Blog - Page 16

DePuy began marketing its Pinnacle hip implant system in the early 2000s as an alternative to other hip implants. The implant is a metal on metal device claimed to be longer lasting and ideal for younger and more active patients. The metal on metal system has been found to have far more complications and adverse side effects than non-metal on metal devices. The metal on metal system often fails sooner than non-metal on metal systems. It also has caused serious side effects due to the metal components. Specifically, the grinding of metal parts causes the metal to enter into the body and blood system causing metal toxicity, which can cause severe pain, weakness, fatigue, numbness, shortness of breath and other debilitating conditions. Often a replacement of the Pinnacle system is required to help resolve these side effects.

Mirena and Depo Provera have all been linked to the conditions pseudo tumor cerebri and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). All three of the forms of birth control use hormones that increase a woman’s risk of these serious conditions.

Mirena is an intrauterine device used as a form of birth control and is typically implanted for a five year period. Bayer, the manufacturer of Mirena, marketed it as birth control that freed women from worrying about pregnancy for years allowing for more intimacy with their partners. What Bayer failed to mention was the very serious side effects of Mirena. Mirena has been known to migrate once placed into a woman’s body. As a result of the migration it can puncture internal organs and become embedded in the uterus. This can cause serious injuries including infertility, permanent organ damage and need for emergency surgery to remove the device.

Xaraleto, Eliquis and Pradaxa are blood thinning drugs that were approved recently by the FDA. They are used to treat and prevent blood clots as well as lower the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or a-fib. Prior to these drugs being brought to market, patients often used Coumadin (warfarin) as a blood thinning agent. Xarelto, Elquis and Pradaxa are marketed as a more convenient blood thinner than Coumadin because the patient is not tied to regular blood monitoring.

Avelox, Cipro and Levaquin, also known as fluoroquinolones, are anti-biotics prescribed for various bacterial infections. Doctors often prescribe them for urinary tract infections, sinus infections and respiratory infections. While these prescription drugs may fight infection, they often are used as a first line defense when other antibiotics with less severe side effects are available. In August 2013, a warning was added to the labeling of fluoroquinolones. This warning included the dangers of the development of neuropathy as a result of ingestion. Neuropathy symptoms include pain, tingling and numbness and typically is irreversible. The manufacturers of fluoroquinolones failed to advise consumers of the potential for developing neuropathy and many patients have been battling neuropathy for years without knowing the cause.