Side Effects of Medtronic Bone Grafts

Posted on July 26, 2012

The Medtronic Infuse bone graft has been a popular topic lately, with all of the information coming out on how patients have been injured because of it. For those of you unfamiliar with the Medtronic Infuse bone graft, it is a bioengineered morphogenetic protein (BMP), a liquid bone graft used to encourage bone growth to replace spinal disks. In some case it has proven to be effective, but has also been accompanied by many side effects. The problems with the Medtronic Infuse have shown up enough to make for the potential for the filing of law suits.

Some of the Side Effects are

  • Sterility in males
  • Cancer
  • Infections
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling of the neck and throat
  • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking
  • Nerve damage
  • Cyst formation

The Infuse was originally approved by the FDA for use on the lower lumbar spine. Many surgeons were using the bone graft to do surgeries that it was never approved for. Studies that were commissioned to look into these Medtronic side effects may have been skewed in the manufacturer’s favor, as there have been allegations of bribery and a cover-up of the results. According to a study of the clinical trials sponsored by Medtronic, 10% to 50% of the participants experienced these negative side effects, but this was not reported by the researchers in their papers.

A reported 17% of Medtronic bone graft procedures were performed off-label on the cervical spine, the bone graft had never been approved for that procedure. This had led to life threatening complications.

Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft Attorney

If you or a loved one has had a Medtronic Infuse bone graft and has complications because of it, you need to contact our team of dangerous drug and products attorneys. We will give you a free evaluation, you could be entitled to compensation for your suffering. We want to help you get your life back together. Contact us today so we can help with your case.

Sources:

“Side Effects Of Medtronic Infuse Bone Grafts”, by classaction.org

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Injuries due to medication on the rise

Posted on July 18, 2012

The number of injuries related to medication is on the rise.  In 2004, there were 1.2 million reports of injury.   In 2011, the number had risen to over 2 million.

Patients who are treated for injuries resulting from medications need hospital treatment for many reasons.   Whether the wrong type and dose of medication is given or too much is taken, the alarming increase in injuries has sparked concern.  The persistent problem most commonly occurs due to negligence.  A pharmacist or nurse accidentally giving the wrong drug or a physician prescribing the wrong medication are a few mistakes which can lead to drug-related injuries.

The Institute of Medicine did a study on medication mistakes, estimating that they caused $3.5 billion in added costs for lost wages, productivity, and health care expenses.

The problem can be fixed, however.  Improved communication between health care professionals and patients can create a safer medical environment.  There are plans to increase electronic prescriptions with more specific labeling to prevent common errors.

Pain relievers, blood thinners, cancer drugs, and asthma treatments are some of the drugs which cause drug prescription mistakes.  One in five emergency cases related to medication involve either a child or teenager.  Additionally, patients older than 65-years-old are most likely to be hospitalized for medication-related injuries.

Drug Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a drug injury, you need an experienced drug injury lawyer on you side. Drug injury cases can be very complicated, make sure you get drug injury attorneys that are experienced and knowledgeable about the many types of drug injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Sourcs:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/14/medication-related-injuries-on-the-rise/
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Actos Attorney

Posted on July 13, 2012

After first being criticized for increasing the risk of heart failure, a new study concludes that Actos also doubles the risk of bone fractures.

According to endocrinologist James Snyder, the drug causes osteoporosis and brittle bones.  The FDA in June said Actos can “increase risk of bladder cancer,” and is being studied further.  The problem is that many patients need the treatment the drug offers.   Aggressively controlling blood sugar levels, Actos is the best option for many diabetes patients.

In order to prevent bone diseases, doctors are advised to test patient bone strength before prescribing the drug.  Taking this precaution helps determine which patients can deal with the side effects of the drug and thus will benefit most from Actos.

Bone-density screening is an effective test to determine whether a patient should take Actos.  If a doctor suggests the drug, make sure you have your bone strength and immune system tested before taking the medication.

Actos Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved on has experienced bladder problems, or heart failure while taking actos, call us immediately. We have an experienced team of drug injury attorneys that can help you. Contact us for a free consultation.

Sources:

http://www.8newsnow.com/story/8252150/new-info-comes-to-light-over-diabetes-drug-avandia

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Diabetes/27091

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Is Zoloft Really Helping You?

Posted on July 5, 2012

Almost 20 million Americans suffer from depression.  As the number rises because of the current economy, more people turn to medications such as Zoloft.

Zoloft, one of the leading anti-depressants prescribed.  The manufacturer spent $275 million dollars on commercials in 2011 alone!  Questions regarding the effectiveness of anti-depressants such as a Zoloft have risen in the past few years as more people are using them.  Donato Vaccaro, who works with Consumer Reports, comments on how anti-depressants relieve symptoms very quickly but have major setbacks.  “It can take a lot of trial and error to get the right medication that works for your depression or your anxiety,” Vaccaro says.  Side effects are common, from weight gain to loss of libido.  The drug can potentially hurt you more than it helps you

On the other hand, talk therapy has been known to have only positive results.  Even though the therapy takes longer to be successful, it is more consistent and powerful.

According to the Huffington Post, Las Vegas is the tenth saddest city in the United States.  Drug therapy is common because it is generally more expensive and time consuming to locate a therapist.  However, when taking drugs such as Zoloft, it is important to understand the risks.  Abuse of the drug could lead to more intense physiological or physical problems.

Before starting a drug therapy program, talk to your doctor about other medications you may be taking, and potential side effects or drug interactions which may occur.

Zoloft Attorney

If you know of someone who has given birth to child with serious defects while prescribed Zoloft, contact us immediately. Zoloft has been linked to life threatening lung problems in newborns. If you you or a loved one has been affected by this, we have experienced attorneys to help you, fill out a contact form for a free consultation.

Sources:

“Consumer Reports: Anti-Depressants or Talk”

“America’s Saddest Cities”

 

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Plavix in short term use.

Posted on July 5, 2012

A new study shows a six month treatment of the blood thinner Plavix after placement of a stent is more effective than a two year course of the same medication.  Not only is the shorter treatment safer, it is cheaper and more efficient for recovery.

A stent is a small tube used to keep an artery open following an angioplasty which opens the clogged artery.  Plavix is used to thin the blood to avoid clots and heart attacks.  How long Plavix should be taken was still being debated until recently when PRODIGY, released results of its study of 2,000 patients.  PRODIGY found the results were the same for either six months or two years of treatment with Plavix, however, the patients who received the two year course of treatment were twice as likely to have a serious bleed at 7.4% as opposed to 3.5% for those who received the six month treatment.

As the cost of Plavix is anywhere from $4 to $6 a day, a six month treatment is much more cost-effective, and significantly safer for patients, decreasing the risk of heart attack or blood clots.

If you take or are considering taking Plavix, consult a doctor about what length of treatment is recommended.  Clinically, a six month course of treatment has been proven the better choice.

Plavix Attorney

If you or a loved one had medical complications and think that it may be linked to Plavix, contact a Plavix recall lawyer. Fill out a contact form to get a free consultation. You may be entitled to compensation. Don’t wait to act immediately.

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