May 26, 2009

PHARMACY ERRORS GIVING WRONG MEDICATION CAN SICKEN OR KILL. WAS YOUR PRESCRIPTION FILLED INCORRECTLY? CALL LOS ANGELES LAWYERS

A local Los Angeles news station is reporting their investigation into pharmacy errors – potentially deadly errors that can be made by pharmacists when filling your prescription. Known in professional drug store jargon as “variation from prescription,” this means that customers are given the wrong medication – something that most consumers don’t realize until it is too late. If you or someone close to you has been sickened or killed in the Southland as a result of receiving wrong medication from a pharmacy, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak to a lawyer for free now.

The CBS report has uncovered some disturbing information for pharmacy users. For one, if a drug store or pharmacist has been cited for incorrectly filling a prescription, those citations are not available to the public. Los Angeles has the second highest rate of medication filling errors in the country. Over 51 million such mistakes are made annually in the US, although the number is likely higher since many don’t report or know that they have been given an incorrectly filled prescription. Still, even if they recognize their mistake, pharmacists are not obliged to report making a prescription filling error. The report found hundreds of druggists who are still filling prescriptions after being cited for making errors, since neither loss of license nor suspension is a consequence of giving the wrong medication.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been given the wrong medication by an LA pharmacy, please get legal help now. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP is a personal injury law firm dedicated to serving you in your time of need. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential initial interview, or check out our website at www.alawpro.com to learn more about what we do best. Let us do the work and worrying for you when you call us now.

May 20, 2009

NEW HEPARIN DEATH SCARE? CALL PHARMACEUTICAL LAWYERS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AT 1-800-ALAWPRO.

The blood thinner, heparin, as made by Baxter International Inc., has come under fire in recent years for multiple factors including a contamination of the drug that killed numbers of patients. After multiple recalls, it appeared that the Heparin scare was over. But now hospital officials in Delaware are investigating Baxter Heparin in a pair of deaths. Learn more about Heparin’s history and who has filed suit at www.alawpro.com. If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse reaction or death after receiving Heparin in California, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to talk to an experienced lawyer for free.

Heparin, a blood thinner, is used to prepare patients for a number medical procedures including major heart surgery and kidney dialysis. The previously contaminated Heparin was produced at a plant in China for Baxter. The tainted heparin found to contain oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. The bad heparin killed many of the patients who received it. At the Delaware hospital, the current Heparin in question was not made in China and was not produced in the same packaging. North America produced this Heparin, which comes in intravenous bags. Still adverse side effects were reported in five hospital patients, including brain bleeding, and two patients have died. The investigation will tell if a new round of Heparin recalls and lawsuits are next.

Hurt after getting Heparin in a CA hospital? Then get expert legal help now. The Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has more than 50 years combined legal experience. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation with a pharmaceutical attorney. We are here to do the work and worrying for you. Please call now.

May 10, 2009

ZYPREXA PAYS $6 MILLION IN SETTLEMENT OVER SIDE EFFECTS AND ILLEGAL MARKETING. CALL ZYPREXA LAWYERS OF CALIFORNIA AT 1-800-ALAWPRO NOW.

Zyprexa, made and distributed by Eli Lilly & Co., is an antipsychotic drug approved for use of treatment in those with schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder only. In yet another chapter in Eli Lilly’s Zyprexa saga, the drug company has agreed to pay the State of Georgia a settlement of $6 million. Zyprexa makers have paid out over $1 billion for illegally marketing the drug to those with dementia, for which it is not approved for treatment. Additionally, Zyprexa has been accused and its manufacturers sued for having side effects including excessive weight gain and diabetes. Learn more about Zyprexa’s side effects and what rights you have if you have been prescribed Zyprexa at www.alawpro.com.

In addition to Georgia, multiple states are suing the Eli Lilly for reimbursement of Medicaid payments made towards Zyprexa. Thirty states are accepting million dollar settlements from Zyprexa. In an earlier blog, we recounted how the State of Alaska refused to accept an early settlement. Alaska sued the makers of Zyprexa and ultimately accepted $15 million after commencing a trial.

Zyprexa.png If you or a loved one has suffered side effects or been wrongly prescribed Zyprexa in California, get legal help immediately. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We have collected more than $150 million for our clients. Get your free and confidential consultation with an attorney when you call us. Help is just a phone call away.

February 10, 2009

FENTANYL SKIN PATCH RECALL. CONTACT TRANSDERMAL PAIN KILLER LAWYERS OF LOS ANGELES NOW.

Fentanyl makers have recalled another batch of transdermal skin patches due to faulty manufacturing on December 31, 2008. Fentanyl is an opiate pain killer nearly 100 times stronger than morphine. Damaged patches can cause deadly overdose of the medication. In the last few years, numerous recalls have plagued Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiaries who are makers and distributors of Fentanyl. Lawsuits again Fentanyl products for fatal overdoses are bringing justice to Fentanyl and Duragesic skin patch victims and their families. To learn more about Fentanyl and you legal rights, visit our website at www.alawpro.com, or call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with a Los Angeles Fentanyl lawyer for free.

This latest recall was declared by the PriCara division of Ortho-MacNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson unit and Sandoz. Two separate lots of pain patches using Fentanyl in 50 mcg were affected – one lot was sold under the brand name Duragesic skin patches and the other was generic. In these lots, cuts in the patches could release the potent Fentanyl gel unexpectedly into the pouch, making them deadly for users, caregivers or medical workers – basically anyone coming into contact with the skin patches. Fentanyl overdose is marked by respiratory depression, which can lead to death.

Fentanyl.jpg Do you know someone who has been hurt by a Fentanyl pain patch? Then call a California Law Team who knows how to help. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have more than 50 years legal experience in serving clients like you. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation. Let us do the work and worrying for you. Call us now.

February 5, 2009

ZYPREXA INCREASES RISK OF HEART ATTACK. LOS ANGELES LAWYERS CAN HELP.

The New England Journal of Medicine has released a new study that says Zyprexa and other popular antipsychotic drugs double the risk of heart attacks in patients who use them. Zyprexa, made by Eli Lilly & Co. has been shown to cause side effects including obesity, diabetes and heart attack. Multiple settlements have been awarded regarding Zyprexa’s deadly side effects, and numbers of lawsuits are pending. Zyprexa is one of a new generation of antipsychotic drugs, also known as an atypicals, and is FDA approved to treat schizophrenia and certain symptoms of bipolar disorder. Zyprexa is prescribed in other situations as well, and a current lawsuit alleges that Zyprexa has been illegally marketed to elderly and youth populations. To learn more about Zyprexa and litigation, please visit our website at www.alawpro.com. If you or a loved one has been hurt or died as a result of taking Zyprexa, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with an LA pharmaceutical attorney for free.

This new information about Zyprexa and heart attacks risk increase is being called the “final nail in the coffin” of the antipsychotic drug and its likenesses. The newer generation of drugs was thought to be safer and cause fewer side effects than the older medications used to treat psychosis. Sadly, it appears these newer drugs are equally if not more dangerous than the older ones such as Haldol. As a result of the new report, doctors are urging that Zyprexa, whose class of drugs is the sixth best selling medicine worldwide, be prescribed sparingly. UP to now less than 50% of Zyprexa was used to treat the people it has been approved for: those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Now physicians recommend Zyprexa only to those with “acute psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia who are hallucinating and hearing voices,” and even then, older medications may be the better choice.

If you or a loved one has had a heart attack or died after taking Zyprexa in California, get help from an experienced Law Team now. At the Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have collected over $150 million for our clients. Let us help you in your time of need. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. We are here for you now.

January 31, 2009

ZYPREXA SETTLEMENT REACHED FOR ILLEGAL MARKETING TO ELDERLY AND CHILDREN. LOS ANGELES ZYPREXA LAWYERS ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU NOW.

Zyprexa, an anti-psychotic medication produced by Eli Lilly, is approved by the FDA for use in people with schizophrenia and certain bipolar disorder symptoms. Zyprexa’s serious side effects, including obesity, metabolic disorders, heart failure, have been the cause of numerous lawsuits against the manufacturer. Now a $1.4 billion settlement has been reached and will be paid by Lilly for illegally marketing Zyprexa to patients the drug was not approved to treat: the elderly and children. To learn more about the saga Zyprexa, its side effects, warnings and lawsuits, check out our website at www.alawpro.com. If you or a loved one has suffered side effects from Zyprexa, call 1-800-ALAWPRO now to speak to a lawyer for free.

Lilly, the pharmaceutical company that makes Zyprexa, allegedly marketed the antipsychotic to people for whom the medicine was particularly dangerous. In senior patients, Zyprexa can increase the possibility of infection, heart failure and death. In children, Zyprexa increases the likelihood of metabolic disorders and severe weight gain. The marketing campaigns went against regulations as Lilly advocated the use of Zyprexa for people for whom it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Zyprexa is only approved for use in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The illegal campaign allegedly wooed nursing homes to use Zyprexa on “unruly” elderly patients, and also encouraged the use of the drug for treating “disruptive children.” Neither of those populations have FDA sanction for Zyprexa usage. The settlement is the largest ever for “whistle blower” cases.

Zyprexa.png Have you or someone close to you been hurt or killed by Zyprexa usage in California? The get help from a Law Team that understands. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have more than 50 years combined legal experience and have won over $150 million for their clients. Call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation. Help is just a phone call away.

January 30, 2009

DOCTORS TESTING MEDICINES BEFORE FDA APPROVAL ARE POORLY REGULATED. CALIFORNIA DRUG LAWYERS ARE HERE TO HELP YOU NOW.

The Food & Drug Administration is coming under new scrutiny for not appropriately vetting doctors who try out medications prior to FDA approval. The Department of Health and Human Services discovered that financial information was missing for over 40% of doctors conducting research on new medications. One third of drug researchers’ financial data had never been reviewed by FDA regulators. This lax oversight of medication trials is another in a series of recent complaints against the FDA. Other recent allegations included insufficient trial periods and a slowness to react to approved medication side effects and overdose potentials. If you or a loved one has been injured by an FDA approved or pre-FDA approved drug in Southern California, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with a lawyer for free.

The following medications have received FDA recalls and/or warnings. All have resulted in settlements, verdicts or have lawsuits pending against them. To learn more about these pharmaceuticals, visit our website at www.alawpro.com.

DRUG: Trasylol/Aprotinin
MAKER: Bayer
USAGE: Blood thinner
COMPLAINT: Kidney Problems, Heart Attack, Stroke, Death

DRUG: Avandia
MAKER: GlaxoSmithKline
USAGE: Diabetes
COMPLAINT: Edema, Heart Attack, Heart Failure, Death

DRUG: Zyprexa
MAKER: Eli Lilly
USAGE: Schizophrenia
COMPLAINT: Diabetes, Obesity, Death

DRUG:Gadolinium
MAKER: multiple
USAGE: MRI's
COMPLAINT: NSF (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis)

DRUG: Fentanyl
MAKER: multiple
USAGE: Painkiller
COMPLAINT: Deadly overdosing from skin patches

DRUG: Heparin
MAKER: Bayer and others
USAGE: Blood thinner
COMPLAINT: Contamination and overdose resulting in death

DRUG: Byetta
MAKER: Lilly
USAGE: Diabetes
COMPLAINT: Allergic reaction

Have you or someone close to you been hurt or killed from medication in the US? Then call a Law Team who understands your case. At the Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have collected more than $150 million for our clients. Let us serve you in your time of need. Call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and private consultation with a lawyer. Help is just a phone call away.

January 29, 2009

INFANT BRAIN INJURY FROM BOTCHED BIRTH AND DELIVERY AT HOSPITAL. LET A LOS ANGELES LAWYER HELP YOU NOW.

Childbirth, labor and delivery remain a complicated, serious and potentially dangerous event for mothers and babies. Whether delivered at a hospital or birthed at home, both moms and infants are at risk for multiple injuries including brain injury, blood loss, deformity, nerve damage and even death. Complications and accidents around child birth may be the fault of the doctor, nurse, midwife, medication or medical device. If you or a loved one has been hurt during labor and delivery, you may not know who to blame or where to turn. To learn more, visit our website at www.alawpro.com, or call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak to a California lawyer about your case for free.

A recent settlement for $6.5 million was granted to a family whose child allegedly suffered brain damage during birth at an Illinois hospital. The mother received the drug Pitocin during the delivery, and her infant son suffered reduced oxygen and low heart rate as a result. Neither the doctor nor the nurse was alleged to have responded appropriately to the baby’s distress, and brain injury ensued.

Have you or your child been injured during birth in Los Angeles? Then call a Law Team who can help. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have more than 50 years combined legal experience in serving the rights of the wrongfully injured. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation. We are here for you now.

January 28, 2009

FREE DRUGS FROM DOCTORS MAY LEAD TO INJURY AND INCREASED COST. CONTACT SO CAL PHARMACEUTICAL LAWYERS NOW.

News about drug companies halting free gifts to doctors such as pens, coffee mugs, clocks and clothing made headlines earlier this year. Now other freebies pharmaceutical companies give to physicians are coming under scrutiny: free medication samples. A handful of studies are showing that free drugs can have multiple downsides for patients including danger from packaging, inappropriate prescriptions, unknown side effects, and financial loss. To learn more about victim’s rights, please visit our website at www.alapwro.com. If you or a loved one has been become sick or died from taking free samples from a doctor, call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with a lawyer at no cost.

While it might seem a fortunate and money-saving event, receiving free samples of medication from a doctor can be dangerous. New reports by the Journal of Medical Ethics, the Centers for Disease Control and others have found a number of downsides:

  • Drug samples are often of new medications. Side effects and interactions are often unknown with meds that are new on the market.
  • 33% of physicians admit that their prescription drug choices are influenced by what free medicine samples they receive.
  • Free drug samples often lack safety information regarding dosage and potential side effects or interactions.
  • Pharmacists do not oversee distribution of free medication samples, eliminating one step in the safety system of prescription drug distribution.
  • Some medication samples are not child-proof.
  • Children receiving free samples lose out when warnings are later attached to the medicine after an extended time on the market.
  • Free drug samples of name brand meds lead to recipients’ lack of generic drug use, causing patients more money.

Prescription%20Drugs.jpg If you or a loved one has been harmed or killed from medication in California, you need the advice of a Law Team that understands. At the Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have collected more than $150 million for our clients. Call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation with a lawyer. Help is just a phone call away.

December 30, 2008

HEPARIN OVERDOSES CAN KILL. ACTOR DENNIS QUAID TO RECEIVE $750,000 FROM LA HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL ERROR.

Heparin, a drug made by Baxter Healthcare Corp. has been embroiled in multiple lawsuits regarding both contamination and overdoses due to dangerous packaging. Heparin, an anti-coagulant or blood thinner, is used to thin and prevent blood clots in both adults and children. A scandal regarding contaminated Heparin from a plant in China resulted in a large Heparin recall. When the twin infants of actor Dennis Quaid were nearly killed from a Heparin overdose, the misleading packaging of Heparin was thrust into the media spotlight. Quaid has filed a negligence lawsuit against the makers of Heparin. Both Heparin contaminations and overdoses can lead to death. To learn more about the deadly hazards of Heparin, go to our website at www.alawpro.com. Have you or a loved on been injured or killed from a Heparin incident in California? Then call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak with a lawyer for free.

The actor Dennis Quaid and his wife have reached a $750,000 with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in regards to their infant twins' near-fatal Heparin overdose. Similar packaging for different amounts of Heparin has resulted in babies receiving 1,000 times more Heparin than intended. At Cedars-Sinai, the Quaid babies were accidentally given this type of Heparin overdose by nurses who extracted medication from the wrong vials. Per the hospital, three separate lapses in safety protocol led to the overdose. Cedars has already been fined $25,000 by California regulators for not following procedure regarding pediatric use of Heparin. Additionally, the Quaid family has filed a negligence lawsuit against Baxter, the makers of Heparin. The suit states that Baxter's Heparin packaging design and labels are dangerous, and that Baxter chose not to recall the confusingly packaged vials, even though they knew of their deadly potential.

If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed by a Heparin overdose or contamination in Los Angeles, get in touch with a Law Team who can help. The Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman, LLP has more than 50 years combined legal experience. Let us do all the work and worrying for you. Call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation. Help is just a phone call away.

September 16, 2008

FDA PLANS TO STRENGTHEN WARNINGS ABOUT DIABETES DRUG BYETTA

The FDA is planning to strengthen warnings about using the drug Byetta after getting reports that two Byetta users have passed away and four other Byetta users have been hospitalized. These patients had hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Last October, the FDA reported 30 instances of acute pancreatitis amongst Byetta users. Acute pancreatitis is when there is a sudden inflammation within the pancreas. Any sudden change to the body is a dangerous event. If you or a loved one has been injured by the drug Byetta in California, please call us now at Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) to get a free consultation with our experienced attorneys.

When the FDA received thirty reports that Byetta users developed acute pancreatitis, the FDA asked Byetta’s maker, Amylin Pharmaceuticals to include information on acute pancreatitis in the precautions section of Byetta’s label. However, now the FDA is working with Amylin to draw attention to warnings about acute hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. Endangering the pancreas is often a fatal activity because the pancreas produces chemicals that are vital to digestion and blood sugar regulation.

Have you or someone that you know been injured by the drug Byetta in California? If so, call us at the law office of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) now and get your free consultation from one of our experienced attorneys. You can also go to our website at www.alawpro.com for more information. We provide over 50 years of combined experience in helping the injured. Help is just a phone call away.

August 17, 2008

HEPARIN OVERDOSE REPORTED: BABY DIES AFTER INCIDENT

Seventeen overdoses of the blood thinner drug Heparin that were given to babies in the intensive care unit are being investigated by the Christus Spohn Hospital. Heparin is used to prevent blood clots from forming in IV lines. However, nurses found that about seventeen children were given overdoses of the drug for about two days. The nurses administered medication to counteract the negative effects of drug but unfortunately one baby died after the overdose.

The hospital is trying to find out if indeed Heparin caused the death because the baby was already seriously ill from the beginning and could have died from other causes. Two people in staff have already left the hospital due to this mix up. Heparin overdoses have been quite common in the past year and a half. During that time, more than 180 incidents were reported.

Have you or a loved one suffered death or injury from a Heparin overdose? If so, please call us immediately at Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) to get a free consultation from one of our experienced lawyers. We have collected more than $150 million for clients and are more than ready to assist you.

August 15, 2008

MRI GADOLINIUM INJURY LAWYER

Most patients have two options when getting an MRI scan. One option is the old conventional way in which the patient is scanned with the machine and the scans are unenhanced. The other option is to have the scans enhanced. These scans are enhanced with a contrast agent that is injected into a patient’s body prior to the scan. The contrast agent makes the abnormal tissues very bright on the scans and this helps the doctors to identify and assess tumors that are spreading in the body. The FDA has approved five substances to be used in these MRI scans. All of these substances are based on the chemical gadolinium. However, the use of gadolinium has been linked to a disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy. More commonly called NSF/NFD, this disease can lead to serious injuries and sometimes even death.

NSF is a rare disease mostly affecting patients with serious kidney problems. The first symptoms of NSF appear within six months of the enhanced MRI scan. Even a single exposure of gadolinium to a patient with a kidney disease will trigger NSF. The most common symptom of NSD is hardening of the skin. The skin turns into a hard wooden texture. Other symptoms of NSF include an inability to fully extend one’s arms and legs, difficulty walking, pain in the ribs and hip bones, and high blood pressure. Once a person contracts NSF, there is no reliable cure, only treatments that can slow the progress of NFD.

If you or your loved one has been exposed to Gadolinium anywhere in the U.S., please contact us at the law office of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-252-9776 (1-800-ALAWPRO) now to discuss your rights with our experienced attorneys. Help is just a phone call away.

July 30, 2008

MORE DEATHS RESULTING FROM HEPARIN; CONTACT A CALIFORNIA HEPARIN LAWYER NOW

Heparin is a generic blood thinning drug that is primarily used in surgeries. However, more than 40 lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of this drug because the drug contains a contamination and that contamination may unfortunately lead to death. The contamination of the drug was linked to a supplier in China because the supplier did not use the actual ingredient that it was supposed to use but instead used a cheaper version that just looked like the actual ingredient. This causes the drug to not function like a regular blood thinner. During the last six months, Baxter International Inc. and a dozen other companies have recalled this drug. If you or a loved one has been exposed to Heparin in California and is suffering from side effects or death, please call us now at Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) to get your free consultation.

blood%20in%20body.pngAccording to the FDA, more than 100 deaths have been associated with Heparin. There have been deaths that occurred due to a sudden drop in blood pressure and there have also been side effects such as allergic reactions. Due to the recent cases involving defective products against China, Heparin lawsuits might have more success than other cases involving other drugs who were manufactured elsewhere.

Have you or a loved one died or are suffering from side effects due to Heparin? If you answered yes, please call us immediately at Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) to get a free consultation from one of our experienced lawyers. We have collected more than 150 million for clients and are more than ready to assist you.

July 4, 2008

GADOLINIUM CAUSES DEADLY NEPHROGENIC SYSTEM FIBROSIS (NSF). SKIN TURNS INTO "MARBLE".

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) currently has a "black box" warning on gadolinium-based dyes regarding their potential severe negative effects when given to patients with kidney problems. Natural News is reporting about the terrible and debilitating effects on victims who received gadolinium during MRI's (magnetic resonance imaging) prior to the FDA warning. In patients with kidney problems, as much as one exposure to the gadolinium product can result in a serious condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF causes skin to become hard and immobile, and can be fatal. To learn more about gadolinium dyes and NSF, please see our webpage on Gadolinium and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. If you suspect that you or someone close to you is having adverse side effects after receiving a gadolinium-based product in California, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO now for your free consultation with an injury lawyer.

NSF has no known cure and has serious long term effects. As collagen builds up in the skin, it hardens the effected area, giving it a marble-like consistency. One victim reported having trouble with the even simplest tasks, such opening bottles, walking, and sitting. In even more severe cases, the build-up can move to the lungs, liver, and heart, causing death. Gadolinium is injected during MRI scans to create contrast, improving the usefulness of the images. In nearly all reported cases, the onset of NSF occurred within 3 months after gadolinium was administered during an MRI.

Have you been diagnosed with NSF? Then get the help of an experienced Law Team. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, let us use our 50 years combined experience to fight for you. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free and confidential initial interview. Let us do the work and worrying for you. Please call us now.

June 28, 2008

MEDICAL DEVICES CONTAINING HEPARIN LINKED TO NEW DEATHS. CONTACT A CALIFORNIA HEPARIN ATTORNEY

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting yet more causes of death from the drug Heparin. Medical devices, such as intravenous lines, which contain traces of heparin have been linked to 11 deaths and 86 adverse reactions so far this year. Heparin is a blood thinner used for cardiac surgery and other medical procedures. Since the beginning of 2007 more than 81 people have died from having an allergic reaction to Heparin made by Baxter International. The alleged cause of the severe reaction is contamination of the Heparin, which is made in China. The medical device danger is another deadly chapter in the Heparin saga. To learn more about Heparin, its history and its dangers, please see our webpage. Have you or a loved one suffered harmful side effects or death after receiving Heparin in California? Then call 1-800-ALAWPRO to speak to a personal injury lawyer for free.

The FDA reports that most of these newly reported heparin deaths and reactions come from intravenous (IV) devices. Heparin is used to clean IV lines. Officials do not know how many of the deaths and side effects were caused by contaminated Baxter heparin. It appears that additional drug companies, which make also heparin, may be at fault as well. The makers of some of the medical devices known to contain heparin have recalled their products.

In yet more bad news, new information from the FDA states that in addition to causing death and harmful side effects, tainted Baxter Heparin can also lead to inaccurate and faulty test results in diagnostic devices which use or monitor heparin.

If you or someone close to you has had an allergic reaction or died after receiving the blood thinner Heparin, then you need the help of a serious and experienced attorney. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have more than 50 years combined experience in fighting for the rights of the wrongfully injured. Let us help you in your time of need. Please call us at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential consultation now. We are here for you.

June 17, 2008

HEPARIN RECALL CREATES NEW RISKS FOR PATIENTS. CONTACT CALIFORNIA HEPARIN LAWYERS FOR HELP.

The drug Heparin, a blood thinner made by Baxter International, was recalled in February after it was shown to cause severe side effects and death potentially from contamination at its manufacturing site. As a result of the Baxter recall, Newsday is reporting that new Heparin dangers have arisen, including a shortage of the drug and a greater risk of heparin overdose due in part to new and unfamiliar packaging. Up to 81 people may have died as a result of receiving contaminated Heparin, which caused a severe allergic-type reaction. Additionally Heparin overdose caused injury and death, as similar packaging resulted in professionals administering incorrect dosages. For more information about Heparin, please see our Heparin webpage. If you or a loved one has suffered serious adverse effects or death as a result of Heparin in California, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO now to receive your free consultation.

Heparin works as an anti-clotting or blood thinning agent and is commonly administered; up to tens of millions times a year. When the dangers of Baxter Heparin were uncovered, a recall and suspension of manufacturing of the drug ensued. Due to heparin’s efficacy and relative inexpensiveness, it continues to be in demand, and new suppliers are rushing to meet the demand. Unfortunately, the demand may not be fully met, and as a result, many hospitals and healthcare facilities are stocking up in preparation for a serious and potentially deadly shortage.

Syringe2.jpgNot only does a heparin shortage appear imminent, but because the current suppliers of heparin are new, there is also a risk of misuse by overdose. New heparin suppliers mean new heparin packaging, sometimes arriving in amounts and strengths that are different than medical staffs are used to. For instance, many new heparin vials come in larger and stronger qualities than Baxter distributed previously.

Prior to this new danger, Heparin was already one of 5 drugs most commonly associated with hospital error. In an effort to prevent another heparin disaster, some health facilities are taking extra precautions, including extra nursing training, limiting heparin access and requiring more steps prior to heparin administration. Experts state that is likely error has already occurred.

As for a heparin shortage, health officials deny a shortage is looming; however, the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists has heparin on its list of “drugs in short supply.” As a result, rationing at many hospitals and pharmacies has begun.

Have you or a loved one suffered adverse reactions or death from taking Heparin in California? If so, you need the help of a seasoned and successful Law Team. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we offer 50 years combined experience in fighting for the rights of the injured and winning. Please call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. We are here for you now.

June 15, 2008

CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS PENALIZED FOR FENTANYL MISUSE. FENTANYL OVERDOSE CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH.

California State Health Officials fined 13 hospitals $25,000 each this week for violations which caused serious injury of death to patients. Among the violations at multiple hospitals was the misuse of the Fentanyl Skin Patch. The Fentanyl transdermal skin patch, also called the Duragesic Patch, is an extremely potent pain reliever used to treat certain patients for chronic pain. Please see our Fentanyl webpage for more information about the dangers of fentanyl. If you or a loved on has suffered adverse side effects or death from taking Fentanyl in California, you need the help of a lawyer now. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO to receive your free consultation.

fentanyl%20skin%20patch.jpgScripps Memorial in San Diego and Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo were among the hospitals fined for violations involving fentanyl. In instances at both locations, a patient who was not shown to be able to tolerate opioids was given the fentanyl skin patch. Poorly monitored Fentanyl increases and disposal were also cited. Misuse of fentanyl can lead to overdose and death.

Have you or a family member experienced serious side effects from the fentanyl skin patch in California? If so, you should seek the help of an experienced attorney. The Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has more than 50 years combined experience in fighting for the rights of the injured. Call us toll free now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a confidential consultation, and let us serve you in your time of need.

June 13, 2008

ZYPREXA CAUSES WEIGHT GAIN AND OTHER POTENTIALLY FATAL RISKS FOR KIDS NEW STUDY SHOWS

A new study shows that Zyprexa may be the worst offender in causing weight gain and other serious risks for children taking anti-psychotics. Results indicated that kids taking anti-psychotics, including Zyprexa, have an “almost immediate increase in body mass index (BMI) and triglyceride levels.” Such increases can lead to severe side effects and even death. Among adults, Zyprexa is already known to include severe weight gain among its many dangerous side effects. Please see our Zyprexa webpage for more information. If you or a loved one has experienced adverse effects from taking Zyprexa in California, please contact the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-ALAWPRO for your free consultation.

In their 12-week study, researchers found that all of the children-participants experienced some increase in body fat and lipids once they began taking one of three anti-psychotic medications. Preliminarily, it appears that Zyprexa was the worst offender and causes the highest weight increase.

Zyprexa.jpgStudies have shown that among children changes in lipids and body fat, including weight gain, can lead to diabetes and heart disease later in life. Among the mentally ill, heart disease is the most common killer. Since children are not normally under supervision for fat and lipid changes, researchers highlight the danger of the drugs, and urge parents to have their children who are at risk monitored for lipid changes.

Have you or a loved one suffered side effects from Zyprexa in California? If so please seek the advice of an experienced Law Team now. The Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has over 50 years of combined experience in fighting for the rights of the injured. Let us help you and your family in your time of need. Please call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free and confidential consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.

June 5, 2008

FDA ANNOUNCES NEW SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING DRUG RISKS. CALIFORNIA DRUG SIDE EFFECT LAWYERS HERE TO HELP.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has finally decided to go ahead with a new way of assessing drug risks, after years of experts and consumers requesting that the organization do something to combat the thousands of injuries and deaths reported each year from previously approved medicines. The new system, which is far from ideal, will use information gathered from Medicare claims to review the potential risks of drugs that are available on the market. Drugs including Avandia, Zyprexa, Trasylol, Heparin, Fentanyl, and Gadolinium have been shown to cause serious side effects and death after FDA release and approval. As a result these drugs and others have since been recalled or re-marketed with severe warnings. Lawsuits against drug makers and the FDA are ongoing. If you or a loved one has experienced adverse effects or death due to a medication in California, please contact a personal injury lawyer immediately for help. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO now to get your free consultation.

The FDA’s new plan, called the Sentinel Initiative, would use Medicare records to evaluate risk. The evaluation would be confidential and not include personal patient information. Experts hail the plan as much need if not flawed. The Initiative would have the capacity to examine how drugs affect health almost immediately from their release on the market. Under previous guidelines and methods, it has taken months or years to assess the “unexpected” side effects of medications. This time lag has sadly resulted in thousands of injuries and deaths before anything happened to remove the drug or alert the users and prescribers.

stockxpertcom_id325478_pillspinkbackground.jpgExperts and researchers warn that the new FDA system may not be enough, stating that considering the size and scope of the plan, “its fruits would take years to realize.” Also, the use of Medicare records only allows for a specific demographic to be review: seniors. Additionally, Medicare only collects the needed data if a person files a claim, which is not always the case. Clearly, the new system is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to prevent the release of drugs which prove eventually dangerous and fatal, and whose risks are known too late.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects or death from prescription drugs in California, please seek the advice of an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and losses. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free and confidential consultation. We have over 50 years combined experience in representing the rights of the injured. Call us now and let us do the work and worrying for you.

June 1, 2008

TRASYLOL CAUSES DEATH: DEFINITIVE STUDY ON ANTI-BLEEDING DRUG PUBLISHED

The New England Journal of Medicine has just published a long-awaited Canadian study which shows that patients receiving Trasylol (aprotinin) have a greatly increased risk of death. Experts state that the study means “the end of the aprotinin story,” and that it will remain off the market. Trasylol, on the market since 1993 by Bayer, is used to reduce bleeding during heart surgery. The drug was first shown to have fatal side effects including heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke in 2006. It has since been pulled from the market. To learn more about Aprotinin/Trasylol, visit our webpage. If you suspect that you or someone close to you has died or suffered injury from receiving Trasylol, contact an experienced lawyer now. In California, call 1-800-ALAWPRO for your free consultation now.

The new study, paid for by the Canadian government, was a rigorous one which compared Trasylol (aprotinin) to 2 other anti-coagulant drugs used during cardiac surgery. Study results showed that Trasylol increases the risk of death by 54% while also greatly increasing the risk of other heart complications.

Aprotinin.pngMore than 2,300 patients were included in the study. Last October, preliminary study results alarmingly showed a higher death rate in those who were taking Trasylol. In response, Bayer removed the drug from the market temporarily. An editorial accompanying the study portends the permanent end of Trasylol’s availability to doctors and consumers; although, the Associated Press reports that Bayer and the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) are awaiting details from the study to see how they will proceed. To read the New England Journal of Medicine study, go to http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa0802395. For the related editorial, follow the link http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMe0803514.

More than 80 lawsuits have been filed against Bayer for Trasylol, and millions of dollars in settlements have been rewarded. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects or death after heart surgery in California, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now. Our Law Team has more than 50 years combined experience in personal injury representation. Let us do the work and worrying for you. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) now for a free and confidential consultation. We are here for you.

May 30, 2008

GADOLINIUM DYE: CONTRAST AGENTS USED IN MRI CAN CAUSE NSF (NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS) IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY PROBLEMS

Gadolinium, an element, is the base for a dye that doctors use during MRI’s (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Gadolinium is normally a safe substance, but when given to patients with kidney problems, Gadolinium-based dyes, or contrast agents, can cause a debilitating condition called NEPHROGENIC SYSTEMIC FIBROSIS (NSF). There are five gadolinium-based dyes used in the US today. For more information on Gadolinium and NSF, please see our webpages. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse side effects after an MRI in California, please call 1-800-ALAWPRO now and receive your free consultation from the Law Team at Greenberg & Rudman LLP.

Gadolinium Products and Manufacturers
Currently there are five different Gadolinium-based dyes on the market. These gadolinium products are manufactured by four different pharmaceutical companies. Use of Gadolinium-based products in patients with kidney (renal) problems can lead to serious side effects. Following is a list of gadolinium dyes and their makers, along with pertinent and distinguishing information:

  • Omniscan (gadodiamide) is made by General Electric (GE) Healthcare. Omniscan is the gadolinium contrast agent most frequently associated with NSF. This dye is used in abdominal, pelvic, brain, spinal, and chest MRI’s. Effective in detecting blood-brain issues and abnormal vascular lesions.

  • OptiMARK (gadoversetamide) is made by Mallinckrodt (Tyco) Healthcare. Used in brain, spinal and liver MRI’s.

  • Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine) is made by Berlex Imaging (Bayer Healthcare). Used in MRI’s of brain, spine and neck, and allowed in MRI for children 2 years and up.

  • Multihance (gadobenate dimeglumine) is made by Bracco Diagnostics, and used to find abnormal lesion in the brain, spine and related areas.

  • Prohance (gadoteridol) is also made by Bracco Diagnostics. Usage in children two years and up. A gadolinium dye that, like most others, can detect abnormal vascularity in the head, neck, brain and spine through MRI.

stockxpertcom_id11653071_kidneydialysis.jpgHave you or a loved one suffered side effects after receiving a gadolinium-based dye during MRI? In California, let the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP help you through this painful and difficult time. We have over 50 years combined experience in representing the wrongfully injured. Call us toll-free at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a confidential interview, and let us seek justice for you now.

May 28, 2008

FENTANYL PATCH: NEW RECALL BY PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY ACTAVIS. AN ATTORNEY CAN HELP IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN AN OVERDOSE.

On March 1, 2008, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) announced that pharmaceutical company Actavis would be voluntarily recalling all of their Fentanyl skin patches. The patches release the pain killer Fentanyl through application on the skin. Defects in the Actavis patches result in too much Fentanyl being released causing overdose which can lead to death. Fentanyl is used to treat chronic pain and is nearly 100 times stronger than opium. The popular Duragesic Fentanyl skin patch has also been under recall due to overdose and defect. See our page on Fentanyl for more information. If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or death due to use of a Fentanyl skin patch, contact a lawyer immediately. In California, please call the law firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO now for your free consultation.

In February 2008, Actavis first recalled 14 batches of their Fentanyl transdermal patch. A defect in the fold-over of the patch was reportedly causing leakage of gel and forced the initial recall. A month later, as a precaution, Actavis recalled all of its remaining lots to be sold in the U.S. The manufacturer contracted to make the patches by Actavis is Corium International, Inc.

transderm%20patch.jpgFentanyl transdermal patches are for chronic-pain treatment in opiate-tolerant patients. They work by slowly releasing Fentanyl in gel form through the skin to the body. Leakage can cause serious side effects including respiratory distress and overdose, which can be fatal. If you suspect you have been in contact with Fentanyl through a patch that has been damaged or which is defective in anyway, you should immediately rinse the affected area with cold water, without soap, and dispose of the patch in the toilet. Defective patches do not provide appropriate pain relief.

Have you or a loved one suffered adverse effects or death from the Fentanyl skin patch in California? We are here to help you in your time of need. The Law Firm of Greenberg & Rudman LLP has over 50 years combined experience in representing the rights of the injured. Call us toll-free now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776), and we will come to you for a confidential interview to discuss your needs and rights. Please call us now.

May 23, 2008

TRASYLOL DEATHS MAY HAVE BEEN PREVENTABLE REPORTS 60 MINUTES. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY FOR HELP.

“60 Minutes” has reported that the researcher who first uncovered the dangers of Trasylol, Dr. Dennis Mangano, estimates that 22,000 people may have died as a result of the delayed recall of the drug. This past February, “60 Minutes” conducted an investigation into the process of the recall Trasylol (Aprotinin), a Bayer product used to control bleeding which was found to cause death. Trasylol, used primarily during heart surgery, has since been recalled. To learn more about Trasylol, please see our webpage. If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or died as a result of the use of Trasylol in California, call Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO.

Trasylol was on the market for 14 years, used by doctors to control patient bleeding during cardio surgery. According to “60 Minutes,” “Bayer marketed Trasylol aggressively until it was used in one third of all cardiac bypass operations in America.” Even though numerous studies suggested that Trasylol was not 100% safe, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) approved the Trasylol based on studies supporting its effectiveness.

Syringe.jpgDr. Mangano’s 2006 study showed that Aprotinin was fatal, but it took nearly two years for the drug to be removed from the market. Per the report, Trasylol was responsible for the deaths of 1,000 people per month, 22,000 deaths total, during that two-year period. The report suggests that both Bayer and the FDA were to blame for the slow response to the dangers of Trasylol, and that Bayer may have purposely withheld information that could have expedited the product’s removal.

In Mangano’s study, and also in other studies, including one commissioned by Bayer, Trasylol was shown to greatly increase the risk of death, renal (kidney) failure, heart attack, and stroke. Sadly, other medications exist which perform the same role as Trasylol without the dangerous side effects and with much less monetary cost.

If you or a loved one has been killed or adversely affected by taking Trasylol in California, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Let the Law Team of Greenberg & Rudman LLP help you seek and receive justice. We have 50 years combined experience of serving the wrongfully killed and injured. Call us toll-free now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) to receive your free and confidential consultation. Let us fight for you.

May 19, 2008

HEPARIN DEATH INVESTIGATION: BAXTER ACCUSED OF OBSTRUCTION BY CHINESE FDA

On May 6, 2008, Reuters reports that the Chinese Food and Drug Administration is accusing Heparin manufacturer Baxter International of “obstructing the investigation into the cause of” the reported fatalities resulting from the drug. As discussed in earlier blogs, Baxter is the U.S. maker of Heparin, a blood thinner used to treat patients undergoing dialysis, surgery and other procedures or with other conditions. After an alarming increase in side effects and deaths were reported from taking Baxter Heparin, the FDA and Baxter discovered a contaminant in the product, reportedly originating from the Chinese factory where the drug was made. Prior to the death increase, the factory had never been inspected by the FDA. Since contamination reports, all Baxter Heparin has been recalled.

The Chinese FDA denies that contamination from their manufacturing plant is to blame, while still unable to explain how contamination occurred in the first place. Additionally, Chinese authorities are stating that Baxter has not provided sufficient cooperation in investigating the Heparin problem including destroying drug samples and records, an accusation that Baxter denies.

Syringe.jpgChinese product production continues to cause problem for U.S. regulators. The Chinese Heparin manufacturer allegedly eluded inspection originally since it was registered as a chemical manufacturer, not a pharmaceutical one. According to the Reuters article, the recalled Heparin may have killed 81 people, up nearly twenty victims from previous reports.

If you or a loved one has been killed or had a severe reaction as a result of taking Baxter Heparin in California, you need the help of an experienced and successful personal injury attorney. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have over 50 years combined experience fighting for your rights. Call us now for your free and confidential consultation at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776). We are here to help you now.

May 15, 2008

ZYPREXA SETTLEMENT FOR CAUSING DIABETES: ELI LILLY PAYS $15 MILLION

In March of this year, Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of the schizophrenia drug Zyprexa, agreed to pay a settlement to the state of Alaska for causing resident patients to develop diabetes. As mentioned in previous blogs, Zyprexa (olzanapine) is an anti-psychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Since 2002, reports of Zyprexa causing diabetes, severe weigh gain, high cholesterol, and other problems surfaced. Since last year, Lilly has paid out over $1 billion to individuals suffering the adverse side effects of Zyprexa.

The settlement in the Alaska case came just 3 weeks after the start of the trial. Alaska is home to only 670,000 people, and the large payout is a surprise. Other states are seeking claims against the Zyprexa maker in order to recover money for its residents’ Medicaid bills.

stockxpertcom_id146504_pillswhite.jpgSales of Zyprexa were $4.8 billion in 2007, and over 23 million people have taken Zyprexa since its original FDA approval in 1996. In the trial, prosecutors contended that Eli Lilly downplayed Zyprexa’s risks to protect sales. Evidence also suggested that the drug-maker encouraged the prescribing of Zyprexa for ailments other than what the FDA had approved. Lilly admitted no wrongdoing.

Click here to read the joint statement released by Eli Lilly and the state of Alaska.

If you or a loved one has suffered side effects after taking Zyprexa, you need the help of a lawyer now. In California, contact the law offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential information session now. Let us help you understand your rights and seek the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate to call 1-800-ALAWPRO now.

May 13, 2008

AVANDIA SIDE EFFECTS: BROKEN BONES, HEART ATTACK & DEATH. LAWYERS CAN HELP.

This week, U.S. News and World Report offered new information about yet more adverse Avandia side effects. According to the magazine, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in April this year shows that long-term use of Avandia and other thizaolidinediones can lead to increased risk for fractures or bone breaks.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a drug made by GlaxoSmithKline and used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Avandia has been shown to be linked to an increased risk of heart attack, other heart problems, and death, and as a result now possesses an FDA black box warning which advises patients and professionals as to its deadly risks.

stockxpertcom_id1440861_humanbodyneon.jpgAccording to the article 3 to 5 million people take Avandia. This new study showed that Avandia can “more than double the risk of fractures.” The most commonly associated bone breaks with drug usage were hip fractures and wrist fractures, with the frequency of fractures rising with the level of dosage. People taking Avandia for 2 years or more had the highest rate of sustaining a break, and those taking it for one year to 18 months also had a heightened risk. Men and women were found to be equally at risk.

The manufacturer responded by stating that fractures are listed “on our label,” and that a “dear doctor” letter had been sent to professionals. Other experts contend that the benefits of the drug continue to outweigh the risks for most patients, while agreeing that patients at risk for severe bone breaks should consider alternatives.

Have you or a family member suffered adverse effects or death from taking Avandia in California? If so, you need the help of a seasoned law firm. The team at Greenberg & Rudman LLP has over 50 years combined experience in taking on the rights of the injured. Please call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free consultation and learn what we can do to help you.

May 7, 2008

ZYPREXA LAWYERS AND OLZANAPINE ATTORNEYS

Zyprexa is an antipsychotic medication most commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder which has been linked to heart attack, coma and death. If you or a loved one has been a victim, you should speak to a lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now for a free consultation in California 1-800-A-LAW-PRO.

Zyprexa Side Effects and Risks:Following are a list of side effects reported from taking Zyprexa:

  • Diabetes

  • Diabetic Coma

  • Death

  • Heart Attack, Heart Disease, or other cardiovascular conditions or events

  • Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar)

  • Increased cholesterol levels

  • Lipid Disorders

  • Obesity or severe weight gain

  • Pancreatitis

See our video below or visit our website at Zyprexa for more information:

May 6, 2008

AVANDIA LAWYERS- DIABETES DRUG CAUSING HEART ATTACKS & STROKE

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is a drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes. Studies have shown that the use of Avandia can lead to a significant risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events, including heart-related chest pain, edema, fluid retention and heart failure, all of which can lead to death. If you or someone you know has suffered a heart attack or another heart related problem in conjunction with taking Avandia, please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP now at 1-800-252-9776 for your free consultation.

Please visit our page on Avandia Diabetes Drug for more information regarding the risks and your rights.

April 14, 2008

POMONA, CA PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury in Pomona, California, it is important that you seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals to help you understand your rights and remedies. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP have experience in the following practice areas:
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In addition to over 50 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have successfully collected over $150 million for our clients. More importantly, we advance all costs so that you don’t have to pay a dime until we first collect money for you. If you think that you have suffered injury at the wrong of others, call now so that we can give you a personal assessment of your situation. We’ll even come to your home or medical room to sign you up. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9766) now. We’ll do what it takes to help you through this difficult time.

March 25, 2008

VENTURA COUNTY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Ventura County is the home to over 750,000 people. Each year in California, thousands of innocent people are the victims of accidents involving negligence. If you have been injured as the result of a car accident, a negligent product, or dangerous public or work premises, you may be entitled to receive damages for your suffering. Accidents can cause serious emotional and physical pain, and we are here to help you through this difficult time.

car%20accident%20head%20on.jpgThe Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are an experienced and respected Southern California law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of people injured through the negligence of others. With an extensive record of trial and settlement success, we know how to represent your needs and fight for your rights.

If you or a family member has been injured by the negligence of another in California, let a personal injury attorney help. Please call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) today for a free and confidential consultation. We’re here for you.

December 13, 2007

MAKERS OF PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG HEPARIN SUED BY DENNIS QUAID AND WIFE FOR PRODUCT LIABILITY AFTER BLOOD THINNER MISTAKE AT CEDARS SINAI HOSPITAL IN LOS ANGELES

A product liability lawsuit was filed by Dennis Quaid and his wife after an incident where their newborn twins were accidentally given large doses of the anti-coagulant pharmaceutical drug Heparin while they were at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. The product liability lawsuit was filed against Baxter Healthcare Corp. and alleges that they were negligent in the way they packaged different doses of Heparin with similar backgrounds. Three children were killed at a hospital in Indianapolis last year, and the suit alleges that Baxter should have recalled the vials with large doses after these incidents. The company recently changed its packaging by adding a red label that reads “Caution” and must be removed before the vials can be opened. The Quaids are not suing Cedars Sinai hospital for medical malpractice which admitted that this was a preventable error.

The Quaids’ twins, Thomas Boone and Zoe Grace, along with a third patient were mistakenly given massive doses of heparin during their stay at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, California on November 18th. The vials contained 10,000 units of heparin per milliliter instead of 10 units per milliliter which was 1,000 times stronger than the normal dosage for a small baby. Heparin was used to flush catheters to prevent clotting. The Quaids claim that the lawsuit is not about money and that they just want to save other children from suffering the same incident as their twins. Despite the fact that the twins nearly died from their overdose, they are reportedly doing well, but the long term affects of the incident are unknown.

November 6, 2007

TRASYLOL (APROTININ) PULLED FROM WORLDWIDE MARKET BY FDA FOR SAFETY CONCERNS

Bayer AG has halted worldwide sales of the drug Trasylol (also known as Aprotinin) due to a request for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take the drug off of the U.S. market for safety reasons. Trasylol is a clotting drug that is used during open heart surgery to reduce bleeding. However studies have found that Aprotinin can increase the risk of kidney failure, heart failure, stroke, brain damage and death compared with alternative drugs. Past studies have linked the drug to a higher risk of in-hospital death to patients having cardiac bypass surgery, and two studies conducted this year found that use of Trasylol during surgery also increases the long-term death rate of patients who underwent bypass surgery. A Canadian study was halted when they saw that their patients receiving Trasylol during surgery had a 50 percent increased risk of death compared with their patients who received other drugs during heart surgery.

Bayer has decided that they will slowly phase out Trasylol from the market so that alternate drugs can be manufactured to replace its void. Bayer has also stated that they would supply the drug to physicians who specifically request it and feel it could be beneficial to their patient. Some trials have shown that Trasylol can control bleeding during surgery better than some alternatives; however, the FDA has stated that it cannot identify a group of patients where the benefits of the use of Trasylol outweigh the risk they put themselves in by using it. Many surgeons have already reportedly stopped using the drug, and few were surprised by the drug’s suspension. In fact a study by Bayer showed that the drug increased the risk of congestive heart failure, stroke, kidney damage and death.

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Trasylol was first approved for use in the U.S. market by the FDA in 1993. Concerns about the drug mounted over the years and a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who had been given Trasylol were at an increased risk of dying over a five year period than those given other drugs. Their study tracked 3,900 heart patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery at 62 hospitals around the world. Researchers found that the five year death rate for Trasylol patients was 20.8%, compared to 15.8 percent for those given an alternative drug, aminocaproic acide, and 14.7 percent for those given tranexamic acid.