In a recent landmark decision, the Supreme Court refused to hear a claim from pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson alleging that a rival company stole its drug technology. Johnson & Johnson originally sued Abbott Laboratories for $1.67 billion, saying that Abbott infringed on its Humira patents. Humira, with sales of nearly $8 billion last year, is Abbott’s best-selling drug. The controversial medication is used to treat a variety of conditions, including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. While we’ll never know for sure what went into the Supreme Court’s decision, I certainly hope the judges took Kara Mae Pletan into consideration. Pletan, who took Humira for Crohn’s disease, is one of dozens of people who’ve come forward saying that Humira causes severe nerve damage. “Perhaps Humira is…efficacious in the treatment of Crohn’s Disease,” said Pletan’s court papers, filed in Cook County, IL, where Abbott is located. “However, it is an… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Dangerous Drugs
Subscribe to Dangerous Drugs RSS FeedMemphis Man Sues Abbott, Saying Humira Caused Histoplasmosis
Posted in Humira[CAPTION: Fred Delano says Humira weakened his immune system, therefore leaving him vulnerable to histoplasmosis. (Photo Courtesy of the Memphis Flyer)] For people living in the Mississippi River Valley, histoplasmosis remains a fairly serious threat. Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection spread by airborne spores. It’s especially prevalent in places with bird droppings, such as bat caves and chicken coops. Though Fred Delano worked in an advertising agency, he claims he contracted histoplasmosis as a result of taking the Abbott Laboratories drug Humira. Delano, who lives in Memphis, said he began taking Humira in late 2008 to help with his arthritis. Within months, Delano began experiencing bizarre symptoms, including night sweats, migraine headaches and pronounced weight loss. Fearing for his life, Delano checked himself into a hospital in February 2009. After conducting several tests, doctors diagnosed Delano with the most severe form of histoplasmosis, called “disseminated histoplasmosis.” Delano believes Humira weakened… Continue Reading
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Expands Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Practice Areas On Website
Posted in Dangerous DrugsAs personal injury lawyers who are presently representing clients in matters involving injuries related to drugs with improper warnings and defective medical devices, we are proud to reveal the recent updates to these areas on our firm website. Recently we have expanded, web materials involving the following practice areas: Humira Neurological Injury: In 2002, Abbott Labs introduced Humira to the marketplace as an injectable treatment for several medical conditions that primarily affected children and young adults. As a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNF blocker), Humira joined a family of drugs that was designed to kill the TNF cells. TNF blockers are thought to reduce inflammation that is responsible for causing pain related to an underlying condition. The full extent of the neurological risks that were known by Abbott at the time Humira was brought to market is still unknown. But, at the very least, there were indications of demyelination complications… Continue Reading
Multiple Lawsuits Claim Abbott’s Humira Caused Vision Loss & Neurological Injury
Posted in Dangerous Drugs, HumiraTwo separate lawsuits are alleging that Abbott Laboratories’ best-selling Humira drug, used to treat Crohn’s disease, caused lasting nerve damage in patients’ feet and eyes. The first lawsuit, filed in April by Kara Mae Pletan of Montana, claims that Humira was responsible for “stabbing pains and hypersensitivity” in her feet. “The progression of the nerve damage seems to have stopped [after ceasing Humira injections],” Pletan said in court documents. “But the nerve damage appears to be permanent.” According to the Humira lawsuit papers, Pletan began developing severe nerve problems during her third month of Humira treatment in 2008. Along with suing Abbott for peripheral neuropathy (painful numbness in feet), Pletan claims that the pharmaceutical giant knowingly withheld information about the side effects of Humira. “Abbott has downplayed the risk of side effects, including the very real risk of permanent neuropathy,” said Pletan’s lawyer, Andy Vickery. The second lawsuit, filed in… Continue Reading
FDA Issues Warning About Humira, Saying Drug May Pose Cancer Risk to Teens
Posted in HumiraA recent warning issued on the FDA’s Web site says Humira, a drug used to treat Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, may put teens at risk for developing cancer. “The FDA continues to receive reports of a rare cancer of white blood cells, primarily in adolescents and young adults being treated for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, with medicines known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers,” the FDA said in its statement. “[We] believe the risks and benefits of using TNF blockers…should be carefully weighed when prescribing these drugs to children and young adults.” Humira, first developed in 2002 by Abbott Laboratories, helps block “TNF,” a protein in the body that causes inflammation. (TNF stands for “tumor necrosis factor.”) Excess TNF causes common symptoms of Crohn’s disease, like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Other “TNF blocker” medications include Remicade, Enbrel, Cimzia and Simponi. TNF blockers are also referred… Continue Reading
Multiple Lawsuits Claim Abbott’s Humira Caused Permanent Nerve Damage
Posted in HumiraTwo separate lawsuits are alleging that Abbott Laboratories’ best-selling Humira drug, used to treat a variety of medical conditions including arthritis and Crohn’s disease, caused lasting nerve damage in patients’ feet, eyes— and complete neurological system. The first lawsuit, filed in April by Kara Mae Pletan of Montana, claims that Humira was responsible for “stabbing pains and hypersensitivity” in her feet. “The progression of the nerve damage seems to have stopped [after ceasing Humira injections],” Pletan said in court documents. “But the nerve damage appears to be permanent.” According to lawsuit papers, Pletan began developing severe nerve problems during her third month of Humira treatment in 2008. Along with suing Abbott for peripheral neuropathy (painful numbness in feet), Pletan claims that the pharmaceutical giant, Abbott, knowingly withheld information about the side effects of Humira. “Abbott has downplayed the risk of side effects, including the very real risk of permanent… Continue Reading
Lack Of Medical Studies Regarding Medication’s Impact On Children Results In Tough Decisions For Pregnant Women
Posted in Dangerous DrugsAs an expectant father, I really can sympathize with the deliemmas highlighted in Melinda Beck’s Wall Street Journal article, “Can Mom’s Medicine Hurt the Baby?” Like most pregnant women, my wife is incredibly sensitive to how the foods she eats and the beverages she drinks will impact our developing fetus. However, I can only imagine how trying similar decisions must be fore expectant mother’s who are prescribed medications for medical conditions they have– both prior to and develop during pregnancy. Given the obvious lack of information available regarding pharmaceutical drugs’ impact on both expectant mother and fetus, the information void– certainly gives rise to feelings of hesitancy– and fear. As a result many women are left to feel in the dark as even their own physicians have little concrete information to advise on which medications to take– or avoid. As Ms. Beck highlights these decisions are indeed very difficult… Continue Reading
Are the alleged side effects from Accutane use getting overblown?
Posted in Dangerous DrugsAccutane (also known as Isotretinoin) was a drug used to treat severe acne. The drug was made by Roche Pharmaceuticals. In June 2009, Roche decided to discontinue the manufacture and distribution of Accutane. It is a form of Vitamin A, which can help release the amount of oil your skill releases. There are very strict restrictions in place to ensure that pregnant women do not take the drug because it can cause birth defects. A few years ago, Accutane received a lot of press when it was linked to increases in depression and suicide. However, there was no clinical proof that Accutane increases depression symptoms. Now, Accutane may be associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The Gastroenterology & Hepatology Journal article “Is Isotretinoin a Causative Factor in IBD?” is a Q&A between the journal’s author, Dr. Michael D. Kappelman, and the G&H Journal. Dr. Kappelman was an author… Continue Reading
More Evidence That Topamax Manufacturer Is Responsible For Birth Defects
Posted in Dangerous Drugs, TopamaxI’ve written a lot about the serious problems associated with use of Topamax during pregnancy. After all, the FDA ordered Topamax to be re-labelled and re-classified in March, 2011 in response to data suggesting a conclusive correlation between Topamax usage by pregnant woman and birth defects such as: cleft lip, cleft palate, Spina Bifida, facial defects and pediatric heart problems. The swift decision to change the classification / labelling of Topamax is mainly due to the data collected by the FDA. The FDA collects information about problems associated with all drugs in an Adverse Event Database. According to the FDA’s adverse Event Report database: There are 244 safety reports concerning Topamax users who believe their child was adversely affected by the drug 114 of the 244 safety reports (approximately 47%) are related to birth defects 12% of adverse complaints are related to cleft lip / cleft palate 12% of the… Continue Reading
Hollywood Heavyweights Take The Stand In Actor’s Accutane Lawsuit
Posted in Dangerous DrugsA lawsuit against Accutane manufacturer, Roche, is providing a glimpse of what I expect to play out for years to come in pending lawsuits filed by individuals who have suffered dramatic injuries believed to be associated with their use of a commonly prescribed acne-fighting medication Accutane. A New jersey courtroom is host to a trial that actor James Marshall has initiated against Roche for injuries and lost wages he has incurred as the result of his use of Accutane as a teenager. In total, Mr. Marshall is seeking $11 million from Roche due to his development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon removal that was allegedly necessitated by his use of Accutane in the early 1990′s. Well known Hollywood personalities, Brian Dennehy, Rob Reiner and Martin Sheen have testified on behalf of Mr. Marshall relating to his disability and inability to work as a result of his current medical… Continue Reading
Topamax Injuries: Drug’s Impact On Effectiveness Of Birth Control May Have Contributed To Outburst Of Birth Injuries
Posted in Birth Injuries, Dangerous DrugsJust last month, the FDA issued some fairly impressive warnings regarding women’s use of Topamax during pregnancy. In fact, the FDA re-categorized the drug from a Category C- Pregnancy Drug to Category D– an important reclassification due to the scientific evidence linking Topamax usage with birth defects. Like other drugs categorized as a Class D, the FDA has conclusively established the use of Topamax with “human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigations or marketing experience or studies in humans.” However the FDA’s Class D warning goes on to say that even with the known risks, the use of the drug may be acceptable if the pregnant woman has a medical condition that threatens her life. In particular, Topamax has been associated with birth defects such as: Cleft lip Cleft palate Heart defects Facial deformities Deformed limbs While some of these Topamax birth defects, appear to have been… Continue Reading
New FDA Warnings Suggest Correlation Between Topomax And Birth Defects Including: Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Posted in Dangerous Drugs, TopamaxA new FDA warning was recently published which warns women of childbearing age that their use of Topomax (and other generic variations known as topiramate) significantly increases their chances of giving birth to a child with mouth-related birth defects. Topiramate is a widely used prescription medication used to control epilepsy and severe headaches. Women taking Topomax were more than three times more likely to give birth to a child with birth defects related to a child’s mouth such as: cleft lip or cleft palate compared with women taking other brands of epilepsy drugs. Researchers estimate that infants born to women taking Topomax have a 1.4% chance of a having a birth defect relating to their mouth. As a result of the new disclosures, the FDA is requiring Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Topomax and other generic Topomax manufacturers to incorporate stronger warnings about use and pregnancy. Children born facial… Continue Reading
Research Supports The Connection Between Humira Usage And Development Of Cancer In Children
Posted in Dangerous Drugs, HumiraI recently met with a family who’s teenage daughter developed multiple lesions on her lungs and significant vision loss after taking Humira for treatment of her Crohn’s Disease. Turns out, her situation is not unique. A substantial number of children, teens and adults who have taken Humira for various types of arthritis and other types of inflammatory conditions have now developed cancer and other debilitating neurological complications within several years of their usage. Lawyers are currently investigating how much knowledge Humira’s manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories, had with respect the increased risk of cancer in the drugs users. However, the medical community has now conclusively established a connection between Humira usage and cancer, infection and autoimmune disorders. Use of Humira (generic name Adalimunab and a similar drug Remicade) has been linked to a significant rise in the development of the following types of cancers: Lung tumors Skin Gastrointestinal Breast Lymphoma Leukemia… Continue Reading
Isn’t It Time For Drug Manufacturers To Start Making Drugs Less Attractive For Children To Avoid Chances Of Overdose?
Posted in Dangerous DrugsOn December 14, 2010, the FDA issued a press release regarding younger children mistaking Tessalon liquid cough capsules for candy. Younger children have been known to be attracted to the round, liquid-filled capsules that resemble popular candies such as Lemonheads or Skittles. Though the FDA has approved the use of Tessalon (benzonatate) in children over 10-years-old, the regulatory agency specifically warns against use in younger children because the risk of overdose of benzonatate which may result in cardiac arrest, convulsion, coma— or even death. According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System database, five children under two have died shortly after taking just one or two Tessalon capsules. In addition to adding a new warning and precaution section to the benzonatate drug label, the FDA suggests parents keep Tessalon in a child-resistant package and out of the reach of children. Adverse side-effects and medication errors can be reported… Continue Reading
Major Birth Defects Associated With Use Of Paxil During Pregnancy
Posted in Dangerous DrugsThe medical evidence is mounting against pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKilne (GSK), regarding its knowledge of the increased rate of birth defects in children born to women who used Paxil during their pregnancy. Paxil is a commonly prescribed antidepressant drug that has been used by millions of people. Paxil is part of a well known group of drugs known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) that includes other anti-depressants such as Zoloft and Prozac. As we learn more about GSK’s knowledge of the dangers associated with the use of Paxil (also referred to as paroxetine) during pregnancy, over the past few years the Food and Drug Administration has issued several warnings regarding Paxil usage during all phases of pregnancy. Birth Defects Associated With Paxil The most prominent birth defects associated with the use of Paxil include atrial septal defects (ASD) and ventral septal defects (VSD)– essentially heart and lung problems. Currently, research… Continue Reading
The Connection Between Accutane & Inflammatory Bowel Disease Has Been Established. Was Your Teen Harmed?
Posted in Dangerous DrugsFor almost 30 years, parents have looked to Accutane and its generic derivatives to help their children with severe cases of acne. As it turns out, Accutane was effective treating the acne, however scientists are just now confirming many of the suspected side-effect problems associated with Accutane are indeed related. Initially, the connection between various birth defects and Accutane usage was established and the medical community reacted to the issue by making sure young woman were taking birth control. However, the most recent chapter in the Accutane saga related to a much larger demographic and has similarly devastating results. The medical and scientific communities have now conclusively established that Accutane use has been connected to a painful, embarrassing and downright life changing condition known as Accutane Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Crohn’s. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a real medical condition characterized by painful inflammation of the bowel that may contribute… Continue Reading