Pradaxa is a new blood thinning drug touted as an alternative to the traditional (and problematic) warfarin, a drug in use since the 1950’s. It is an oral treatment that has been approved in preventing strokes in patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat. Pradaxa’s main goal is…
It is becoming very clear that financial incentives may be more influential in the actions of physicians than most would like. Pharmaceutical companies actively persuade doctors to make certain decisions in order to sell their products; doctors often agree in order to gain some monetary benefit as well. Many physicians…
Many people view the hospital as a safe haven; somewhere they will receive the best possible treatment and care. Few realize the extent of the mistakes, misjudgments and neglect that are always possibilities in a hospital environment. In fact, according to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, “Authorities say more than…
Transvaginal mesh is a surgically implanted device designed to help with problems of organ prolapse (or “falling out”) and bladder incontinence. This mesh is a synthetic material which acts as a reinforcing sling around the intended organs. Such mesh has been used with some success in other surgeries, but has…
Actos, an oral diabetes drug produced by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Several studies have noted a connection between high and long-term doses of Actos and prevalence of bladder cancer. There have recently been many lawsuits filed seeking redress for physical and mental distress caused…
The Senate has recently passed a bill that would require greater oversight of drug manufacturing facilities overseas. This bill is concerned with increasing the safety and quality of imported medicine. The FDA is responsible for inspecting all U.S. drug manufacturers, but it has failed to account for the complexities of…
The Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft is a bone growth stimulator used during surgery. “Infuse” is a bone morphogenetic protein, a genetically engineered form of a naturally occurring protein. It is applied in liquid form via sponge; it is meant to grow into bone in order to facilitate re-growth and replace…
Exide Technologies is a prominent producer, distributor and recycler of lead-acid batteries. Their plant in Frisco, Texas has been in commission since 1965. This facility has been under scrutiny for continually producing and disseminating into surrounding areas lead emissions well over the legal limit (the limit for lead emission is…
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.’s da Vinci Surgical System is the target of several recent lawsuits beginning in Alabama, Mississippi and New York. This device was cleared by the FDA in 2000 and claims to be a much-desired minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. The da Vinci robot performs surgery through a…
Recent reports have shown that the FDA is stepping up in strengthening the approval and research of post-approval drug safety. The administration has created a post market drug safety program that has shown to be extremely effective. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), the administration’s program, focuses on…