Big Pharma had a major victory on June 8th, when the Texas Supreme Court handed down its ruling in Centocor, Inc. v. Hamilton. The Court held that "When a drug manufacturer properly warns a prescribing physician of the dangerous propensities of its product, the manufacturer is excused from warning each patient who receives the drug. The doctor stands as a learned intermediary between the manufacturer and the ultimate consumer." Further, "A prescription drug manufacturer fulfills its duty to warn end users of its product’s risks by providing adequate warnings to the intermediaries who … [Read more...]
Depakote Maker to pay $1.5 Billion to Settle Criminal and Civil Investigations
Last week, the Department of Justice Announced a record $1.5 Billion settlement with Abbott Laboratories over their mislabeling of the drug Depakote. "Global Health Care Company Abbott Laboratories Inc. has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $1.5 billion to resolve its criminal and civil liability arising from the company’s unlawful promotion of the prescription drug Depakote for uses not approved as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Justice Department announced today. The resolution – the second largest payment by a drug company – includes a criminal fine and … [Read more...]
All-Metal Hip Implants Prone to Early Failure, Need to be Removed
Great story by NPR on the continuing problems faced by patients who have received All-Metal Hip Implants. Implants Need To Be Removed Early by Richard Knox EnlargeRichard Knox/NPRYoung-min Kwon of Massachusetts General Hospital holds the metal-alloy ball of Susy Mansfield’s faulty artificial hip joint. The yellowish tissue on top is dead muscle caused by a reaction to the metal debris produced by the defective hip implant. When Susy Mansfield needed a hip replacement in 2009, her orthopedic surgeon chose a relatively new and untested kind of artificial hip made entirely of … [Read more...]
Honda Recalls Weed Trimmers Due to Laceration Hazard
Unsafe products can cause serious injuries at the most unexpected times. Household names we all come to know and trust are no exception to oversites due to engineering, manufacturing or material shortcomings that require diligent testing and monitoring. Honda has acted to recall certain gas powered weed and lawn trimmers within a designated manufacturing span denoted by listed serial numbers. Awareness of such measures is one paramount to the safety of all consumers. Springer Lyle feels the information in this article should be made known so consumers who rely on Honda’s reputation can … [Read more...]
Hip Implant Complaints Increase, While Dangers Are Reviewed
By BARRY MEIER and JANET ROBERTS of the New York Times Published: August 22, 2011 The federal government has received a surge in complaints in recent months about failed hip replacements, suggesting that serious problems persist with some types of artificial hips even as researchers scramble to evaluate the health dangers. An analysis of federal data by The New York Times indicates that the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 5,000 reports since January about several widely used devices known as metal-on-metal hips, more than the agency had received about those devices in the … [Read more...]
Honda Worldwide Recall of Sedans, Minivans, SUVs
By Deepa Seetharaman and Bernie Woodall of Reuters. Honda Motor Co Ltd plans to recall nearly 2 1/2 million vehicles: small SUVs, cars and minivans worldwide. This includes the popular Accord sedan. Problems relate to software issues that could damage the automatic transmission. The recall includes 1.5 million vehicles in the United States, about 760,000 in China and 135,142 in Canada, the automaker said on Friday. This week, Consumer Reports said it was not recommending the 2012 Honda Civic. This led some industry analysts to ask if that was a symptom of larger problems at the … [Read more...]
Voluntary Recall Of Slimming Capsules
from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website**: Intercharm Inc. Issues A Nationwide Voluntary Recall Of Slim Forte Slimming Capsules Lot 20100604 And Lot 20100928, Slim Forte Slimming Coffee Lot 20100903, And Meizitang Botanical Slimming Softgel Exp. 12.23.2011 Weight Loss Capsules Found To Contain Sibutramine Contact: Intercharm Inc. 323-876-7441 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 25, 2011 - Intercharm Inc., is recalling Slimforte Slimming Capsules, Slimforte Slimming Coffee, and Botanical Slimming Soft Gel to the consumer/user level. FDA laboratory analyses found the products to contain … [Read more...]
FDA Reports Cancer Risk from Osteoporosis Drugs
An FDA Safety Alert issued today warns that taking oral osteoporosis drugs (“bisphosphonates”) may cause an increased risk of esophageal cancer. This category of drugs includes Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva, Atelvia, Didronel, and Skelid. Esophageal cancer and other esophageal problems have been reported in connection with use of the drugs, and the FDA is reviewing data from published studies to determine whether a link exists. The FDA posted the following recommendation in its Safety Alert: “Patients should talk with their healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of taking oral … [Read more...]
Chrysler Recalls Three Models of Ram trucks
News Source: The Kansas City Star - July 13, 2011 Chrysler Motor Corporation announces a recall nearly 250,000 Ram pickups because of a faulty part in the steering system which can cause loss of control. This recall affects Chrysler’s top-selling vehicle and covers about 243,000 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups ranging from year models 2008 through 2011. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a part near the left front wheel can fracture and risk potential crash of the vehicle. … [Read more...]
Child Booster Seat Recall
Product • Circo Child Booster Seats, sold nationwide at Target stores from January 2005 through June 2009. Price was roughly $13. News source: The Salt Lake Tribune - Jul 13 2011 Booster seats recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Please consider, discontinuing use of this product immediately and return to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information about the products, call the manufacturer or Consumer Product Safety Commission’s toll-free hotline, 800-638-2772. Problem Detail: The booster’s seat restraint buckle can open unexpectedly, allowing a … [Read more...]
