Crestor’s Use and Benefits

Crestor was as successful as it was because it was originally successful in its fight against the high levels of cholesterol in patients around the United States.  Specifically, Crestor penetrates the patient’s liver and helps to lower the levels of LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol.  The lowering of the amount of LDL in a patient’s system helps to minimize the risks associated with high cholesterol that include heart problems in general, heart attacks, the clogging of the heart’s arteries and strokes.  Crestor also penetrated the market as deeply as it did in part because of an aggressive advertising campaign.

Crestor Side Effects

Unfortunately, Crestor was only on the market for a few months before reports of dangerous Crestor side effects began to surface.  Examples of the most common Crestor side effects have included:

• Acute Kidney Failure – Some patients who had used Crestor experienced the pain and misery of acute kidney failure.  This development required several significant medical steps that included surgery, kidney dialysis and other forms of intensive and invasive corrective measures.
• Chronic Bleeding – Many patients who used Crestor also experienced the troubling condition of chronic bleeding.  The development of this Crestor side effect required several significant medical steps in order to find some way to stop this bleeding.
• Rhabdomyolysis - Rhabdomyolysis is a condition whereby the fibers of the muscle tissue break down, and the substance that makes up these fibers, myoglobin, is released into the circulatory system as a result.  When this substance reaches the kidneys, it can create irreparable damage.

How Crestor Side Effects Lawyers Can Help

The FDA ultimately issued a public health warning that described the potential for those who used this medication to develop Crestor side effects.  While Crestor remains on the market, those who have suffered from its use still have legal rights and options at their disposal.  If this includes you or someone you love, contact the Crestor side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Januvia Uses and Reports of Januvia Side Effects

Januvia is a drug that works by entering the patient’s system and lowering the amount of blood sugar that’s present.  By doing so, the medication prompts the patient’s liver to produce more insulin, and the result is a restoration of the balance between these two substances in the body.  This balance is critical, for if it’s maintained properly those who have type-2 diabetes are able to minimize the risks associated with this disease.

Unfortunately, a large number of reports of Januvia side effects eventually began to surface, each of which is dangerous to the patient.  These Januvia side effects include:

• Acute Pancreatitis
• Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis
• Necrotizing Pancreatitis
• Cutaneous Vasculitis
• Death

Anyone who has been using Januvia and has experienced any of the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Fever
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Chronic fatigue
• Abdominal pain radiating to the back

The medical treatment required to deal with Januvia side effects can be difficult to endure.  It can include hospital stays and blood transfusions.  Tragically, some people were not able to overcome these Januvia side effects.

Response to Reports of Januvia Side Effects

In response to the reports of Januvia side effects, the FDA published a public health advisory that was meant to warn both the medical community and the public at large of the dangers of using this drug.  In addition to the FDA response, Januvia side effects lawyers began to pursue lawsuits against Merck.  As of now, Januvia remains on the market, but those who have been harmed by its use have legal rights and options at their disposal.

If this includes you or someone you love, contact the Januvia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

FDA Puts Hold on Enrollment for Avandia Side Effects Study

For several months, the issue of whether or not Avandia should be pulled from the American market has been raging.  Most recently, a federal panel of experts voted to keep Avandia on the market for now by a narrow margin, but the demand for more information was clear.  One of the biggest sources of information in this regard was supposed to be gleaned from what is known as the ‘TIDE’ study, which was to recruit up to 16,000 subjects to take part.

As part of the study, some patients were going to agree to take Avandia, while others were going to take Actos, which is a direct competitor of Avandia.  A third group would serve as the control group and would not be given any medication.  As of now, approximately 1,100 subjects have agreed to take part in this study, but the FDA has recently announced that no additional patients would be allowed to enroll in the TIDE study.

Why Learning More About Avandia Side Effects Is Important

As stated above, the Avandia side effects issue is extremely important because of the extreme danger that many people who have used this drug have encountered.  These Avandia side effects that include heart attacks and strokes have been far too prevalent for many in a position to lead to change, and this high level of concern has led to restrictions imposed on Avandia by the government and a plethora of lawsuits filed against GlaxoSmithKline.

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using this drug, you need to take action by contacting the Avandia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

The Tylenol Recalls

On May 1 of this year, McNeil issued its fourth Tylenol recall within a period of six months.  Each is briefly described below:

Tylenol Recall One

The first Tylenol recall was issued in November of 2009 because of an unusual odor coming from containers of Tylenol Arthritis Pain 100 count that led to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  50 lots of this product were pulled from the market.

Tylenol Recall Two

One month later, McNeil initiated another Tylenol recall of all lots of Tylenol Arthritis Pain caplet 100 count with the EZ open cap for the same reason.

Tylenol Recall Three

One month later, in January of 2010, McNeil initiated its third Tylenol recall, this time affecting an undisclosed number of Tylenol, Motrin and other products because of the noxious odor problem.

Tylenol Recall Four

Finally, on May 1 of 2010, McNeil issued another Tylenol recall because of what were described as ’serious safety concerns’ regarding 50 children’s versions of these same products.

The FDA’s Role in the Tylenol Recalls

Based on these recalls and concurrent with other investigations that were ongoing with McNeil, the FDA has announced that it will expand its earlier investigation of a plant in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania in which the FDA uncovered serious problems with safety protocols, quality assurance steps and the potential for the contamination of products based on manufacturing practices.  In its report on this initial investigation, the FDA excoriated the plant’s conditions and the potential for harm for those who used these products.

Overall, anyone who has used these recalled Tylenol products could be at risk.  If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using any of these products, you need to seek the help of experienced Tylenol recall lawyers who have a long track record of holding those responsible for the dissemination of dangerous drugs into the consumer marketplace accountable.  Contact the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

One of the steps that’s being taken today and tomorrow is a discussion by a federal panel of experts regarding whether or not Avandia should remain on the market given its purported utility versus the potential for Avandia side effects.  In furtherance of this discussion, studies will be reviewed to dissect the statistics regarding the probability of someone developing Avandia side effects.

The RECORD Study Regarding Avandia Side Effects

GlaxoSmithKline has been depending on a study regarding Avandia side effects known as the RECORD study.  This study tracked more than 4,400 patients, some of whom were given Avandia and others who were given other diabetes medications.  The results of the RECORD study concluded that people are no more likely to develop Avandia side effects that include heart attacks and strokes than they are if they take other medications.

The FDA’s Reaction to the Avandia Side Effects Study

The FDA also reviewed the results of the RECORD study, and the agency did nothing short of blast the results.  The agency stated that the following problems existed with RECORD:

1. Researchers sloppily compiled the data in the study
2. Researchers failed to follow up on reports of Avandia side effects
3. The entire study was biased at its foundation

These are extremely strong criticisms, and they could be very persuasive in regards to the ultimate decision that’s made sometime this week in terms of Avandia’s place on the market.

How an Avandia Side Effects Lawyer Can Help

Regardless of what’s decided by the panel in regards to Avandia, many people have already suffered greatly from Avandia side effects.  If this includes you or someone you love, you need to take action to protect your legal rights.  Contact the Avandia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Now comes word that in response to this intense level of scrutiny brought about by the public at large, Meridia side effects lawyers and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), changes to the labels of packages of Meridia have been approved that contain clear warning language regarding the specific risks of Meridia side effects.

Meridia Side Effects Warnings on Labels:

According to the FDA’s Web site, the label now states the following:

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• with a history of coronary artery disease (e.g., angina, history of myocardial infarction), congestive heart failure, tachycardia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, arrhythmia or cerebrovascular disease (stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA))
• with inadequately controlled hypertension > 145/90 mm Hg
• over 65 years of age

WARNINGS

Concomitant Cardiovascular Disease

• Due to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with cardiovascular disease, Meridia…

PRECAUTIONS

Geriatric Use section

• Clinical studies of sibutramine did not include sufficient numbers of patients over 65 years of age. Sibutramine is contraindicated in this group of patients

If you or someone you love has been harmed by Meridia side effects, you need to contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.  The firm has decades of collective experience in holding manufacturers of defective drugs accountable for the harm they have caused, so contact the firm today to get the process of protecting and enforcing your legal rights started.

Avandia Side Effects are Extremely Prevalent

Now comes word that an exhaustive Senate report on Avandia has been completed and released, and the overall conclusion of this report is anything but positive for Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline and those who are or have used Avandia over the years.  The report was based on a review of over 25,000 pages of documentation related to the drug, and the findings by those who formulated the report include:

• Avandia could be responsible for as many as 83,000 heart attacks since the drug hit the market.
• GlaxoSmithKline made efforts to undermine and/or discredit negative information regarding Avandia.  The report specifically states:

“”GSK executives attempted to intimidate independent physicians, focused on strategies to minimize or misrepresent findings that Avandia may increase cardiovascular risk and sought ways to downplay findings that a competing drug might reduce cardiovascular risk.”

• The FDA was guilty of overlooking data that indicated that Avandia carried risks for those who used it.

Avandia Somehow Remains on the Market

Despite these findings and other reports that have been generated over the years, Avandia remains on the market.  The FDA has required that warnings be attached to the labels of Avandia, but the absence of direct government action has led to the need for those injured by Avandia side effects to seek justice by themselves.  When this sort of situation plays out, it leaves those injured by Avandia side effects with only one option – to take GlaxoSmithKline to court in pursuit of justice.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of using Avandia, you too need to take action to protect and enforce your legal rights.  Contact the Avandia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – Reasons for Reaction

Meridia side effects have been reported with increasing frequency in recent months, and it was only last year that the FDA stated that it would make a decision regarding how to handle Meridia when the results of a massive ongoing study became available.  This study, known as the SCOUT study, is expected to be finalized in March, but preliminary conclusions have already been released.

Aside from the previous reports of Meridia side effects that included the risks of developing such problems as heart valve damage and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, or PPH, these new preliminary conclusions draw a troubling connection between those patients who have a history of heart problems and the higher risk of suffering from a heart attack, stroke or other heart-related side effect if these patients use Meridia to fight obesity.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – The Contrast

In the wake of the most recent news regarding the SCOUT study, the FDA has announced that it was requiring Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of Meridia, to place what’s known as a ‘Black Box Warning’ on all labels of the medication.  This warning must clearly alert medical professionals and patients of the risks involved with taking this drug and the potential Meridia side effects that could develop.  The FDA has also indicated that it would wait to make a final decision regarding Meridia until the final results of the SCOUT study are available in March.

Meanwhile, the EMA has already released the text from a ‘Dear Doctor’ letter that it is sending to doctors and pharmacists in the European Union.  This letter basically states that medical professionals are hereby recommended to cease and desist with the prescription and administration of Meridia to their patients given the clear risks of Meridia side effects that are involved.  Meridia is sold under different brand names in Europe that include Reductil.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – How to Proceed

As can be seen, the analysis regarding Meridia’s benefit vs. its risks is beginning to turn towards the negative for Abbott Laboratories.  More importantly, it’s seen as a risk for patients across the world.  Even though the FDA has not yet taken the strongest action possible, that does not affect a claim that’s filed by someone who has suffered from Meridia side effects.  If this includes you or someone you love, you need to contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – First Wave of Problems Arise

After a few years on the market, the first reports of serious Meridia side effects began to make their way into the media.  These Meridia side effects were serious, and similar reports prompted the banning of the sale of Meridia for a time in Italy.  These Meridia side effects included:

• Primary Pulmonary Hyptertension (PPH)
• Heart valve damage
• Heart attacks
• Cardiac valve dysfunction
• Death

Of these initially reported Meridia side effects, PPH was the condition that drew the most attention because it was otherwise rare, easy to miss because of its symptoms being similar to other problems and progressive to the point where it was often too late after PPH was diagnosed.  However, additional problems have recently arisen regarding Meridia side effects.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – The New Problem

While all of these reports of Meridia side effects were surfacing, the FDA only went as far as issuing a preliminary statement that it wanted to see the results of a large Meridia study that was in progress.  That study is nearing its completion, and the first set of conclusions are becoming available.  What seems to be the most prominent conclusion that’s been released at this point is the troubling tendency for those who have a history of heart problems to face a high risk of a heart attack if they use Meridia.

As a result of this finding, the FDA has announced that all containers of Meridia must now contain a warning that specifically states that patients with any history of heart problems face this higher risk of a heart attack.  This requirement is one of the more serious steps that the FDA can take, and at this point there’s no telling how many people with a history of heart problems have used Meridia without the knowledge that they were facing this possible result.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using this medication, you need to contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.  The firm has helped those harmed by defective drugs for many years, and you need to protect your legal rights if you’ve suffered from Meridia side effects.  Contact the firm today.

Meridia Side Effects – The History

After a few years on the market, reports of Meridia side effects in patients began to surface in high enough numbers that the medical community began to take notice.  These Meridia side effects included:

• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH)
• Heart attacks
• Cardiac valve damage
• Heart valve disease
• Death

These Meridia side effects are all quite serious, and overall, at least 29 people have died during or after using the drug and hundreds of others have suffered from any of the other side effects listed above.  All of these reports began to prompt different actions, one of which was taken in Italy, where authorities there banned the sale of Meridia within that country after two people who had been using Meridia died of heart attacks.

Meridia Side Effects – The Study that Got the FDA’s Attention

In 2002, a cooperative effort between Abbott Laboratories and several different European agencies began a study known as the Sibutramine Cardiovascular Morbidity/Mortality Outcomes in Overweight or Obese Subjects at Risk of a Cardiovascular Event (SCOUT).  This study tracked 10,000 people, some of whom were given Meridia and others who were given a placebo.  The preliminary results indicated that those who were using Meridia encountered a higher risk of developing cardiovascular events not unlike those mentioned above.

In response to these preliminary findings, the FDA has recently announced by way of an Early Meridia Communication that it intends to take a closer look at this study’s findings, other evidence and additional factors in an attempt to determine what, if anything, should be done in a regulatory sense in regards to Meridia.  No timetable has been given, but the FDA promised an expedited process given the obvious dangers potentially involved with the use of this product.

Meridia Side Effects Lawyers – How to Proceed

If you or someone you love has suffered from Meridia side effects, you need to obtain the answers you need regarding your legal rights and options.  Contact the Meridia side effects lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.