Author Archives: F.A. Kelley
Canadian Study Finds Actos Raises Bladder Cancer Risk by 22 Percent
Yet another study is confirming the association between the diabetes drug, Actos, and bladder cancer. This latest research, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, found that taking Actos raised the risk of bladder cancer among diabetics by about one-fifth.
DeflateGate’s-Effects-Impact-Legal-Gambling-and-the-Economy
The NFL has initiated a probe into the New England Patriots following allegations that the team intentionally used overly deflated footballs.
Bleeding Side Effects of Pradaxa, Xarelto Have Some Doctors Concerned
Some heart doctors are raising concerns about a new class of heart drugs that include Pradaxa. Recently, a number of doctors interviewed by Reuters said they were hesitant to prescribe Pradaxa, as well as another blood thinner called Xarelto, because of concerns regarding the risk of stroke, serious bleeding ...
Two Leading Cancer Groups Issue Call for Regulation of E-cigarettes and Research on Health Risks
In a joint statement, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research have called on the federal government to move quickly to regulate e-cigarettes and increase research on their health effects. These leading research and treatment organizations asked the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make ...
Johnson & Johnson Facing More Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Woes, as DePuy Pinnacle Complaints Rise
Having already spent around $3 billion on its DePuy Orthopaedics ASR hip implant recall, Johnson & Johnson is facing another potential debacle involving a metal-on-metal version of its Pinnacle Hip Replacement System. According to a report from Reuters, Johnson & Johnson and its DePuy unit already face some 1,600 metal-on-metal ...
Federal Judge Certifies Medtronic Infuse Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit
A shareholder lawsuit alleging Medtronic Inc. illegally promoted the off-label use of its Infuse bone growth product has been granted class action status by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson of Minnesota. According to a report from Law360.com, the Medtronic Infuse off-label promotion lawsuit was filed by several institutional investors on ...
Smith & Nephew Says Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Controversy Slowing Sales of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System
Medical device maker Smith & Nephew has reported a drop in sales of its metal-on-metal hip implant devices. According to the company, hip implant sales were down 2 percent during the first quarter of 2012, largely because its Birmingham Hip Resurfacing System suffered from an association with other metal-on-metal hip ...
Western Pennsylvania Familes File Suit Over Alleged Fracking Pollution
Three families in western Pennsylvania believe a leading hydraulic fracturing (fracking) company and two water testing labs are conspiring to produce false results that show natural gas drilling is not contaminating their private water wells.
Decision on Pradaxa Bleeding Lawsuit Multidistrict Litigation Expected Soon
Victims of alleged Pradaxa injuries are awaiting word on whether their lawsuits will be consolidated in a multidistrict litigation. According to a report from The Madison Record, so far just over two dozen Pradaxa bleeding lawsuits have been filed in federal courts throughout the U.S.
Geodon can Cause Deadly Skin Reaction, FDA Warns
The FDA has required a new warning label for the antipsychotic drug Geodon (ziprasidone) to include the risk of a potentially fatal skin reaction.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
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
Oscor Recalls Defective Cables for External Pacemakers and Diagnostic Machines
On July 6, 2017, Oscor, Inc. issued a nationwide recall of Atar Reusable Extension Cables and Atar Disposable Extension Cables, which connect to external cardiac pacemakers or diagnostic machines. During use, some Atar extension cables separated from the connector at … Continue reading
FDA Warning Letters for Bodybuilding Products Containing Steroid-Like Substances
On June 20, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted warning letters to Flex Fitness/Big Dan’s Fitness, AndroPharm, and Hardcore Formulations for illegally marketing products labeled as containing steroid and steroid-like substances and promoted to increase muscle mass and strength. The products are … Continue reading
FDA Investigates Hepatitis A Linked to Frozen Tuna
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are assisting state and local officials in assessing the risk of hepatitis A virus exposure from contaminated frozen tuna from Sustainable Seafood Company, Vietnam, … Continue reading
More Than 400 Cases in Viagra-Melanoma Multidistrict Litigation
As of May 15, 2017, 428 men are plaintiffs in a Viagra (sildenafil) multidistrict product liability litigation in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit alleges that the “little blue pill,” manufactured by Pfizer, is connected … Continue reading
Johnson & Johnson Loses Fourth Transvaginal Mesh Trial
On May 26, 2017, health care giant Johnson & Johnson lost its fourth surgical mesh lawsuit when a Philadelphia jury returned a verdict of $2.16 million against Johnson & Johnson and its Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology division. Observers see … Continue reading
Magellan Diagnostics Recalls Lead Testing Systems That May Give Inaccurate Results
Magellan Diagnostics has recalled its LeadCare Testing Systems because the devices may underestimate blood lead levels and give inaccurate results when processing venous blood samples. Falsely lower test results may lead to improper treatment for lead exposure or poisoning. The … Continue reading
Essure Plaintiffs Ask to Move Lawsuit to Federal Court
A group of women has filed a lawsuit against Bayer HealthCare over adverse effects of the Essure birth control system. Twenty-eight women filed the lawsuit together on March 21, 2017. Each woman alleges she suffered adverse health effects as a … Continue reading
Drowsy Driving Needs More Study and Prevention Strategies
Drowsy driving presents a significant hazard on the nation’s roads, taking its toll in deaths, injuries and property damage. A recent article in the journal Sleep calls for more study and strategies to prevent drowsy driving. The National Highway Transportation … Continue reading
