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Another Study Links SSRIs to Pregnancy Complications

May 31, 2012 By

Another Study Links SSRIs to Pregnancy ComplicationsOverview: For several years, studies have continually tried to unravel the relationship between birth defects and antidepressants. Now, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are again being associated with birth defects and pregnancy complications, as the latest findings link the antidepressants to early labor, preterm birth and seizures in newborns.

 

 

  • Study finds that women who use SSRIs during pregnancy may be more likely to give birth earlier; infants have a higher risk of seizure
  • Each additional SSRI prescription may double the odds of early labor
  • Overall, 27% of women studied went into early labor and 14% delivered early

Manufacturer & Product

GlaxoSmithKline Pfizer Eli Lilly Forest Pharmaceuticals
Paxil (Paroxetine) Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) Prozac (fluoxetine) Lexapro (escitalopram)
  Effexor (vanlafaxine)   Celexa (citalopram)

 

Side Effects & Complications

  • Heart Defects
  • Cleft lip/palate
  • Spina bifida
  • Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Craniosynostosis

  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Defective Drugs, SSRI Antidepressants Tagged With: , , ,

Link between Esophageal Cancer and Fosamax, Other Bisphosphonates Stronger Than Expected, Study Says

May 31, 2012 By

Link between Esophageal Cancer and Fosamax, Other Bisphosphonates Stronger Than Expected, Study SaysOverview: Fosamax (alendronate) and other bisphosphonates have been associated with esophageal cancer in the past, but new research indicates that the rate of this serious side effect may be higher than previously indicated. The osteoporosis drugs are already linked to several other side effects, and recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found little evidence for their long-term benefits.

 

 

  • Researchers performed an FDA AERS search and determined that esophageal cancer was more common with bisphosphonates than with other drugs
  • Most cases of bisphosphonates-linked esophageal cancer were among Fosamax users
  • Recent study strengthened link between bisphosphonates and femur fractures
  • The FDA has questioned the benefits of using bisphosphonates beyond 3 to 5 years

 

Product (generic name) Manufacturer
Fosamax (alendronate) Merck & Co.
Actonel (risedronate)Didronel (Etidronate) Procter & Gamble
Boniva (Ibandronate) Glaxo SmithKline & Roche
Skelid  (Tiludronate) Sanofi-Synthelab, Inc. 
Aredia (Pamidronate)Zometa, Reclast (zoledronic acid) Novartis
Bonefos (sodium clodronate) Bayer Healthcare

 

Side Effects & Complications

  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw
  • Femur fractures
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Severe musculoskeletal pain
  • Atrial fibrillation

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Defective Drugs, Fosamax / Bisphosphonates Tagged With: , ,

Man says Propecia’s side effects led to son’s suicide

May 31, 2012 By

Man says Propecia’s side effects led to son’s suicideMerck & Co. is facing a public protest outside its New Jersey headquarters for allegedly failing to recognize the severe side effects presented by its male pattern baldness drug, Propecia.

According to an Examiner.com report, the protest was started last week by a Las Vegas man who flew across the country and started a hunger strike outside the company’s complex. He’s been joined by several others since in protest, though they’re not reportedly participating in the hunger strike. Two of those participants are the grieving parents of Randy Santmann, who reportedly committed suicide after experiencing irreversible sexual side effects while taking Propecia.

His father, John, an emergency room physician, described his son’s condition in his last days as “zombie state” and said he was “mentally crippled.” His 22-year-old son had been taking Propecia to reverse his baldness but soon suffered erectile dysfunction (ED) and become emotionally removed.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Defective Drugs, Propecia Tagged With: , , , , ,

South Florida woman the latest to sue over transvaginal mesh injuries

May 30, 2012 By

South Florida woman the latest to sue over transvaginal mesh injuriesMore women across the U.S. and around the world are becoming victims of a dangerous medical device, transvaginal mesh. And as long as the products remain on the market, it’s likely more will suffer serious and life-altering injuries.

According to a report from the Orlando Sun-Sentinel newspaper, a woman from South Florida has become the latest to claim a transvaginal mesh device has “ruined her life” and is likely to endure numerous surgeries to possibly correct the problems caused by a device that was supposed to provide her relief from an already debilitating condition. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Defective Medical Devices, Transvaginal mesh Tagged With: , , , ,

Transvaginal Mesh Sits at Center of Legal Controversy

May 29, 2012 By

Transvaginal Mesh Sits at Center of Legal ControversyOverview: Transvaginal mesh implants have caused substantial controversy over the past several years. Hundreds of thousands of women have received the mesh, expecting it to help treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence, but now medical and legal authorities are strongly questioning the safety and efficacy of the devices.

 

  • Transvaginal mesh implants can allegedly cause a host of painful, often permanent, side effects
  • There are over 650 lawsuit against transvaginal mesh makers in the US
  • The FDA has asked 33 manufacturers to conduct 3-year safety studies of the mesh implants

Manufacturer & Product

American Medical Systems Boston Scientific C.R. Bard Johnson & Johnson; Ethicon
Elevate Pinnacle Avaulta Gynecare
Perigee/ Apogee Uphold Pelvisoft BioMesh Gynemesh
Pelivicol Acellular Gynecare Prolift
Collagen Matrix Gynecare Prolift+M
Pelvitext Gynecare Prosima
Pelvilace Gynecare TVT

 

Side Effects & Complications

  • Mesh erosion
  • Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Perforation or puncture of the bladder, bowels, intestines, and blood vessels near the vaginal wall
  • Recurring Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Urinary problems
  • Chronic vaginal drainage, discharge, or infection
  • Vaginal scarring and shortening

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Defective Medical Devices, Transvaginal mesh Tagged With:
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