O'Connor Law

Monday, April 30, 2007

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Drug ZELNORM

On April 2, 2007 the FDA removed Zelnorm from the market after analyzing the results of an extensive study of the drug’s performance. The analysis included data from more than 18,000 patients. The conclusion was that the benefits of the drug do not outweigh the risks. Those risks include serious cardiovascular events such as severe angina, heart attacks and strokes. Zelnorm has also been linked to severe cases of diarrhea, ischemic colitis and some deaths.

Since being approved by the FDA in 2002, Zelnorm, manufactured by Swiss drug maker Novartis AG, was initially approved to treat irritable bowel syndrome coupled with constipation for women under age 65. Zelnorm had no effect on men and was not prescribed for them. The primary symptom is constipation. The drug increases the movement of stools through the bowels. It does not cure irritable bowel syndrome but it had been shown to help the condition. The drug has also been used to treat ischemic colitis and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

Prior to being recalled it was under prescription to about 500,000 people and in 2006 alone the drug generated just under five hundred million dollars in revenues for Novartis.

If you or someone you know has been taking Zelnorm, we suggest that you follow up with your health care provider to discuss alternative treatment options. If you have suffered any of the risks we’ve noted, you can call us to discuss your legal rights and we will guide you as to how to ensure that they are adequately protected. Time is of the essence in matters such as these so don’t delay. It is crucial that you act immediately so that medical evidence is preserved and your legal rights protected.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 800-518-4529 or visit our website to fill out one of the contact forms (http://www.oconnorlaw.com/). The initial consultation is free and the firm works on a contngency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

posted by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 10:14 AM

Injectable Drug TRASYLOL

A 2006 New England Journal of Medicine study has raised serious issues regarding the safety and effectiveness of Trasylol, an injectable drug used to reduce blood loss during heart surgery. Study findings show that patients injected with Trasylol were almost twice as likely as patients not given the drug to die, suffer renal failure, heart attack or stroke. Compared even to the study’s control group (receiving no medication to prevent bleeding), those given Trasylol had an increased risk of death. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 patients now require dialysis treatments as a result of renal failure caused by the use of Trasylol. Other medications designed to reduce blood loss (such as aminocaprioc acid and tranexamic acid) do not contribute to an increased risk of renal, cardiac, or cerebral events and are proven to be as effective as Trasylol.

As a result of the study’s significant findings, the FDA has issued a public health advisory and a warning to physicians about the dangerous side effects of Trasylol. The FDA is also working with the drug’s manufacturer to examine the safety and benefits of Trasylol in light of this recent data. These efforts don’t relieve the suffering of patients who experienced extreme side effects as a result of Trasylol. If you or someone you love experienced serious side effects because you were administered Trasylol, you deserve fair and equitable compensation and should contact a legal professional to evaluate your case.

For more information, contact the Law Offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 800-518-4529 or visit our website to fill out one of the contact forms (http://www.oconnorlaw.com/). The initial consultation is free and the firm works on a contngency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

posted by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 10:11 AM

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Anemia Drugs PROCRIT, EPOGEN and ARANSEP

The FDA last week added black box warnings to the $10 billion a year anemia drugs Procrit, Epogen and Aransep, citing an increased risk of death, stroke, heart attack and blood clots. The strong new warnings were added after studies showed a higher risk of death and
life-threatening side effects in some patients.

These drugs are genetically engineered versions of a natural protein, erythropoietin that increases the number of red blood cells. They are generally prescribed to patients with kidney or cancer in the event that they become anemic. However, patients with chronic kidney failure are sometimes more likely to suffer increased risk of death, blood clots, strokes and heart attacks if prescribed too high a dosage of the drugs. In other studies, patients with head and neck cancer had more rapid tumor growth if they used higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally some studies showed an increased blood clot risk among cancer patients who were not receiving chemotherapy and in patients following orthopedic surgery.

The new boxed warning states that Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) increased the risk of death and serious cardiovascular problems when given at higher than recommended doses. The FDA also suggested that higher doses could lead to blood clots.

The recent stern warnings will advise physicians to prescribe the lowest possible doses of the EPAs that prevent blood transfusions. Previously, in dialysis patients, doctors would aim for a near normal level of hemoglobin. That required greater amounts of drugs, but it has now been shown to also cause a greater incidence of side effects.

If you or a loved one has been prescribed one of these drugs for anemia, we suggest that you consult your primary care physician in light of recent findings. For more information contact the Law Offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 800-518-4529 or visit our website to fill out one of the contact forms (http://www.oconnorlaw.com/). The initial consultation is free and the firm works on a contngency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

posted by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 8:40 AM

Salmonella linked to Peanut Butter

On Feb 14, 2007 the FDA advised consumers not to eat Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 due to a linked Salmonella Outbreak. As of Feb 16, 2007 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified 290 people from 39 states who have gotten sick from Salmonella Tennessee, the Salmonella type associated with this outbreak. Forty six patients are known to have been hospitalized and there have been no reported deaths.The contaminated jars of Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number 2111. Consumers have been told to throw away their contaminated jars and seek medical attention. Do not throw away the jar if you still have it.

If you have recently eaten the Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter, and have experienced any symptoms of Salmonella infection, please contact your health care provider immediately. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

We have had a number of calls regarding this outbreak. If you or a friend or family member have required medical treatrment in regards to this outbreak please call our office as soon as possible. Time is critical as we need to ensure that evidence is gathered and protected and that proper medical treatment is commenced.

Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak

For more information contact the Law Offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 800-518-4529 or visit our website to fill out one of the contact forms (www.oconnorlaw.com). The initial consultation is free and the firm works on a contngency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

posted by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 8:39 AM

Osteoporosis Drug FOSAMAX

Fosamax, approved by the FDA and introduced in 1995, is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis by increasing bone density. Since 2001 however, over 2,400 patients taking this drug have experienced a condition called osteonecrosis, also known as jaw death. Another 120 users have suffered from severe bone, muscle, and joint pain that left them bedridden or needing the aid of a wheelchairs or walker.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurs when the bone tissue in the jaw becomes damaged. This damage causes infection, painful swelling, tooth loss, and degradation or loss of the jaw bone.

Symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw include:

Numbness and heaviness of the jaw
Gum infections, pain, and swelling
Loose teeth
Slow healing of the gums

Serious side effects such as ONJ have led to a number of lawsuits against Merck, the drug manufacturing company. It is alleged in some lawsuits that Merck was aware of Fosamax’s side effects and actively made attempts to hide the information. If you or someone you love has suffered from ONJ, extreme bone, joint, or muscle pain, or any other serious side effects as a result of taking Fosamax, you may deserve compensation for your damages.

For more information contact the Law Offices of Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 800-518-4529 or visit our website to fill out one of the contact forms (http://www.oconnorlaw.com/). The initial consultation is free and the firm works on a contngency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

posted by Michael J. O'Connor & Associates at 8:33 AM

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