If you were injured after taking a defective medication or receiving a defective medical device, a Weitz and Luxenberg attorney can help. Please review this page for important information.
The Problem with Defective Medicines and Medical Devices
When you go to your doctor or medical professional to treat an ailment, or for a surgical procedure, you do not expect to be given a medication or medical device that will cause you grievous harm. Over the years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has either restricted the sale of certain medications and medical devices, or it has ordered their complete removal from the market. There is growing concern that the manufacturers of these defective medicines and medical devices are not doing enough to ensure the optimum quality and safety of their products. When these manufacturers fail to thoroughly test what they produce, it endangers the public.
The Weitz and Luxenberg defective drug and medical device unit represents clients who have suffered from the use of many defective medications and medical devices. Please be aware that our firm is capable of handling any case involving defective medications/medical devices, not just the ones that are listed here:
Medications:
Accutane: This popular acne treatment, created by Hoffman La Roche, has been linked to serious health problems such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.
Avandia: Manufactured by Glaxo Smith Kline, Avandia is prescribed to treat patients afflicted by type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, in addition to having to contend with their preexisting conditions, many Avandia users have developed severe cardiovascular injuries and strokes.
Fosamax: Fosamax, produced by Merck & Co., is prescribed to treat osteoporosis. It is supposed to increase bone mass, but in many patients; it has done the exact opposite. Fosamax has caused a series of complications including femur fractures and Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ), otherwise known as jaw death.
Hydroxycut: Manufactured by Iovate Health Services Inc., this well-known dietary supplement has induced seizures, cardiovascular disorders and rhabdomyolysis, “the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream.” (Google Health)
Paxil: Produced by Glaxo Smith Kline, Paxil, also known as paroxetine, is an anti-depressant. It was reported by the FDA that women who take Paxil during their first trimester of pregnancy, double the chances of giving birth to babies with heart defects.
Reglan: Manufactured by Baxter Pharmaceutical, Reglan is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in patients who haven’t responded to other treatments. It helps accelerate the emptying of stomach contents into the intestines. It is also prescribed to diabetics, to combat symptoms of nausea that afflict chemotherapy patients and to treat post-surgical nausea. Long term use of Reglan has been linked to tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntarily muscle twitching and other movements in the face.
Seroquel: This medication, manufactured by Astra Zeneca, treats various mental disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Its use has been linked to diabetes mellitus, tardive dyskinesia, pancreatitis and liver disease.
Yaz/Yasmin/Ocella: These top selling oral contraceptives marketed by Bayer Health Care contain progestin and estrogen. Although Yaz contains less estrogen than Yasmin and Ocella, they have all been linked to the development of blood clots, gallbladder disease and stroke, among other serious medical conditions. In extreme cases, Yaz users have had their gallbladders completely removed.
Zicam: Matrixx Initiatives produceda series of Zicam medications, intended to reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms. Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Kids Size Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, have all been associated with anosmia, the long lasting, or permanent loss of smell.
Medical Devices:
DePuy Hip Implants: The ASR XL Acetabular System, and the ASR Hip Resurfacing Systems, were recalled by Depuy Orthopaedics Inc., a division of the Johnson and Johnson company, owing to an unexpectedly high rate of failure.
Zimmer Durom Hip Implants: Manufactured by Zimmer Inc., these hip devices are implanted in patients suffering from Non-inflammatory Degenerative Joint Disease. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the Zimmer Durom products were suspended due to the high rate of injuries experienced by implanted patients.
Zimmer Next Gen-LPS Flex/Zimmer Next Gen CR-Flex Porous Femoral Component: Created by Zimmer Inc., these implant devices have been linked to increasingly high incidences of: knee replacement failure, revision knee surgery and painful implant loosening.
Gadolinium: Produced by Tyco International Limited,Gadolinium is a magnetic dye that is injected into a patient during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The dye helps radiologists better visualize the patient’s blood vessels. Gadolinium has caused Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NFD), a rare, but serious skin and joint disease in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease.
Shoulder Pain Pumps: Certain brands of should pain pumps have been linked to Postarthoroscopic Glenohumeral Chondrolysis (PAGCL), a debilitating condition that permanently weakens shoulder cartilage.
When the cure is worse than the disease, Weitz and Luxenberg can help
If you have unjustly suffered as a result of taking a defective medication or receiving a medical device that does not function properly, Weitz and Luxenberg can help you take the first step towards ameliorating your situation. If you are unsure if a medication or medical device caused you harm, Weitz and Luxenberg can review your medical records and determine whether or not you have grounds for a case.
Our attorneys have successfully represented clients who were harmed by defective medications and/or medical devices. We have spearheaded litigation related to many well-known medical products including Vioxx, SBI, Seroquel, Accutane and ReNu Moistureloc. Take the first step by filling out the form on this page for a free consultation. One of our representatives will be in touch with you as soon as possible. All information will be kept confidential and there is no fee unless our firm secures a verdict or settlement for you.
For more defective drug and medication verdicts and settlements, please see our Verdicts and Settlements Page
Please visit the landing pages of Weitz and Luxenberg’s other practice areas:
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Acknowledgements:
Google Health: http://www.google.com/intl/en-US/health/about/
The New England Journal of Medicine: http://www.nejm.org/
The Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/
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