The FDA updated the warning label on the Ortho Evra birth control patch after results of a new study found woman using the patch were twice as likely to develop blood clots, than those taking birth control pills. Johnson & Johnson is already facing over 500 suits from women who claim Ortho Evra caused serious side effects including blood clots, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, stroke, heart attack, paralysis and even death. The new warning could spur a new round of lawsuits against McNeil Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson.

The new study validates an investigation conducted last year by the Associated Press, which found high rates of blood clots in women using the patch. Last November, the FDA updated the label on Ortho Evra to alert women that using the patch exposes them to about 60 percent more estrogen than using birth-control pills. Johnson & Johnson has said in the past that blood clots associated with Ortho Evra are rare, and the risk is similar to those of oral contraceptives.
(more…)

A Louisiana man filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court against Eli Lilly and Co., claiming he developed diabetes as a result of using the popular atypical antipsychotic drug Zyprexa. The man took Zyprexa for two years and developed severe diabetes. The lawsuit argues that Eli Lilly did not give proper warning that the drug could be linked to diabetes and other serious side effects.
(more…)

Men being treated for prostate cancer are commonly given GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) hormone therapy injections to block the production of testosterone. While the use of these drugs has become a routine part of prostate cancer treatment, a new Harvard study finds that the treatment increases the risk of heart attack and diabetes, and does not prolong life expectancy. The findings from this study will be published in the September 20 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

(more…)

The number of E. Coli cases linked to contaminated spinach has reached 109. The E. coli outbreak has been traced back to Natural Selection Food of Salinas, California, but 34 brands in total have been removed from supermarket shelves. The brands include company’s own brands and other companies that received spinach from Natural Selection Food, including: Hy Vee, Fresh and Easy, and Farmers Market.
(more…)

The American Society of Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) is warning patients that undergoing cosmetic surgery from untrained, non-physicians, is risky and can lead to serious injury and even death. Cosmetic surgeries and medical procedures, including Botox injections, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and hair replacement, are now commonly performed by spas and clinics operated by non-doctors.
(more…)

Cholesterol lowering statin drugs are used by millions of Americans. While the drugs have been long associated with the serious muscle disease rhabdomyolysis, a new study from the University of California, San Diego has identified other serious side effects commonly found among statin patients.
(more…)

The FDA warned consumers not to eat bagged spinach after a deadly outbreak of E. coli has killed at least one person and left at least 50 others sick. The death occurred in Wisconsin but the outbreak was left people sick in eight states.
(more…)

Two new studies each revealed troubling Vioxx safety data, putting pressure on Merck as the latest Vioxx trial is underway. One study linked Vioxx to an increase risk of kidney damage and cardiovascular events, while the other study confirmed the risk of heart problems began within the first 30 days of use of using the drug. Merck disputed the studies claims saying, “The observations in the JAMA articles and opinions expressed in an accompanying editorial regarding potential increased risks with short-term Vioxx use “are not supported by the current weight of clinical data.” These studies combined with Merck’s recent Vioxx trial loss, may make the company reconsider its decision not to seek a global settlement to resolve the thousands of cases pending against the company.
(more…)

New research has linked antidepressants, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, with violent episodes. Researchers found people who took the antidepressant Paxil were twice as likely to have a violent or “hostility event” as those given a placebo. Controversy is nothing new to SSRIs, in 2004 the FDA required the warning labels on these drugs to contain language about suicide risks.
(more…)

According to recent SEC filings, Boston Scientific Corp. now faces about 477 individual and 72 class-action lawsuits over recalled Guidant defibrillators. Boston Scientific purchased Guidant earlier this year for $27 billion, after outbidding Johnson & Johnson. Both companies pursued Guidant even though the company had just recalled thousands of defibrillators and pacemakers. J&J’s decision not to match the higher offer appears to have been fortuitous, as Boston Scientific has already reserved $381 million to fund Guidant related lawsuits, and some legal experts believe the company’s liability could actually be much greater.

The first trial surrounding defective Guidant defibrillators is set to begin in Corpus Christi, Texas on September 18, 2006. The plaintiffs in this are two patients who had Guidant’s Ventak Prizm 2 defibrillator implanted 2001. While both plaintiffs are still alive, they live with the fear that the devices can fail at anytime. Many patients in their same situation have elected to have the defective devices removed and replaced with new models. The removal and insertion of these devices does require risk, making it a difficult decision for patients to decide on the best course of action.
(more…)