May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
The Zimmer Durom Cup hip implant was a metal on metal device implanted in patients from 2006 through 2008, before it was recalled. The implant used new metal on metal technology, which was claimed to last longer than non-metal on metal implants. The hip implant was recalled after complaints of metal toxicity and failure of the implant. The metal toxicity was a result of the metal parts grinding against each other causing the metal to be released into the body. Side effects of metal toxicity include severe pain, infection and tissue disease and often required surgical removal of the implant.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
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.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
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.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
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.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
The Bair Hugger blanket manufactured by 3M is a warming blanket used to warm anesthetized patients during surgery. It is often used during joint replacement surgeries including hip and knee replacements. The blanket is used to help regulate the body’s temperature and avoid hypothermia. Unfortunately the Bair Hugger warming device has been known to cause infections in patients due to bacteria in the air system. The bacteria circulates through the warming blanket and attacks open wounds on the body causing serious infections. These infections can be debilitating, and if not controlled, can cause death.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
An inferior vena cava or IVC filter is used when a patient is at risk for blood clots. The IVC filter is implanted into the patient to prevent life threatening clots from migrating to major organs including the lungs and heart. While the IVC filter device can be lifesaving, it can also cause serious harm and death, if it is not used appropriately.
May 20, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
Zofran is a prescription drug that works by blocking chemicals in the body that trigger nausea and vomiting. It is often prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Zofran has also been prescribed to many pregnant women for nausea, however, Zofran has not been approved for this use and may cause birth defects.
May 16, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
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.
May 16, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Mass Torts , Products Liability
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.
May 16, 2016 | Defective Drugs & Medical Devices , Products Liability
Essure was first brought to market in November 2002 by Bayer HealthCare as an alternative to permanent sterilization in women. It was marketed as less invasive than other forms of permanent sterilization. The recovery time is less and the procedure is completed in the patient’s doctor’s office in as little as ten minutes.
