| Accutane |
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Roche Holding AG, makers of Accutane acne medication stopped selling their product on June 26, 2009, it is suspected that decision was as a result of several juries awarding at least $33 million in damages to users who blamed the drug for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The company faces as many as 5,000 personal-injury claims over Accutane, with users alleging that the drug maker failed to properly warn them the medication could cause inflammatory bowel disease. |
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| Yasmin and Yaz |
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Yasmin and Yaz are birth control pills manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. They are combination oral contraceptives containing an estrogenic component and a progestational component. These components work to suppress ovulation, fertilization and implantation, preventing pregnancy. Yasmin and Yaz both contain drospirenone. No other birth control pills contain drospirenone, except for a generic version of Yasmin and Yaz, by Teva called Ocella. Specifically, drospirenone causes an increase in potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to a condition known as hyperkalemia if the potassium levels become too high. Hyperkalemia can cause: Death, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Heart Attack, Stroke, Kidney/Renal Failure and Seizures/Convulsions. |
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| Denture Cream |
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In 2008 the American Academy of Neurology published a report linking the use of products containing excessive amounts of zinc, such as Fixodent and Poligrip, to neuropathy and hypocupremia (low levels of copper in the blood). In small doses Zinc is harmless; it is an essential mineral that is naturally present in some foods, added to other, and available as a dietary supplement. In excessive doses (such as those contained in Fixodent and Poligrp), zinc can lead to copper depletion and serious neurological problems. |
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| NuvaRing |
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NuvaRing is the trade name for a combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring manufactured by Organon. NuvaRing releases a combination of thinyl estradiol and etonogestrel, a progestin, which has been associated with a higher risk of deep venous thrombosis, which can cause blood clots. In two studies 15% of women discontinued use after one year because of adverse side effects. Several possible side effects are strokes, blood clots, hear attacks, and pulmonary embolisms. These severe side effects have been linked to the high dose of etonogestrel released by NuvaRing. |
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| Kugel Hernia Patch |
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The Composix Kugel Mesh Patch was removed from the U.S. market on December 22, 2005. The Composix Kugel Mesh Patch is used for ventral or incisional hernias and is manufactured by Davol, Inc and was recalled because the “memory recoil ring,” which opens the patch after it has been inserted into the intra-abdominal space, can break causing injury. |
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| Duragesic Pain Patch |
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A pain patch which may have a cut in the internal reservoir lining. The result is the possible release of fentanyl gel from the gel reservoir into the pouch in which the patch is packaged, exposing patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel. Fentanyl, a drug 100 times stronger than morphine with effects similar to heroin, is supposed to be released in controlled doses into the patient's bloodstream by absorption through the skin. If the wrong dose is administered, the patient can suffer an overdose that may be fatal. |
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| AMO Complete Moisture Plus |
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Advanced Medical Optics Voluntarily Recalls Complete MoisturePlus Contact Lens Solution. The company is taking this action as a precaution because of reports of a rare, but serious, eye infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis, caused by a parasite Acanthamoeba keratitis may lead to vision loss with some patients requiring a corneal transplant. The infection primarily affects otherwise healthy people who wear contact lenses. The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can be very similar to those of common eye infections and may include eye pain or redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, sensation of something in the eye or excessive tearing but Acanthamoeba is more difficult to treat. |
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| Stryker Hip Replacement |
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The defects in two hip implant components have resulted in complications in patients who have had hip replacement surgery which include bone fractures, and possible staph infections. Other problems resulting from the defects include squeaky or noisy hip implants, pain and discomfort, difficulty walking, component breakage and chipping, and uneven component ware. The complications and problems result in some patients requiring revision surgeries and in some cases, secondary hip replacement surgeries.
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Gadolinium is a metal that is often in drugs used by Radiologist in performing MRI’s. Gadolinium has been known to cause a condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). When Diagnosed with NSF systems may include Tightening and swelling of the skin, usually in the extremities, Thickening of the skin around the joints, which restricts movement, Muscle weakness and many more symptoms.
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| Digitek Digoxin Recall |
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As of April 25, 2008 there has been a nationwide recall of Digitek (digoxin tablets, USP, all strengths) for oral use. The recall is due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may have ben commercially released. These tablets contain twice the approved level of active ingredient needed. Digitek is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, the existence of double strength tablets poses a risk of digitalis toxicity in patients with renal failure. Digital toxicity can cause Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, bradycardia and even death. |
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| Tobacco and Second Hand Smoke |
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The Alvarez Law firm also represents people injured by tobacco products, including flight attendants with respiratory illnesses resulting from their exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke aboard airline flights. |
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