Yasmin Birth Control Side Effects

Yaz, Yasmin & Ocella Linked to Serious Side Effects

Yasmin is one of the latest in a growing line of birth control products that’s designed to help women prevent unwanted pregnancies. It’s been largely successful over time, and there are many advantages to using Yasmin, also known as “Yaz” and “Yas” by some, which has led to a large volume of sales.

Unfortunately, Yasmin has come under public scrutiny in recent days because of its alleged link to the development of serious side effects. Below is an overview of Yasmin, how it works, how it’s administered and the side effects to which it’s been linked. If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of using Yasmin, you need to contact a defective drugs lawyer as soon as possible in order to schedule a free initial consultation.

About Yasmin

Yasmin is easy to manage, as it’s simply taken in pill form after obtaining a prescription from your doctor, and generally it’s taken every day. While there are ancillary uses for Yasmin, such as for acne in relatively rare cases, Yasmin works by preventing ovulation. It also changes the woman’s cervical and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Yasmin is manufactured by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, and it was originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May of 2001. It was sold all over the world and even led to the introduction of other, similar drugs that were basically seen as generic forms of the original. As stated above, the sales of Yasmin were quite successful in terms of the revenue generated.

Problems Arise

Unfortunately, as is often the case with new and “innovative” drugs that hit the market, Yasmin has encountered recent problems and has been linked to the development of serious side effects. These side effects include:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Pulmonary embolism (PE)
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Death

These problems were seen to be particularly prevalent among women who had used Yasmin and had any sort of history involving cardiovascular problems. Other health histories that have been found to be quite dangerous when taking Yasmin include:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Overweight
• Liver cancer
• Gallbladder problems
• Diabetes

More is being discovered in terms of the potential risks related to using Yasmin every day, and if you have been taking it and have any history involving any of the health issues above, you need to be wary of what’s happening and watch closely for any signs of problems.

Reglan - Heart Burn Alert

Gastrointestinal Medications Come Under FDA Scrutiny

Gastrointestinal disorders affect countless people around the world, and these problems can arise in several different ways. Unfortunately, there is no real ‘cure’ for many of these disorders, but that hasn’t stopped companies all over the world from putting time, money and resources into the development of medications that will at least mitigate the problems associated with gastrointestinal conditions.

Key Ingredient

Although many different brand names have hit the market in recent years that are intended to help manage these problems, there appears to be one ingredient above others that is used in these products – metoclopramide. Metoclopramide is a substance that helps to speed the movement of a patient’s stomach muscles, thereby shortening the time in which it takes for the stomach contents to empty into the intestines. Unfortunately, it also appears that metoclopramide is the ingredient that’s been linked to the development of serious problems in those who have used these substances.

Problems Arise

Recent reports have come about that highlight a potential link between patients who use these products and the development of a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. This condition is one that features the following common symptoms, according to a public health warning recently issued by the FDA:

• Involuntary/ repetitive movements of the extremities
• Lip smacking, pursing and puckering
• Grimacing
• Tongue protrusion
• Rapid eye movements or blinking
• Impaired movement of the fingers

Unfortunately, these symptoms are rarely reversible and there is no accepted treatment for them at this time.

The FDA’s Actions

When a substance draws unwanted attention in cases such as this one, the FDA has a few remedies available. At this point, two have been executed. The first is the requirement of a ‘black box warning’ that’s to be affixed to all products containing metoclopramide that must detail the risk described above. The second remedy is the requirement that a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS, be done. The REMS is designed to weigh the risks vs. the reward of using this product and to provide additional warning to users of these products.

The Brand Names

The FDA listed several brand names of metoclopramide-containing products, and they include:

• Reglan Tablets
• Reglan Oral Disintegrating Tablets
• Reglan Injection
• Metoclopramide Oral Solution

Your Next Step

If you or anyone you love has been harmed as a result of using any of these products or any others containing metoclopramide, you need to contact a defective products attorney as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

Burn Injury Help

Help for Burn Injury Victims & their Families:

Qualified burn injury attorneys can assist you in handling your insurance claims and are able to represent your personal interests during every step of the legal and healing process. If necessary, a burn injury attorney can take your case to trial and ensure that all aspects of your claim are properly addressed as insurance companies spend millions of dollars each year to try and reduce the amount of money they pay in fire damages.

Victim of a Burn Injury:

In addition to the physical aspects of burn injuries, many victims suffer devastating psychological trauma that can be treated through counseling and support groups. By locating a facility with extensive counseling and support resources, victims are able to take the proper steps necessary to return to the lives once knew before the burn injury.

Causes of Burn Injuries:

• defective products
• explosions
• flammable materials
• gas explosions
• hot liquid burns
• motor vehicle fires
• industrial accidents
• building fires
• household fires

Legal Help and Lawyer Resource for Burn Injury Cases:

Families should recognize the importance of hiring competent representation to handle any possible legal concerns surrounding a fire or a burn injury. If another party contributed to the burn injury or fire, a filing a lawsuit may be an option to assist in meeting the overwhelming financial needs of recovery. An experienced attorney may be able to seek significant compensation for your loss of wages, loss of physical movement, pain and suffering and property damages.

Treatments for Burn Injury:

Because all burn injuries vary in scope and severity, a multitude of treatments are used to aid in the healing process. Most burns are initially treated and kept from spreading by submersing the burn area in cold water. Different types of pain medications are prescribed to patients depending on the type and size of the burn. Once cleaning of the burn area is performed, physicians apply special dressings to protect the burn and help it heal. Ointments and gels are also applied on the burn area both to relieve pain and regenerate skin growth.

Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella-Linked Peanut Butter Recalled

Peanut butter is almost a staple in many settings that regularly serve food, including school cafeterias, college campuses and nursing homes, among others. Peanut butter must be manufactured carefully in order for it to avoid contamination from any number of toxins that could lead to serious problems in those who consume it, and unfortunately, recent news has been released that another peanut butter company has distributed a product that has made hundreds of people sick.

The Problem Defined

The Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) and its manufacturing plant in Blakely, Georgia have long been responsible for the manufacture, sale and distribution of peanut butter sold under the brand name of King Nut. Peanut butter and peanut paste from that plant were also used in several popular products, including Austin and Keebler Brand peanut butter crackers.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have determined that all products containing PCA peanut paste and peanut butter have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, in particular the strain Salmonella Typhimurium. As a result, over 2,100 products have now been recalled.

Since September 1, 2008, more than 691 people around the country became ill after consuming products containing PCA peanut paste and peanut butter, and nine people have died as a result. All tested positive for Salmonella Typhimurium. Most consumed King Nut peanut butter or Austin and Keebler brand peanut butter crackers.
The Results

As a result of these investigations, several immediate steps were taken. These steps include:

Peanut Corporation of America’s Blakely, Georgia manufacturing plant was closed.
A full recall of over 2,100 products containing PCA peanut butter was initiated.
Defective products attorneys began interviewing victims of the salmonella outbreak.

Salmonella Defined

Salmonella is a relatively common bacterial infection that affects the patient’s intestinal tract. If someone consumes a product that contains this bacteria, his or her symptoms typically begin to present themselves within 12 to 72 hours of the consumption of the contaminated agent. Some of the common symptoms of salmonella include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pains
Diarrhea
Fever
Chills
Muscle pains
The most troubling aspect of salmonella occurs in those who have weakened immune systems, as those patients can remain highly contagious to others for one year after contracting the infection.

Your Next Step

If you or someone you love has tested positive for Salmonella since September 1, 2008, you need to contact a defective products attorney as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation and to get the process of evaluating your legal rights and options started. You may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Wage and Hours Abuse

Store Manager Lawsuit

Recently, certain Drug Store’s have been investigated due to alleged violations of federal law for failure to pay its Assistant Store Managers overtime wages for working more than 40 hours a week.

Plaintiffs allege in a suit filed on April 4, 2009, complained that a pharmacy they worked at required them regularly to work over 50 hours per week, yet they were not paid overtime as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA, as stated by the United States Department of Labor, establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting employees in the private sector and in Federal, State, and local governments. The plaintiffs were classified as exempt from overtime although their primary duties consisted of non-exempt and non-managerial activities such as operating cash registers, processing form oriented transactional paperwork, sales, stocking and re-stocking merchandise, janitorial duties, answering phones and unloading trucks.

If you are a current or former Drug Store Assistant Store Manager and you did not get paid for working overtime, please fill out the form to the right for a free case evaluation. Find out if you are eligible to receive back pay for overtime wrongfully withheld.

According to the FLSA, covered nonexempt workers are entitled to a minimum wage of not less than $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. Overtime pay at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay is required after 40 hours of work in a workweek. The pharmacies in question were classifying their employees as “exempt” although they were entitled to overtime pay for any extra hours per week that they were required to stay on the clock.

If you or someone you love has been employed by pharmacies alllegedly violating the FLSA, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your suffering and losses. Contact our service today to get in touch with attorneys experienced with these cases and who can make sure your legal rights are protected.

** We are very proud of the results that we obtain for our consumers, but past results afford no guarantee of future results; that every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.

Raptiva Linked to Dangerous Side Effects

Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Linked to Dangerous Side Effects

As new medications are formulated and released, some ultimately prove to present as much danger to those who use them as they do potential cures or solutions. When this happens, victims need an advocate to turn to in order to help them work towards moving past the situation in such a way as the law deems proper.

Unfortunately, one of those drugs that’s been recently alleged to present an unreasonable danger to those who have used them is Raptiva, a widely used medication that was formulated to help with the treatment and management of psoriasis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently gotten involved with this situation, and the steps the agency has taken will be detailed below. In the meantime, you’ll also find an overview of Raptiva and the issues that surround it.

Raptiva’s History and Intended Use

Raptiva is manufactured by Genentech, Inc. and was originally approved for distribution by the FDA in 2003. Its intended use was to help those who suffered from psoriasis manage the disease more comfortably. For a time, Raptiva proved to be successful, but recent reports have shown that several serious and sometimes grave side effects followed its use.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Raptiva works by, “blocking the activation of certain immune cells called T cells, and the migration of those cells into the skin. T cells are a type of white blood cell in the body; in psoriasis, once these T cells are mistakenly activated, they can trigger inflammation and other immune responses and fuel the development of psoriasis lesions.

By blocking T-cell activation and the movement of these cells into the skin, Raptiva interrupts the cycle of psoriasis, leading to improvement in symptoms for many people who take it.”

Raptiva’s Side Effects

After a few years on the market, disturbing reports of side effects believed to have been brought about by Raptiva began to surface. Each of these problems reported are extremely serious in nature, and each is briefly described below.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is a serious, but rarely fatal disease that infects the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It can only be diagnosed with a spinal fluid tap, and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Fatigue

Bacterial Sepsis

Bacterial sepsis is more of a medical term that describes what happens when bacteria invades a person’s bloodstream and causes serious infections in organs such as the kidneys or lungs. Sepsis can be treated with medication, but it’s also possible that a patient can die from this condition.

Invasive Fungal Disease

Invasive fungal disease is a condition that could actually occur in several different ways, depending on the bacteria involved and the parts of the body that are harmed. Some of these bacteria can be treated with medication, but others are extremely difficult to handle.

Brain Infection - Encephalopathy

Encephalopathy means an infection that affects the brain, as stated above. Unfortunately, there are innumerable symptoms that could present themselves when this condition strikes, as different parts of the brain affected will lead to different reactions by the body.

Lymphoma

Raptiva has also shown a tendency to heighten the risk of contracting cancers such as lymphoma, which is a form of cancer that attacks the lymph nodes. Warning signs of lymphoma include pain and/or swelling of the neck, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats and itchiness in several areas of the body. While lymphoma can be treated, like any other cancer, it can also be fatal.

PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy)

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a very rare disease that, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is caused by the reactivation of a common virus in the central nervous system of immune-compromised individuals.”

Those who take Raptiva are under this cloud of risk, and symptoms of PML include:

• Clumsiness
• Progressive weakness
• Visual problems
• Difficulty with speech

Unfortunately, since PML affects the brain, the symptoms can be quite diverse and therefore very difficult to diagnose.

Death and the FDA’s Involvement

As noted above, many of the side effects allegedly linked to Raptiva can lead to the death of patients. Specifically, three deaths of Raptiva users are what prompted the FDA to get involved. All of them suffered from PML. The FDA required Genentech, Inc. to affix a “Black Box” warning to all labels of the medication that clearly state the dangers associated with Raptiva.

Take Action

If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of using Raptiva, you need to find out more about your legal rights. Contact a defective drugs lawyer today to schedule a free initial consultation and to get the process of holding those responsible for the damage caused accountable.

Trasylol Lawsuit

Trasylol Lawsuit

Trasylol doubles the risk of renal failure and stroke and also increases the risk of heart failure or heart attack by 55%

Trasylol is a drug approved by the FDA for use in 1993 to control bleeding in patients undergoing open heart surgery and to reduce the need for blood transfusions. The drug works by blocking enzymes that dissolve blood clots. A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine in January 2006 shows that Trasylol (aprotinin) increases the risk of kidney failure following heart surgery by more than 2.5 times (259%). The study also shows that cheaper alternatives to Trasylol are as effective in limiting blood loss but do not increase the risk of kidney damage.

Many people who were given Trasylol do not know they received it, and medical records need to be reviewed to find out if it was administered.

The manufacturer of the drug, Bayer AG based in Leverkusen, Germany, and its U.S. subsidiary with offices in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, insist that the study in the New England Journal is flawed, and that the drug is safe.

If you or a loved has suffered from kidney failure (renal failure), heart attack, brain damage, now on dialysis, or even death following open heart surgery, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our service today to get in touch with experienced Trasylol attorneys to discuss your case. A Trasylol attorney has the resources and knowledge necessary to help you protect and maximize your legal rights.

** We are very proud of the results that we obtain for our consumers, but past results afford no guarantee of future results; that every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.

USA Injury Help Center

Free Case Evaluation

Frequently, large corporations or insurance companies manipulate unknowing victims, or intentionally intimidate them to keep them from pursuing their legal rights. You must ensure that you seek only the best legal advice and representation available.
Some Personal Injury Areas:

• Catastrophic Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Car Accidents
• Defective Products
• Trucking Accidents
• Slip & Falls
• Head Injury
• Premises Liability
• Vehicle Rollover and Roof Crushes
• Major Personal Injury

Accidents and Injuries Can Affect You In Many Ways:

• Loss of Loved One
• Unable to work
• Disability
• Serious and Permanent Injury
• Serious Long Term Care
• Mental Anguish
• Pain and Suffering
• Health Problems

Have You Or Your Loved One Been Injured?

Our lawyers represent severely injured people in catastrophic personal injury cases. By committing to work on a limited number of select cases, our firm is able to assure each client that their matter will receive personal and aggressive dedication. This intimate attention is a major reason for our success and the victories for our clients. We can help you anywhere in the country, regardless of where you live.
Find out how much your case is worth today! Fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to be contacted by a lawyer in your area.

Vaccine Problems

Vaccines are NOT always Safe… Many Common Vaccines cause SERIOUS INJURY

Vaccines are associated with many serious and deadly conditions, including the following:

• Death
• Encephalopathy
• Seizures
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
• Autoimmune Hepatitis
• Lupus
• Connective Tissue Disorders

Vaccine injury claims are not like traditional personal injury claims and require an attorney admitted to the vaccine court in Washington, DC.

The Vaccine Court

In 1986, Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) to award compensation to individuals who suffer injuries caused by vaccinations. Claims are filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, DC where it will be heard by a special master. A lawyer from the Department of Justice ,who represents the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will defend the case. If the special master finds the injuries were caused by the vaccination, compensation will be awarded for the injured person’s past and future medical needs, future lost wages, and past and future pain and suffering.

Vaccines covered by the National Vaccination Injury Compensation Program include the following:

- Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, DTP-Hib, DT, Td, TT)
- Pertussis antigen-containing vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, DTP, P, DTP-Hib)
- Measles, mumps and rubella virus-containing vaccines in any combination (MMR, MR, M, R)
- Rubella virus-containing vaccines (MMR, MR, R)
- Measles virus-containing vaccines (MMR, MR, M)
- Polio live virus-containing vaccines (OPV)
- Polio inactivated-virus containing vaccines (IPV)
- Hepatitis B antigen-containing vaccines (Engerix-B, Recombivax HB, Twinrix)
- Hemophilus influenzae (type b polysaccharide conjugate vaccines)
- Varicella vaccine (Varivax chickenpox virus vaccine and ProQuad)
- Rotavirus vaccine (Rota Teq )
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (Prevnar)
- Hepatitis A vaccines (Havrix, VAQTA, and Twinrix)
- Trivalent influenza vaccines (Flu vaccines including FluMist, a live attenuated influenza virus vaccine; and injectable influenza vaccines FluShield, Fluvirin, Fluzone, and Afluria)
- Meningococcal vaccines (meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) and meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), Menactra)
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix)

Compensated, although rare, adverse reactions to these vaccines include the following:

death, anaphylaxis, encephalopathy, encephalitis, brachial neuritis, seizures, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, arthritis, thrombocytopenic purpura, intussusception, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, transverse myelitis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, reflexive sympathetic disorder, complex regional pain syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, Tourette’s syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, lupus, connective tissue disorders, Wegener’s granulomatosis, polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), Kawasaki disease, and others.

The Vaccine Court Covers Lawyer’s Fees

Importantly, lawyers’ fees and costs are paid separately out of the same Vaccine Injury Fund from which awards of compensation are paid, so you don’t have to pay your lawyer with your own money and the lawyer’s fees and costs do not come out of the award of compensation for your vaccine injury.

Contact a Vaccine Injury Lawyer

In most instances, with rare exception, you only have two years from the date of injury to file a claim in vaccine court, fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.

Risk of Heart Defects with Paxil

FDA Has Advised: Risk of Heart Defects with Paxil

Paxil has been linked to numerous birth defects. Heart defects including atrial and ventricular septal defects have been linked with Paxil use during the first trimester of pregnancy. According to two studies, women who took the antidepressant Paxil during their first trimester of pregnancy were one and a half to two times more likely to have a baby born with a heart defect than women on other antidepressants or women in the general population. These studies reported mostly atrial and ventricular septal defects, which are holes in heart’s chamber walls. The right and left atria are separated from each other by a septum; one side contains oxygen-rich blood and the other oxygen-poor blood, and the septum keeps these chambers separate. A defect in the septum may need to be repaired surgically and can be life threatening.

Other Paxil Birth Defects

• Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects
• Lung Disorder
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Lung Disorder (PPHN) Linked to Paxil in Pregnancy

Studies have shown an increase in the risk of a lung disordered called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) in babies whose mothers took Paxil during the second half of pregnancy. In utero, a baby does not need to use its lungs and therefore has a special fetal blood vessel, the ductus arteriosus, which carries blood from the pulmonary artery back to the heart, bypassing the lungs. In normal infants at birth, the ductus arteriosus closes as normal breathing begins, and oxygen-rich blood goes to the heart to be circulated throughout the body. However, in babies with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, the ductus arteriosus stays open. As a result, the blood bypasses the lungs, as before birth, and oxygen-poor blood circulates throughout the body to its organs. Signs of PPHN after birth include fast breathing and heart rate, blue skin, and problems breathing. PPHN is serious; infants may require mechanical breathing assistance. Some will die after birth and some will develop brain abnormalities and hearing problems.

If your baby was born with birth defects, and the mother took Paxil while pregnant, contact an attorney today.

Next Page »