Brain Injury Attorney

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Crestor Lawsuits

5/16/2011

Crestor and side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the distribution and prescription of the statin drug, Crestor, in August of 2003. Crestor medication is used specifically to reduce the levels of cholesterol. Like other prescriptions, this medication is used in conjunction with a low fat diet as well as an appropriate exercise program. The medication is not meant to be taken as a substitute for a healthy diet or increased exercise. The strengths in which the medication can be prescribed vary. It includes dosages in 5, 10, 20 and 40 milligrams. However, it is not highly recommended to take the 40mg dosage unless there are specific circumstances. Astra Zeneca is the manufacturer of Crestor. In addition to lowering triglycerides, the manufacturer claims the medication is designed to lower the total amount of cholesterol that is in the blood. It decreases the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increases the “good” cholesterol (HDL). It is cautioned however that Crestor should not be taken with certain other medications because it can lead to serious side effects. As with any drug though, there are some Crestor side effects to take into consideration before beginning the medication. Some reported adverse effects of Crestor include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea and sore throat. However, there are also some side effects for Crestor that, if experienced, a physician should be contacted. These side effects include dark urine, fever, muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and feeling a generalized fatigue while taking the medication. It should also be advised that patients who are pregnant or have a history of liver or kidney disease should not take the medication. Dosage adjustments should be considered in those with diabetes, thyroid disease and those individuals who have more than two alcoholic beverages a day.

A consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, requested a Crestor recall because of life-threatening side effects. The group claims that the manufacturer failed to mention the dangerous side effects of Crestor such as kidney failure, muscle damage, or rhabdomyolysis. If you have suffered from any of these aforementioned side effects, you should contact a Crestor lawyer.

Odor Associated with Topamax Bottles

5/17/2011

Topamax recall has been issued by the manufacturer of the medication, Johnson & Johnson. This recall is for 57,000 bottles of Topamax because of grievances that arose concerning an “uncharacteristic odor”. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals New Jersey based Johnson & Johnson Company, issued the recall announcement. There has been much controversy surrounding this epilepsy and migraine medication, most of which occurred as a result of associated Topamax birth defects . The increased risk for Topamax side effects should be fully considered before using this epilepsy and migraine medication.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman stated the recall involved two lots of 100mg tablets. It is believed there are still a number of bottles in the market place. The odor was thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA. TBA is a wood treatment chemical by-product used in some countries. The wood is used for the construction of pallets utilized for the moving and storage of products. TBA is not believed to be toxic, but it can generate an unpleasant odor. It is also believed that because of this side effect of Topamax, a small number of patients contaminated by TBA reported gastrointestinal problems. Patients who have experienced side effects of Topamax should speak to their physician immediately or speak to a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible because you may be able to file a Topamax lawsuit. The manufacturer took steps in January to try and minimize TBA contamination. The manufacturer has mandated that its suppliers must verify they do not use pallets made of chemically treated wood. It is recommended that those who have noticed an odor with their Topamax bottle return unused medication to their pharmacist and contact a healthcare professional.

Other topiramate side effects include children born with either a Topamax cleft lip or cleft palate. These oral clefts occur during the early stages of development when parts of the lip or palate do not completely fuse together. If your child has experienced an oral cleft, contact a Topamax birth defects lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to receive compensation for damages incurred.

Crestor Class Action Lawsuits

5/16/2011

Crestor class action. A Crestor class action lawsuit should be considered as an appropriate legal option for those who have suffered from some serious side effects of Crestor. Crestor medication, a drug that is prescribed to lower levels of cholesterol, is made by the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for distribution in August 2003, despite the already apparent problems the drug seemed to cause. A Crestor lawsuit may be an appropriate legal option if you have suffered from any serious injuries as a direct result of using Crestor, otherwise known by its generic name, rosuvastatin. The FDA did not approve higher dosages of the medication because the side effects for Crestor were considered too dangerous for a patient to use. The most serious of the Crestor side effects includes a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This potentially life-threatening condition is a serious disease that breaks down skeletal muscles and can lead to acute renal failure. Early clinical trials showed a significantly higher risk for developing this deadly disease. Surprisingly, at least seven cases of rhabdomyolysis were reported before the drug was even approved for distribution in the United States. Regardless of this dangerous Crestor side effect, AstraZeneca still marketed the drug. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, has cautioned against the use of Crestor. The group argues that patients who take Crestor are at a high risk of suffering from these serious side effects. The advocacy group also claims that the FDA failed to adequately warn and protect individuals who take Crestor. The advocacy group has recommended a Crestor recall.

Individuals who have taken Crestor and been injured while using this medication have the legal right to seek monetary compensation for any symptoms, diseases, or conditions experienced as a direct result of this medication. A Crestor lawsuit could be the right step to take if any of these conditions have been experienced. It is important to gather all of the necessary Crestor information before committing to use the cholesterol reducing medication on a regular basis.

Interaction between Birth Control Pills and Topamax

5/31/2011

Pregnancy and Topamax. The active ingredient in Topamax is called topiramate. Women should be aware of the fact that topiramate may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women should also consider the risks of combining the use of Topamax and pregnancy. This side effect of Topamax should be made known to women of child-bearing age. The other side effects of Topamax such as oral cleft birth defects should be considered as well if a woman is taking this prescription medication while pregnant. Studies have suggested that women who use Topamax and birth control pills at the same time are at a higher rate of contraceptive failure. An increase in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone has been indicated by these studies. This side effect of Topamax leads to the failure of the hormone-based birth control pills. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also considered the risks of using Topamax. Earlier this year, Topamax was moved from Pregnancy Category C to Pregnancy Category D. The Topamax warning changed after data from studies indicated a higher risk of babies being born with oral clefts when women took the drug during the early months of pregnancy. For this drug to be in the Pregnancy Category D, it means there is evidence from studies using human data that suggests a fetus is at risk for Topamax birth defects when women take the drug during pregnancy. It is important to consider the risks of having a child with a Topamax birth defect versus the benefits before committing to take this medication.

The North American Antiepileptic Drug (AED) Pregnancy Registry provided data that indicated infants who are exposed to Topamax during the first three months of pregnancy were born with a Topamax cleft lipat a significantly higher number when compared to the rate of birth defects experienced as a result of other antiepileptic drugs. If you or someone you know has given birth to a child with a side effect of Topamax, you should contact a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible for a consultation so they can advise you on filing a Topamax lawsuit.

Medical Budget to Include Birth Injury Funds Established in New York

A new birth injury neurological fund for 2011-2012 has been set up by the state of New York to cover birth injury lawsuits ; however, it is receiving much controversy as to who is truly benefiting from this endeavor. A large contributing factor to this initiative is the fact that hospitals will save an estimated $320 million in malpractice premiums, according to the Greater New York Hospital Association because over half of all medical malpractice lawsuits filed are birth-related.

According to Times Union, New York hospitals will no longer cover medical costs for children who have suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, instead, any birth injury lawsuit or birth injury settlement will be paid by the state. One of the conditions of having a brain or spinal cord related birth injury covered is that it has to be, “caused by the deprivation of oxygen or mechanical injury in the course of labor, delivery or resuscitation or by other medical services provided or not provided during delivery admission”. What has some patient advocates concerned is that they believe having the government pay for medical negligence cases will allow the responsible medical parties to go “unpunished” and free from criticism. The medical community, however, largely supports the initiative assuring the community that hospitals will be frequently monitored and as part of the health budget plan, a “state obstetrical patient safety workgroup” will be established to help ensure that medical professionals are following the standard medical practices expected of them while in the delivery room.

Sources report that New York will contribute to the birth injury fund as follows: $30 million will be put into to the fund in its first year before increasing to $70 million in its second and third years. By its fourth year, the state will be contributing $100 million to the fund. Now, families still must file lawsuits and prove medical negligence in court and if they win or settle the lawsuit, they would then be enrolled into the fund. The fund then pays for the child’s lifetime medical costs, however, the defendants are still responsible for attorneys’ fees and any punitive damages awarded by a jury. Contact a birth injury lawyer if you feel that your child may have suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice and want to know if you may be entitled to a settlement.

Birth Injury Studies Conducted in California Hospitals

(May 27, 2011)

The growing numbers of birth injuries in California hospitals have led to studies conducted to find out what is causing the increase. An example of one such study was commissioned by the California Hospital Association to find out what the percentage of birth injury lawsuits were being paid by medical malpractice insurances, however, even though the exact amount was unclear, what was discovered was that 1 out of 20 patients seeking medical attention from hospitals were injured due to medical negligence and 1 out of every 10 patients died as a direct result. With these astonishing results, it leaves little reassurance for expecting California mothers who have made arrangements to deliver in a California hospital.

There are many factors that can lead to a birth injury , some of them due to natural causes beyond anyone’s control while others are due to negligence on the medical facility’s part. Medical malpractice in birth injuries can be attributed to medical procedures that were not adhered to or as a lack of direct contribution from the attending doctors or staff. For example: failure to administer tests to detect abnormalities, signs of fetal or respiratory distress and not performing a Cesarean section within the required time frame. Two of the common birth injuries that can result from medical negligence are:

• cerebral palsy – This condition usually occurs by injuries or abnormalities of the brain that is caused either before or after birth which is characterized by motor dysfunction, e.g. spasms and lack of muscular coordination.

• erbs palsy (or brachial palsy) – A paralysis or weakness of the arm caused by stretching of the nerves around the shoulder during birth. This damage can be caused by excessive pulling on the arm during birth or by pressure on raised shoulders during a breech delivery.

Even though careful monitoring throughout all stages of pregnancy is important, following set hospital procedures and guidelines by all medical staff helps to ensure a successful delivery process for both the mother and the infant. If in the unfortunate event that your child received a birth injury due to medical negligence, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to contact a reputable birth injury law firm who has the experience and knowledge you need to need to determine if you have a case.

Birth Injury Legal Options in California

(May 25, 2011)

birth injuries such as cerebral palsy and erbs palsy can be devastating both physically and emotionally for all parties involved, not to mention the unexpected medical expenses that will be involved. It is especially difficult when the expecting mother has had no prior indications throughout her prenatal care that there will be any complications with her baby or her labor process. Words cannot even begin to express the heartache of finding out after delivery that the baby’s birth injury could have been prevented.

Medical negligence is defined in many states like California as, “the act or omission in treatment of a patient by a medical professional, which deviates from the accepted medical standard of care”. What this simply means is the doctor and/or medical staff didn’t follow standard medical procedures when treating and caring for a patient. There are many things that can cause birth injuries such as: fetal distress, a breech birth, shoulder dystocia (Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s head and shoulder get lodged in their mother’s pelvic bone), and oxygen deprivation. So, giving birth to an injured baby following an otherwise normal pregnancy can be a very confusing situation for California families and if they choose to pursue a birth injury lawsuit , there will be some questions that only an experienced birth injury attorney can answer. Some commonly asked questions are:

? What is the statute of limitations for bringing a birth injury claim in my state?

? In a lawsuit for birth injury, how does a jury determine if medical negligence was involved?

? Do all medical malpractice cases require expert testimony?

? If we prosecute a case on behalf of our child, how long will it take to reach resolution?

? Are there limits on the amount of recovery against a doctor or hospital?

So, if it is determined that your child has suffered a birth injury and you feel that medical negligence was involved, contacting a knowledgeable birth injury law firm can put you on the right track to possibly receiving monetary compensation that you and your family deserve.

(May 24, 2011)

New birth injury dangers recently surfaced at the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn according to an article published in the New York Times. Data listed in the reports showed an excessive amount of X-ray imaging being conducted on newborn babies who were up to 26 weeks premature. While it is not uncommon for babies who have been born prematurely to undergo chest X-rays, New York State Inspectors cited 27 cases of “over-radiation” due to multiple and unnecessary X-rays as well as additional citations given for not properly shielding infant’s heads, arms, and abdomen. The New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav R. Shah’s reply to the published article stated that, “We were disappointed to find so many X-rays in our sampling that did not have adequate shielding to protect infants from being exposed to excess radiation and additional training with increased monitoring must be put into place to rectify this situation”. The reason for concerns over this possible new birth injury is due to the fact that high levels of radiation can be dangerous and can increase risks of the development of cancer in infants due to their accelerated cell division.

It is unfortunate that not only do expecting parents have to concern themselves about possible birth injuries such as cerebral palsy and erbs palsy ; they now have be aware of any possible unnecessary testing or over-exposure to radiation when X-rays are involved and especially if delivering at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. If you feel that your child may have suffered from improper or excessive radiation (or any other birth injury) due to medical staff not following proper protocol in regard to X-rays or other such testing, you may be entitled to a birth injury lawsuit that will help recover any current or future expenses that may incur. Because this is a new development in reference to birth injuries, a knowledgeable and experienced birth injury attorney can answer any questions that you many have.

Dangerous Crestor Side Effects

5/25/2011

Crestor and side effects. Only a few months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Crestor, it was reported that seven individuals who took Crestor developed a life threatening side effect, rhabdomyolysis. In addition, nine patients reportedly suffered from severe kidney damage. The patients took the Crestor medication to reduce dangerous levels of cholesterol. Later, a woman developed this Crestor side effect, rhabdomyolysis, and died. These side effects are obviously serious and should not be taken lightly.

Recently the Vioxx trial and award have brought much attention to drug related lawsuits. Some individuals may be hesitant to file Crestor lawsuits because they may not realize their symptoms or diseases are a direct result from this medication. It may also be the case that these people do not understand or are fully aware of their legal rights as patients. If this is the case, a Crestor attorneyshould be contacted. Crestor lawyers will be able to provide you with all the necessary information. Astra Zeneca, the manufacturer of Crestor, recently relabeled its medicine with a Crestor warning. Two main lawsuits have been filed against Crestor. One was an individual lawsuit but the other was a Crestor class action lawsuit where Crestor can be sued by a large number of people seeking compensation for damages suffered. If you do decide to file a Crestor lawsuit, it is important to pay attention to the statute of limitations. Individuals will have to file their claim within the state appointed time or they will not be able to seek compensation for damages. Lawsuits generally start from the time the side effects were diagnosed or the time of an unfortunate death.

Regardless of the case, a Crestor related lawsuit should be taken into consideration if there are distinct side effects arising from taking the drug or while on the drug. A Crestor lawyershould be contacted for a consultation regarding your situation and your circumstances. Crestor attorneys will be able to provide you with all the information you will need and file a lawsuit on your behalf.