FDA & Prescription Drugs | InjuryBoard Dallas

Clinical trials of Exubera, an inhaled insulin product, found increased cases of lung cancer among those using the product. Originally projected by Pfizer to reign in multi-billion dollar profits,...

Actavis Inc has recalled all remaining lots of Fentanyl Pain Patches. As with the previous recalls, there may be a defect that could cause fentanyl to leak directly to the skin of the patient or caregiver and cause an Fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl overdose could cause difficulty breating or even death. Actavis recalled 14 lots of the Fentanyl Pain Patches a few weeks ago and now are recalling all...

Another Fentanyl pain patch has been recalled today due to the risk of accidental Fentanyl overdose. Activis Inc. has recalled 14 lots of its Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches as a cautionary measure. Fentanyl transdermal patches (sold as Duragesic) are prescribed to treat severe chronic pain that requires constant medication for extended periods.This is the second fentanyl pain patch...

Heparin Sodium Injection Vials were recalled due to an increase in adverse Heparin reactions. Baxter has received 100 reports of reactions and is looking into one death that may be linked to the Baxter Heparin recall.A variety of Heparin-caused reactions have been reported such as burning sensation, chest pain, abdominal pain, lowered blood pressure, diarrhea, dizziness, flushing, headache,...

The FDA informed healthcare professionals of findings from two additional clinical studies, Preoperative Epirubicin Paclitaxel Aranesp Study, and the National Cancer Institute Gynecologic Oncology Group, showing an increase in mortality and shorter time to tumor progression in patients with cancer receiving an Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA). Both the PREPARE study in breast cancer and...

Adderall, Ritalin and other ADHD treatments have been linked to hundreds of yearly ER visits with heart related symptoms, a new study says. This latest study of ADHD drugs was the first to look at potential heart problems linked to the medications since the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) updated their labels last year to include heart warnings.ADHD stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin...

The Food and Drug Administration announced last they are finally looking into Chantix, a stop smoking medication, to find out how dangerous it might be.Since the report of Carter Albrecht's unusual behavior and death while taking Chantix, hundreds of other Chantix patients have spoken up about the effects they've experienced. Over the last two months, Ryann Rathbone said she has received...

The US Food and Drug Administraion is reviewing reports of suicidal thoughts and aggressive behavior in people who have taken Chantix, a prescription medication used to quit smoking. Chantix works on specific areas of the brain, helps people give up smoking by providing some satisfaction that nicotine gives intended to lessen withdrawal symptoms. It also blocks the nicotine from entering the...

Accutane is prescribed to treat acne, but has been linked to depression and other psychiatric issues including over 250 suicides in the US. Accutane may cause decreased serotonin levels, which can lead to depression and aggressiveness.In the late '80s, Accutane went under fire due to the risk of birth defects, kidney, digestive tract, central nervous system, pancreas, cardiovascular, liver,...

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) informed healthcare professionals of reports of sudden decreases or loss of hearing following the use of PDE5 inhibitors, Viagra, Levitra, Cialis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and Revatio for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. In some cases, the sudden hearing loss was accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness. Medical follow-up on...

Major popcorn manufacturers who use Diacetyl in their popcorn have started removing the "buttery smalling" chemical from their products. This comes more than a year (and consumption of more than 750 million pounds of popcorn) after the EPA produced a study warning Diacetyl poses potential health hazards. Diacetyl was identified at the CDC in 2002 as the cause of a debilitating and sometimes...

A contrast is sometimes used in MRI ("magnetic resonance imaging") and always used in MRA ("magnetic resonance angiography"). These tests use powerful magnets and radio waves to make images of a patient's internal issues or blood vessels. During these procedures, a contrast dye is injected into the body to help detect any abnormalities. Unfortunately, MRI and MRA contrast dye containing the...

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a newly described systemic disorder that occurs in patients with renal insufficiency. The functional consequences of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis are often devastating and may be fatal. Since nephrogenic systemic fibrosis develops after exposure to gadolinium-containing magnetic resonance contrast agents in some patients the FDA recommended avoiding such agents...

Diabetes patients taking Avandia or Actos are two times as likely to develop heard problems, according to a report published in the August issue of Diabetes Care.An advisory panel hearing Monday will examine whether Avandia's cardiovascular risks warrant a stronger warning label following a U.S. government review found Avandia's heart risks are far higher than Actos'..Avandia (rosiglitazone) and...

In one of the latest developments in the Avandia diabetes drug issue, a group of lawmakers sent a letter to FDA asking Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach to explain the agency's policy on conflicts of interest regarding hiring employees directly from drug companies regulated by the FDA.FDA spokesman Douglas Arbesfeld, who has worked for several drug companies, is one of the focal members in the...