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Study Links Formaldehyde to Cancer
The National Cancer Institute is reporting that exposure to high levels of formaldehyde could increase the likelihood of developing cancers of the blood and lymphatic system. According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, workers exposed to the highest levels of the chemical were 37 percent more likely to die from blood and lymphatic cancers than workers with lower exposure levels. Data for the study were gathered from more than 25,000 workers who began working at formaldehyde and formaldehyde resin-producing plants prior to 1966. Roni Caryn Rabin, The New York Times 05/12/2009
Doctors
Warned of Suicide Risks in Anti-Seizure Meds
Federal regulators have warned doctors about stronger suicide-related warnings for nearly two dozen medications used to control seizures, psychiatric disorders and nerve pain. In a letter to physicians, the Food and Drug Administration cautioned that the drugs, including GlaxoSmithKline's Lamictal, Johnson & Johnson's Topamax and Pfizer's Lyrica, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. The alert follows the addition of the so-called black warning late last year. AP, Boston Globe 05/05/2009
Incontinence Device Sparks Lawsuits
Scores of women have filed lawsuits against the maker of a medical device called ObTape claiming the synthetic mesh-like material designed to prevent incontinence caused severe complications. Injury claims involving ObTape and similar devices are raising serious questions about how the Food and Drug Administration reviews devices before they are marketed to the public, according to the New York Times. Roni Caryn Rabin, The New York Times 05/04/2009
FDA Orders Recall of Weight-Loss Product
The Food and Drug Administration has warned people using Hydroxycut to stop taking the popular weight-loss product because of risk of severe liver damage. The recall is the latest incident casting doubt on the FDA’s ability to sufficiently police the sprawling dietary supplement industry. The recall covers 14 Hydroxycut products sold at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe and other national chains. Natasha Singer, The New York Times 05/01/2009
FDA Orders Black-Box Warning for Botox
The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it will now require Botox and other anti-wrinkle drugs to carry the so-called black-box warning. According to the agency, the labeling is necessary to warn doctors and patients that the drugs carry serious life-threatening risks, including problems with swallowing or breathing. The FDA said it had identified at least 225 reports of medical problems among patients treated with Botox and similar drugs. Natasha Singer, The New York Times 04/30/2009
FDA Orders New Warning for Pain Drugs such as Tylenol and Advil
The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it will order the makers of over-the-counter pain relievers to add more prominent labels on products such as Tylenol and Advil warning of potential stomach bleeding or liver damage. News of the labeling change comes as the FDA prepares for a public meeting on how to reduce the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen-containing products. Drug makers must change their warning labels by next April. Susan Heavey, Reuters 04/28/2009
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