Personal Injury Law Update

Study Links Flomax Use to Cataract Surgery Complications

As reported on the ophthalmology blog, EyeDocNews, a recent study has shown that that taking tamsulosin (a drug better known as Flomax) for certain prostate conditions within two weeks of cataract surgery poses an increased risk of serious postoperative complications.

Specifically, according to researcher Chaim Bell, M.D., Ph.D., of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, and colleagues, patients who filled a prescription for Flomax shortly before cataract surgery were 2.33 times more likely to receive postoperative treatment for retinal detachment, lost lens or fragment, or endophthalmitis than men with no exposure to the drug.

If you or a loved has been taking Flomax and experienced complications after cataract surgery, the medication error lawyers at our Portland offices can help you evaluate your legal options.

Genentech and FDA Announce Withdrawal of Psoriasis Drug Raptiva From the U.S. Market

In February 2009, the FDA issued a public health advisory that patients taking the psoriasis medication Raptiva manufactured by Genentech were at risk of developing a potentially fatal condition known as PML, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. As explained on Wikipedia, PML

"is a rare and usually fatal viral disease that is characterized by progressive damage or inflammation of the white matter (a/k/a myelin) of the brain at multiple locations. It occurs almost exclusively in people with severe immune deficiency."

The effects of Raptiva decrease the function of the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections (incidentally, PML is the same disease that has been linked to the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri, sold by Biogen Idec and Elan).

Earlier this week, the FDA announced that Genentech had begun a voluntary, phased withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. market due to the potential risk to patients of developing PML from using the medication. By June 8, 2009, Raptiva will no longer be available in the United States.

The FDA also said it had asked prescribers not to initiate Raptiva treatment for any new patients, and immediately begin discussing with patients currently using Raptiva on how to transition to alternative therapies for psoriasis.

Families of Victims of Contaminated Heparin Testify Before Congress

Heparin is used in medicine as an anti-coagulant; that is, it stops blood from clotting. Because of this effect, the drug is often used to prevent blood or plasma clotting in or on medical devices such renal dialysis machines. 

In March 2008, the FDA announced major recalls of heparin imported from China due to contamination. Today, families of victims who died from exposure to contaminated heparin while undergoing dialysis testified before a Congressional subcommittee investigating the recall. The subcommittee also heard from Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who indicated that initial evidence shows the contamination was intentional, and not a manufacturing mistake.

The Washington and Oregon medication error lawyers at D'Amore & Associates help clients and their families obtain compensation for injury resulting from being prescribed the wrong drug, or from drug side effects.

FDA Video Series Covers Recalls and Safety Alerts for Prescription Drugs and Medical Devices

The FDA's Patient Safety News (PSN) is a series of monthly video news shows addressing significant approvals, recalls, and safety alerts for prescription drugs and medical devices. Some of the videos contain footage and demonstrations relevant to protecting patients from serious side effects and other unwanted consequences from taking or using these products.

For example, consumers may want to watch the video concerning the recent FDA warning against giving cough and cold medicines to young children.

Click here for access to the full list of currently available videos (note: the videos are primarily targeted at doctors and other healthcare professionals and thus may be somewhat technical in nature).

FDA Warns of Increased Risk of Suicidal Thoughts from Drugs Used to Treat Epilepsy, Migraines and Bipolar Disorder

At the end of January, the FDA issued a press release warning health care professionals about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality) in patients who take drugs called antiepileptics to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and other conditions.

The FDA advised patients who are currently taking antiepileptic medicines not to make any changes without first talking to their health care provider. Health care providers should notify patients, their families, and caregivers of the potential for an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors so that patients may be closely observed for notable changes in behavior.

Click here for the full release.

The Oregon and Washington medication error lawyers at D'Amore & Associates assist clients who have been injured due to dangerous side effects from drugs.

FDA Finds Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal Patch Users at Higher Risk for Blood Clots

The FDA recently modified the prescribing information for the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal (Skin) Patch to include the results of a new study that found that users of the birth control patch were at higher risk of developing serious blood clots than women using birth control pills. Such clots can lead to pulmonary embolism, i.e., a blockage of the artery carrying blood from the heart to the lungs. The label changes are based on a study conducted by the Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program on behalf of Johnson and Johnson in women aged 15-44. These findings support an earlier study that also said women in this group were at higher risk for the blood clots.

FDA stressed that it still believes that Ortho Evra is a safe and effective method of contraception when used according to the labeling, but recommends that women with concerns or risk factors for serious blood clots talk with their health care provider about using Ortho Evra versus other contraceptive options.

See the full FDA release here and Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about its statement regarding Ortho Evra here.