Millions of Americans take over the counter and prescribed drugs and rely on approved medical devices for a wide variety of ailments. Almost all drugs and medical devices carry some risk. Unfortunately, drugs and devices with deadly and debilitating side effects sometimes make it to the market because their potentially dangerous side effects were not seen or anticipated during clinical trials. Even worse, sometimes the manufacturer knows of these serious risks and fails to warn the public of the dangers.
Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland will fight for you and your loved ones against the drug companies if you have been negatively effected by defective drugs and/or devices. You or a loved one may be entitled to compensation for, among others:
A: Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors to improve control of blood sugar levels of diabetes patients. Approved by the FDA in 1999, Avandia can be used in combination with insulin and other medications for patients with type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the drug can put patients at risk of developing serious and potentially fatal side effects. In May 2007 the FDA issued a safety alert for Avandia.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Avandia can cause congestive heart failure, heart attack, liver toxicity, severe allergic reaction and stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the above side effects from the use of Avandia, please, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Chantix (Champix) was approved by the FDA in May of 2006 to help smokers quit by alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Chantix is a prescription drug that is taken orally.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Users of Chantix may experience episodes of psychotic, violent and suicidal behavior, especially after consuming alcohol.
If you have attempted suicide or a loved one has committed suicide while taking Chantix or while going through withdrawal from Chantix, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Digitek (Digoxin) is a tablet taken orally that is used to treat irregular heart rate (atrial fibrillation) or congestive heart failure. The tablets were recalled in April 2008 because they may contain a dangerous double dose of their active ingredient.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: The tablets pose a risk of digitalis toxicity, which can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, slow heart rate, and death.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by the drug Digitek, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Morphine and Hydromophone are prescription drugs used for pain management.
Q: Why are they dangerous?
A: Ethex recalled several lots of both Morphine and Hydromorphone due to manufacturing issues, which resulted in higher than expected dosage in the pills. Receiving higher than expected doses could increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as difficulty breathing, respiratory depression, low blood pressure or sedation.
Recalled lots include:
Morphine Sulfate ER 30mg Tablet/NDC # 58177-320-04: Lots 75090, 77846, 77847, 80048, 83320, 89661, 89665, 90252 through 90258, and 93284
Morphine Sulfate ER 60mg Tablet/NDC # 58177-330-04: Lots 91762, 75091, 75092, 77848 through 77851, 82517, 82518, 83333, 83817, 83862, 84111, 84112, 84315, 84900, 85326, 85335, 85807, 86270 through 86276, 87723, 87939, 88007, 89083, 89668, 89669, 89821, 90260 through 90272, and 91763 through 91765.
Hydromorphone HCl 2 mg tablet/ NDC #58177-0620-04 Lot #90219
For more information regarding the recall of Ethex Morphine and Hydromorphone, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Fentanyl (Duragesic patch, transdermal patch) is used during surgery for anesthesia and also to treat chronic pain. It is an extremely strong pain medication that is 80 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than heroin. Most commonly Fentanyl is found in the form of a patch, approved by the FDA in 1990 for treatment of persistent moderate to severe pain, which cannot be treated through the use of other, less powerful, medications. Initially, the Fentanyl patch was most commonly prescribed for people with cancer; however, recently, use of the patch for other types of pain patients has become more widespread.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Inadequate warnings have lead to improper prescribing to those in only mild pain. The patch has been known to leak and cause serious injury and/or death due to overdose and lots have been recalled on three separate occasions:
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Recalled 75mcg/hr Fentanyl Transdermal System patches lot # 92461850 were sold in the United States.
Actavis Inc. – Recalled Fentanyl Transdermal System CII patches sold in the United States.
Actavis Inc. – Recalled Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States and labelled with an Abrika or Actavis label. The lots covered by this recall include doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg/hr and are listed in the firm's press release.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Fentanyl overdose due to a Fentanyl patch, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Approved by the FDA in 2008, Fosamax (Alendronate) is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Fosamax has been linked to numbness or swelling and Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw". ONJ is a devastating bone disease that affects both the mandible and maxilla jawbones – causing both decay and death of the bone matter. Victims of ONJ have necrotic bone or bone marrow that has been starved by low blood flow. Even in mild forms, ONJ can create a bone marrow environment that's extremely conducive to bacterial growth – worsening the effects of the disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw," please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Gadolinium was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a contrast agent for MRI. Gadolinium, or gadodiamide, provides greater contrast between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the brain and body. Gadolinium looks clear like water and is non-radioactive. After it is injected into a vein, Gadolinium accumulates in the abnormal tissue that may be affecting the body or head. Gadolinium causes these abnormal areas to become very bright (enhanced) on the MRI. Gadolinium is then rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Patients exposed to Gadolinium have experienced kidney and renal failure, and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). NFS/NFD is a condition that, so far, has occurred only in people with kidney disease. Its symptoms include large areas of tight and rigid skin making it difficult to bend joints. It may also result it fibrosis or scaring of the organs such that organ failure and/or death result.
If you or a loved one has suffered from kidney disease, kidney failure, renal failure or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Hydroxycut products, manufactured by lovate Health Sciences USA Inc., include dietary supplements, energy enhancers, and fat burners. Due to numerous reports of liver damage, the FDA advised consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products as of May 1, 2009. Following the FDA advisory, lovate voluntarily recalled 14 of its products including:
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Users of Hydroxycut have been found to develop Rhabdomyolysis, cardiac events, liver damage, kidney damage, seizures, hypertension, and death.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to the use of Hydroxycut, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Ketek may cause liver toxicity requiring a liver transplant, hepatitis or death. Symptoms include loss of appetite, jaundice, darkened urine an abdominal pain.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects from the use of Ketek, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Propafenone is a drug used to treat cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Propafenone HCL 225 mg Tablets sold in 100 count bottles in the United States were voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure on March 23, 2009. Lot Number 112680A has been recalled because some tablets may contain slightly higher levels of the active ingredient than specified. This lot number was distributed between October 15, 2008 and November 26, 2008. Propafenone has a narrow therapeutic index, so some patients who are particularly sensitive to small variations in dose may experience potentially serious side effects, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), low blood pressure and problems with the nervous system.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an overdose of Propafenone, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Quinine (Quinamm) is a naturally occurring plant substance that is approved for treatment of Malaria but has since been used for treating "restless leg syndrome" and/or leg cramps. On December 11, 2006, the FDA ordered that Quinine only be used for Malaria because the risks are simply not outweighed by the benefits in other situations.
Q: What are the side effects?
A: Quinine can cause abnormalities resulting in liver or kidney failure, stroke, heart attack and even death.
If you or a loved one has been negatively effected by the use of Quinine to treat leg cramps and restless leg syndrome, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Trasylol (Aprotinin Injection) was approved by FDA in 1993 and is the only product approved for the prevention of peri-operative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion among patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the course of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The drug aids the body's ability to stop bleeding and is used to lessen the bleeding risk during this surgical procedure.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: In November of 2007, the sales of Trasylol were suspended due to pressure from the FDA. On May 14, 2008, Bayer recalled Trasylol in the wake of a New England Journal of Medicine study linking Trasylol to increased risk of death from kidney failure or a cardiac event.
If you or a loved one has suffered kidney damage or failure, heart attack or heart failure or stroke, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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A: Zencore is an herbal supplement used to enhance male sexual performance.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: A recent FDA study found that Zencore contains an undisclosed chemical. On March 20, 2009, Zencore was recalled because it can cause a cardiac event, loss of vision or hearing, dizziness and seizures.
If you or a loved on has suffered any of the above effects due to the use of Zencore, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Goldenberg Heller Antognoli & Rowland will fight for you and your loved ones against the drug companies if you have been negatively effected by defective drugs and/or devices. You or a loved one may be entitled to compensation for, among others:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Punitive damages for gross conduct
Avandia (Rosiglitazone)
Chantix
Digitek
Ethex Morphine & Hydromorphine
Fetanyl
Fosamax
Gadolinium
Hydroxycut
Ketek (Telithromycin)
Propafenone
Quinine
Raptiva
Reglan
Trasylol
Zencor
Avandia
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) increases the sensitivity of insulin receptors to improve control of blood sugar levels of diabetes patients. Approved by the FDA in 1999, Avandia can be used in combination with insulin and other medications for patients with type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that the drug can put patients at risk of developing serious and potentially fatal side effects. In May 2007 the FDA issued a safety alert for Avandia.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Avandia can cause congestive heart failure, heart attack, liver toxicity, severe allergic reaction and stroke.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the above side effects from the use of Avandia, please, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Chantix
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Chantix (Champix) was approved by the FDA in May of 2006 to help smokers quit by alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Chantix is a prescription drug that is taken orally.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Users of Chantix may experience episodes of psychotic, violent and suicidal behavior, especially after consuming alcohol.
If you have attempted suicide or a loved one has committed suicide while taking Chantix or while going through withdrawal from Chantix, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Digitek
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Digitek (Digoxin) is a tablet taken orally that is used to treat irregular heart rate (atrial fibrillation) or congestive heart failure. The tablets were recalled in April 2008 because they may contain a dangerous double dose of their active ingredient.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: The tablets pose a risk of digitalis toxicity, which can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, slow heart rate, and death.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by the drug Digitek, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Ethex Morphine & Hydromorphine
Q: What is Ethex Morphine & Hydromorphone?A: Morphine and Hydromophone are prescription drugs used for pain management.
Q: Why are they dangerous?
A: Ethex recalled several lots of both Morphine and Hydromorphone due to manufacturing issues, which resulted in higher than expected dosage in the pills. Receiving higher than expected doses could increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as difficulty breathing, respiratory depression, low blood pressure or sedation.
Recalled lots include:
Morphine Sulfate ER 30mg Tablet/NDC # 58177-320-04: Lots 75090, 77846, 77847, 80048, 83320, 89661, 89665, 90252 through 90258, and 93284
Morphine Sulfate ER 60mg Tablet/NDC # 58177-330-04: Lots 91762, 75091, 75092, 77848 through 77851, 82517, 82518, 83333, 83817, 83862, 84111, 84112, 84315, 84900, 85326, 85335, 85807, 86270 through 86276, 87723, 87939, 88007, 89083, 89668, 89669, 89821, 90260 through 90272, and 91763 through 91765.
Hydromorphone HCl 2 mg tablet/ NDC #58177-0620-04 Lot #90219
For more information regarding the recall of Ethex Morphine and Hydromorphone, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Fentanyl
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Fentanyl (Duragesic patch, transdermal patch) is used during surgery for anesthesia and also to treat chronic pain. It is an extremely strong pain medication that is 80 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than heroin. Most commonly Fentanyl is found in the form of a patch, approved by the FDA in 1990 for treatment of persistent moderate to severe pain, which cannot be treated through the use of other, less powerful, medications. Initially, the Fentanyl patch was most commonly prescribed for people with cancer; however, recently, use of the patch for other types of pain patients has become more widespread.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Inadequate warnings have lead to improper prescribing to those in only mild pain. The patch has been known to leak and cause serious injury and/or death due to overdose and lots have been recalled on three separate occasions:
Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Recalled 75mcg/hr Fentanyl Transdermal System patches lot # 92461850 were sold in the United States.
Actavis Inc. – Recalled Fentanyl Transdermal System CII patches sold in the United States.
Actavis Inc. – Recalled Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States and labelled with an Abrika or Actavis label. The lots covered by this recall include doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg/hr and are listed in the firm's press release.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Fentanyl overdose due to a Fentanyl patch, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Fosamax
Q: What is Fosamax?A: Approved by the FDA in 2008, Fosamax (Alendronate) is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Fosamax has been linked to numbness or swelling and Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw". ONJ is a devastating bone disease that affects both the mandible and maxilla jawbones – causing both decay and death of the bone matter. Victims of ONJ have necrotic bone or bone marrow that has been starved by low blood flow. Even in mild forms, ONJ can create a bone marrow environment that's extremely conducive to bacterial growth – worsening the effects of the disease.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) or "dead jaw," please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Gadolinium
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Gadolinium was approved by the FDA in 1988 as a contrast agent for MRI. Gadolinium, or gadodiamide, provides greater contrast between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the brain and body. Gadolinium looks clear like water and is non-radioactive. After it is injected into a vein, Gadolinium accumulates in the abnormal tissue that may be affecting the body or head. Gadolinium causes these abnormal areas to become very bright (enhanced) on the MRI. Gadolinium is then rapidly cleared from the body by the kidneys.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Patients exposed to Gadolinium have experienced kidney and renal failure, and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). NFS/NFD is a condition that, so far, has occurred only in people with kidney disease. Its symptoms include large areas of tight and rigid skin making it difficult to bend joints. It may also result it fibrosis or scaring of the organs such that organ failure and/or death result.
If you or a loved one has suffered from kidney disease, kidney failure, renal failure or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD), please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Hydroxycut
Q: What is the Hydroxycut?A: Hydroxycut products, manufactured by lovate Health Sciences USA Inc., include dietary supplements, energy enhancers, and fat burners. Due to numerous reports of liver damage, the FDA advised consumers to stop using Hydroxycut products as of May 1, 2009. Following the FDA advisory, lovate voluntarily recalled 14 of its products including:
| Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets | Hydroxycut Natural |
| Hydroxycut Carb Control | Hydroxycut 24 |
| Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets | Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets |
| Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets | Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets |
| Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets | Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets |
| Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets | Hydroxycut Liquid Shots |
| Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs | Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed |
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Users of Hydroxycut have been found to develop Rhabdomyolysis, cardiac events, liver damage, kidney damage, seizures, hypertension, and death.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to the use of Hydroxycut, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Ketek (Telithromycin)
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Ketek is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in the lungs and sinuses.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Ketek may cause liver toxicity requiring a liver transplant, hepatitis or death. Symptoms include loss of appetite, jaundice, darkened urine an abdominal pain.
If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects from the use of Ketek, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Propafenone
Q: What is Propafenone?A: Propafenone is a drug used to treat cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat).
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Propafenone HCL 225 mg Tablets sold in 100 count bottles in the United States were voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure on March 23, 2009. Lot Number 112680A has been recalled because some tablets may contain slightly higher levels of the active ingredient than specified. This lot number was distributed between October 15, 2008 and November 26, 2008. Propafenone has a narrow therapeutic index, so some patients who are particularly sensitive to small variations in dose may experience potentially serious side effects, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), low blood pressure and problems with the nervous system.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to an overdose of Propafenone, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Quinine
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Quinine (Quinamm) is a naturally occurring plant substance that is approved for treatment of Malaria but has since been used for treating "restless leg syndrome" and/or leg cramps. On December 11, 2006, the FDA ordered that Quinine only be used for Malaria because the risks are simply not outweighed by the benefits in other situations.
Q: What are the side effects?
A: Quinine can cause abnormalities resulting in liver or kidney failure, stroke, heart attack and even death.
If you or a loved one has been negatively effected by the use of Quinine to treat leg cramps and restless leg syndrome, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Raptiva
Q: What is it and how is it used?
A: Raptiva (Efalizumab) is a subcutaneous injection administered once a week to treat psoriasis. The drug is a therapeutic antibody designed to block the activation of special immune cells called T-cells. Over activity of T-cells leads to excess skin cells being produced, which build up in the form of plaques, causing the skin disease psoriasis. The FDA approved Raptiva in October 2003, and it is manufactured and marketed by Genetech, Inc. On April 8, 2009, Genetech announced a voluntary withdrawal of Raptiva.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: Raptiva can cause Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is an infection that attacks the central nervous system and the brain with no known cure and often results in death. PML symptoms could include dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, difficulty talking, difficulty walking, impaired speech and vision problems. Other serious side effects include: Bacterial Sepsis, Viral Meningitis, Invasive Fungal Disease and other opportunistic infections.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) or death due to the use of the drug Raptiva, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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Reglan
Reglan is typically prescribed to treat various gastrointestinal disorders and has also been used to assist with the side effects of cancer treatments. Reglan, or metoclopramide, works by blocking dopamine in the brain which can lead to severe, and sometimes fatal, neurological effects. The FDA has recently required a black box warning to be issued with Reglan which will warn of a serious side effect known as Tardive Dyskinsia, a disorder that causes involuntary movements, especially of the lower face. If you or a loved one has been injured by Reglan, please contact us.Back To Top
Trasylol
Q: What is it and how is it used?A: Trasylol (Aprotinin Injection) was approved by FDA in 1993 and is the only product approved for the prevention of peri-operative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion among patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the course of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The drug aids the body's ability to stop bleeding and is used to lessen the bleeding risk during this surgical procedure.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: In November of 2007, the sales of Trasylol were suspended due to pressure from the FDA. On May 14, 2008, Bayer recalled Trasylol in the wake of a New England Journal of Medicine study linking Trasylol to increased risk of death from kidney failure or a cardiac event.
If you or a loved one has suffered kidney damage or failure, heart attack or heart failure or stroke, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
Back To Top
Zencore
Q: What is Zencore?A: Zencore is an herbal supplement used to enhance male sexual performance.
Q: Why is it dangerous?
A: A recent FDA study found that Zencore contains an undisclosed chemical. On March 20, 2009, Zencore was recalled because it can cause a cardiac event, loss of vision or hearing, dizziness and seizures.
If you or a loved on has suffered any of the above effects due to the use of Zencore, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.
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