk of Bone Fractures with Invokana and Invokamet XR
Despite a multitude of warnings for a drug taken for treatment of type 2 diabetes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded indications for Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin). Invokamet along with Invokana (canagliflozin), carry warnings for adverse reactions … Continue reading
Endo Agrees to Additional $775M Settlement for a Total of $2.6B
As of August 7, 2017, Endo International has agreed to set aside an additional $775 million to resolve the company’s remaining mesh lawsuits’ allegations related to the Transvaginal Mesh (TVM) Multidistrict (MDL) Litigation pending in the U.S. district Court of … Continue reading
General Motors Recalls 800,000 Trucks due to Power Steering Defects
Nearly 800,000 pickup trucks are being recalled by General Motors because they may suddenly lose power steering while the truck is being driven, and the sudden steering jolt may cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle, reports Fortune. About … Continue reading
Popular Heartburn Medications Linked to Increased Risk of Death
Drugs to relieve heartburn and acid-reflux are among the best selling drugs in the country, used by millions of Americans annually in both prescription and non-prescription strength. Excess acid can cause stomach ulcers and damage to the esophagus. A reduction … Continue reading
