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this pageInjuries from Medical Drugs
Every day, Americans put their health and well–being in the hands of the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession. Sometimes, however, a drug manufacturer knows that a drug could endanger consumers, but fails to warn physicians or the public of the serious health risks associated with its use. Although the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the drug manufacturing process, the agency’s approval of a specific drug does not always guarantee that it is safe. In fact, the FDA may pull a harmful drug off the market after it has already caused significant damage to patients.
FOSAMAX® and Jaw Damage
FOSAMAX® (alendronate sodium) is mainly used to prevent and reverse bone loss, called osteoporosis. However, the drug may cause severe decay of the jaw bone or jaw osteonecrosis. This disorder causes loose teeth and jaw pain. At present, there is no cure for jaw osteonecrosis. For more details, please see FOSAMAX®: A Bone–Building Drug that Can Damage the Jaw.
Celebrex® May Increase Heart Attack Risk
The arthritis drug Celebrex®(celecoxib) may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes (see Celebrex® Gets Black Box Warning). Taking the drug is particularly dangerous for patients who have already undergone heart bypass surgery. Celebrex® is closely related to Vioxx® and Bextra®, which were withdrawn from the market for safety reasons.
Ortho Evra® Birth Control Patch
Compared with women who use birth control pills, Ortho Evra® patch users have twice the risk of developing blood clots, according to some studies. These blood clots can cause heart attacks or strokes. See Ortho Evra® Birth Control Patch May Increase Blood Clot Risk for details.
RhoGAM® May Harm Newborns
Newborns whose mothers received RhoGAM® injections during pregnancy to decrease birth complications may have been exposed to mercury. Mercury has been linked to autism and nervous disorders.
Until 2001, RhoGAM® included the preservative thimerosal, which contains mercury. Although the RhoGAM® package insert mentioned thimerosal, it did not provide any warnings about the effects of mercury on mothers or their babies. Thimerosal has also been used in various vaccines. See Vaccine Safety Issues: Thimerosal.
Tequin®
The antibiotic Tequin® has caused severe blood glucose changes in some patients, leading to hospitalizations and deaths. One Canadian study found that Tequin® users were almost 17 times more likely to have a high blood sugar (hyperglycemic) episode than were patients taking other antibiotics such as erythromycin. They had four times the odds of having a low blood sugar (hypoglycemic) episode.
Tequin® is prescribed for bronchitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and lung, skin, kidney and urinary tract infections. Its manufacturer, Bristol–Myers had $150 million in sales for the drug in 2005. However, the company stopped manufacturing Tequin® in May, 2006, citing business reasons. See Antibiotic Tequin® To Be Taken Off the Market.
IBS Drug Zelnorm Recalled
Zelnorm was prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome or IBS in women with the form of the disorder that causes constipation. The medication was also used to treat severe chronic constipation. Zelnorm was recalled in March 2007 because of its link to heart attacks and strokes as well as its tendency to cause extreme diarrhea and colitis.
Other Prescription Drugs; Over–the–Counter Drugs
These are some other prescription drugs and over–the–counter medications that may have caused health problems:
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Accutane® (isotretinoin)
A treatment for the most severe form of acne, Accutane® may cause birth defects and should not be used by pregnant women. Accutane has also been linked to mental disorders. See Accutane® Users and Their Doctors Must Enroll in Federal Registry.
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Adderall® (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine)
Adderall® is a medication used to increase attention and decrease the restlessness caused by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The drug is an amphetamine, which is an addictive substance. Adderall® has been linked to sudden deaths, heart–related deaths, and strokes in children and adults. Canada withdrew the drug from the market in February 2005, then reinstated it along with new warning labels. Adderall® remains on the market in the United States, but includes warnings that the drug should not be used by those with heart abnormalities.
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Cytotec® (misoprostol)
Cytotec® decreases the chances of getting stomach ulcers caused by taking certain arthritis or pain medicines. Although the FDA has only approved Cytotec® to treat ulcers, Cytotec® has often been used to induce labor or to decrease blood loss after delivery of a baby. A woman who uses Cytotec® during labor or after delivery may tear her uterus or womb, resulting in severe bleeding, miscarriage or death.
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Ephedra® (Ma Huang or Chinese Ephedra)
Marketed over–the–counter as a dietary supplement for weight loss, energy, and bodybuilding, ephedra is a botanical source of ephedrine. The drug’s side effects range from dizziness, headache, and stomachache to heart attack, stroke, and seizures. See Ephedra Ban Goes Into Effect This Week.
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Femara® (letrozole)
The FDA approved Femara® for the treatment of breast cancer in women who have gone through menopause. However, some doctors have used the drug “off-label” as a fertility treatment. If a woman uses Femara® and becomes pregnant, she may deliver a baby who has birth defects.
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Ketek® (telithromycin)
The antibiotic Ketek® is used to treat sinus infections, bronchitis and pneumonia when these illnesses are caused by bacteria. The drug may cause severe liver damage.
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Meridia® (sibutamine, Reductil, and Reduxade)
The prescription diet drug Meridia® increases blood pressure and heart rate. The drug has been banned in Italy, but is still sold in the United States. See Meridia® Diet Drug Remains Available, Despite Safety Concerns.
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OxyContin® (oxycodone)
OxyContin® is a powerful opioid used to treat severe pain. It is highly addictive. A patient who suddenly stops taking OxyContin® may experience withdrawal symptoms. See OxyContin® Manufacturer Deceived Public; Ordered to Pay $60 Million.
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Prempro®
The hormone replacement therapy drug Prempro® consists of the hormones estrogen and progestin. Doctors may prescribe it to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and to decrease the discomforts of menopause such as “hot flashes” and vaginal dryness. However, Prempro® use has been linked to breast cancer.
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Remicade® (infleximab)
Remicade® treats the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, which is a disorder that causes inflammation and fistulas (tunnel–like structures) in the intestine. Remicade® is also approved to treat a type of spinal arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis. Remicade® side effects include severe liver problems, pneumonia and an increased risk for developing the blood cancer lymphoma. See Remicade® Linked to Liver Damage and Pneumonia and Arthritis Drug, Remicade, May Increase Lymphoma Risk.
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Strattera® (atomoxetine)
Strattera® can cause liver damage and liver failure that results in death or the need for a liver transplant. The drug is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD in children or adults.
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Trasylol® (aprotinin)
Trasylol® is used to stem blood loss during heart bypass surgery. However, the medication increases the risk of kidney problems, heart attacks and strokes. Some patients may develop a severe allergic reaction to the drug, especially if they have used it before.
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Viagra® (sildenafil)
Some users of Viagra® and other impotence drugs have suffered from sudden blindness. The labels for these drugs now include warnings about NAION (non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy), a condition in which blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve, often resulting in permanent, severe vision loss.
Vaccine Safety Issues: Thimerosal
The purity and safety of vaccines has also been a health concern. Many vaccines contain thimerosal, which is about 50% mercury by weight. Exposure to mercury has been associated with nerve damage and autism.
Individuals who have taken an unsafe drug or been exposed to a contaminated vaccine, may be at risk for serious health problems and should be medically monitored. If you have questions about your legal rights concerning medical drugs and vaccines, please feel free to contact us at Brayton Purcell. There is no charge for our initial consultation.