Jacksonville Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorneys
Pharmaceutical Litigation and Medical Alerts
Doctors prescribe drugs to cure illnesses…not to cause them! Unfortunately, many individuals can find that the side effects of some drugs far outweigh their benefits, causing long-term medical complications, frightening health scares, and even disability or death. What do you do when you have been endangered by a defective drug? Read on for more information and your legal options.
Recently, general pharmaceutical dangers have received increasing press. All too often, greedy drug manufacturers push to have their drugs released on the public before sufficient testing is completed. They can overlook or hide adverse side effects while pushing the benefits of their drugs. The result can be disastrous to individuals who take the drugs and experience their brutal side effects…and the dangers may not be addressed by the FDA or the pharmaceutical company for months or even years. The FDA response is often underwhelming, consisting of a mere order to beef up the warning label. In extreme cases, the drug can sit on shelves for years and be distributed worldwide while side effects build and build among affected patients.
Dangerous drug recalls, "dear doctor" letters and black box warnings are some of the outcomes for unsafe drugs. But what do these do for injured patients who have already experienced side effects? Fortunately, the law allows these individuals to seek compensation and justice in the civil courts, where they may file lawsuits related to the defective drugs and take the drug companies to task as they seek financial compensation to cover the various costs of lost wages, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment.
Though anyone can file a defective drug lawsuit, not everyone can win. Due to the complex issues of this area of law, it is recommended that individuals who wish to take on the drug companies do so with the support and expertise of an experienced attorney. At Farah & Farah, we understand the frustration and fear you can experience when a drug causes unintended side effects – and we're here to fight on your behalf. Our track record was founded on large settlements and favorable verdicts for thousands of satisfied clients.
Do you have a general pharmaceutical lawsuit? Farah & Farah can help. Just call today for a confidential, complimentary case consultation. It could be the first step toward justice and compensation for your drug side effects.
Dangerous Drugs and Pharmaceutical Recalls
- Accutane®
- Avandia®
- Bextra®
- Byetta®
- Chantix®
- Cipro®
- Cox-2 Inhibitors
- Crestor®
- Depo-Provera®
- Digitek®
- Ephedra
- Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents
- Fosamax®
- Gadolinium
- Gardasil®
- Heparin®
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hydroxycut®
- Kugel® Hernia Patch
- Ortho Evra® Birth Control Patch
- OxyContin®
- Permax® and Dostinex®
- Premarin®
- Prempro®
- Provera®
- Raptiva®
- Serzone®
- Stevens Johnson Syndrome
- Thimerosal
- Trasylol®
- Vioxx®
- Vytorin®
- Zelnorm®
- Zetia®
- Zicam®
- Zithromax®
Accutane®
Accutane®, available only by prescription, is the most potent acne drug on the market today and is usually considered a last resort when other treatments fail. Due to its strong formulation many patients experience side effects. Although many of these side effects, such as very dry skin, sun sensitivity, and nausea, are manageable, some patients experience more serious effects.
Accutane® has been shown to cause serious birth defects (including mental retardation and physical deformities), or cause fetal death. Due to these risks, Accutane® is prescribed only to patients who agree with their doctors on a pre-prescription pregnancy prevention plan. In addition, Accutane® has been linked to cases of depression, psychosis, and suicide. These dangers prompted the FDA to revise Accutane® warning labels and add a separate consent form acknowledging the risks prior to allowing patients to begin taking the drug.
Despite these safety precautions, Accutane® has still been linked to many birth defects and suicides. If you or a loved one has been harmed as a result of Accutane® use, contact our product liability lawyers to arrange a consultation.
Visit our Accutane® lawsuits page for more information.
Avandia®
With diabetes on the rise, it's no wonder that medications designed to manage this often fatal disease are flooding the market. Unfortunately for consumers of Avandia, a popular diabetes drug produced by pharmaceutical megacorporation GlaxoSmithKline, serious health problems can result from the medication itself. Here's what you need to know about Avandia and its dangers:
Read More about dangerous Avandia side effects
Bextra®
Bextra® is a member of a family of drugs called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which are also commonly referred to as COX-2 inhibitors. Bextra®, along with other NSAIDs such as Vioxx®, Celebrex®, and Arcoxia®, has been used to treat sufferers of arthritis, inflammation, stiffness, and severe menstrual pain. COX-2 inhibitors were considered beneficial due to their ability to provide strong pain relief and anti-inflammation without the irritation of the stomach lining previously associated with such treatments.
Some recent studies have found that Bextra® can increase the risk of heart attack in patients who have recently undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Additional side effects such as serious, sometimes fatal, skin reactions and toxic epidermal necrosis have also been reported. Due to these concerns, on April 7, 2005, the FDA asked the makers of Bextra® to issue a voluntary recall.
Byetta®
Byetta®, generic name Exenatide, was first approved by the FDA in the spring of 2005 as a prescribed medication for type-2 diabetes patients. Byetta is meant to help control blood sugar/glucose levels by mimicking the effects of incretins, which are hormones produced and released by the intestine into the blood in response to food. The initial dose of Byetta is injected under the skin subcutaneously, either in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, twice a day and the quantity in one dose can be increased after one month of usage.
Read More about the dangers of Byetta
Chantix®
With the new year come many resolutions to stop smoking. In fact, thousands of Americans quit smoking each year, often assisted by drugs designed to make the process easier and less painful. Chantix was designed and manufactured by Pfizer to help patients quit smoking. Unfortunately, the drug has been known to cause severe behavioral side effects. Here's what you need to know about Chantix and your rights:
Read More about the dangers of Chantix
Cirpo®
Cipro® is an antibiotic manufactured by Bayer that gained national prominence following the September 11th attacks on America as a drug the government kept stockpiled to combat exposure to anthrax. The antibiotic was also prescribed for such conditions as bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, some urinary tract infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases.
Cipro® has since been found to weaken tendons in patients who use it. Users have suffered tendon ruptures and tendonitis, particularly in the hand, elbow, shoulder and Achilles tendon in the foot. Patients have also reported experiencing shortness of breath, swelling of the neck and face, and difficulty swallowing due to the use of Cipro®.
Read More about Cipro complications and side effects
Cox-2 Inhibitors
Job site injuries, growing older, minor accidents…all can cause aches and pains, and initially it was thought that Cox-2 inhibitors were the solution to these problems. Unfortunately, Cox-2 inhibitors have been plagued with problems of their own…and thousands of individuals have suffered adverse side effects that have only added to their pain. Read on for more information on Cox-2 inhibitors and their effects:
Read More about life-threatening Cox-2 inhibitor side effects
Crestor®
Statin drugs were designed to lower cholesterol in patients. Unfortunately, some statin drugs such as Crestor have been shown to have dangerous side effects, causing a risk for serious muscle toxicity known as myopathy. What happens when a drug's side effects cause even more medical problems for a patient? Here's more information on Crestor and patients' rights:
Read More about Crestor myopathy and other dangers
Depo-Provera®
The past 20 years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of birth control methods available to women, and Depo-Provera, a birth control injection, was originally lauded for its unique approach to birth control. Unfortunately, a Depo-Provera shot can cause nightmarish complications for some women. Read on for more information on the risks of Depo-Provera and more information on patients' rights.
Read More about dangerous Depo-Provera bone density loss side effects
Digitek®
Patients with heart failure must often depend on drugs to help them deal with issues such as poor circulation and swelling. Unfortunately for patients who used Digitek, their dependence on the drug could have contributed to severe adverse side effects. Though Digitek was recalled by the FDA in April 2008, its side effects are still being felt by some patients.
Read More about the Digitek recall and harmful side effects
Ephedra
An herbal supplement found in many diet and medicinal pills, Ephedra has been linked to a slew of frightening health problems, such as heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and hepatitis-and is believed to be one of the most lethal dietary agents available. It is considered so dangerous, in fact, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that all sales of any product containing Ephedra be halted by April 6, 2004. This includes a number of over-the-counter drugs, including epitonin, and all those intended to enhance weight loss and/or athletic performance. Ma Huang, an ancient Chinese medicine that contains Ephedra, has not been banned.
Pulling Ephedra from the shelves does not undo the harm it has already done. If you or a loved one has been injured by this potent drug, it is imperative that you seek legal representation. Please contact our Jacksonville Ephedra lawyers today.
Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents
Patients with heart failure must often depend on drugs to help them deal with issues such as poor circulation and swelling. Unfortunately for patients who used Digitek, their dependence on the drug could have contributed to severe adverse side effects. Though Digitek was recalled by the FDA in April 2008, its side effects are still being felt by some patients.
Read More about the deadly ESA side effects
Fosamax®
What happens when a drug designed to fight bone loss in women turns out to actually kill bone instead? This is the case for many users of Fosamax, a bisphosphonate designed to treat decreased bone density and osteoporosis in women of postmenopausal age. Unfortunately, the drug has been found to cause osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition sometimes referred to as "dead jaw") in some women. Read on for more information on the dangers of Fosamax and your legal rights:
Read More about Fosamax side effects, including osteonecrosis
Gadolinium
MRIs and MRAs are among the most promising diagnostic tools available to physicians today. Unfortunately for a small subset patients, the gadolinium dye used in these tests could lead to a rare but fatal disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Read on for more information on gadolinium, NSF, and your legal options.
Read More about fatal Gadolinium side effects
Gardasil
Since being administered after its FDA approval on June 8 2006, Gardasil has been widely used as the only current cervical cancer vaccine that helps prevent four kinds of HPV (human papillomavirus). As is the case for many pharmaceuticals and vaccines, Gardasil has side effects. Read on for more information on Gardasil and your legal options.
Read More about Gardasil side effects
Heparin®
When individuals rely on drugs such as anti-coagulants to preserve their health and quality of life, they place a high degree of trust in the pharmaceutical companies who research, manufacture, and distribute these drugs. Unfortunately, this trust can be breached, as in the case of Heparin, an anti-coagulant that was found to be contaminated in 2007 and 2008. Read on for more information on the health and legal ramifications of Heparin.
Read More about fatal Heparin reactions
Hormone Replacement Therapy
With a growing number of aging women in the United States, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become a hot-button issue in recent years. Though synthetic estrogens have been produced since the 1920s, it is only in recent years that individuals have become aware of HRT's positive effects on women's chances of getting osteoporosis and heart disease. Unfortunately, there is a dark side to hormone replacement therapy. Read on for more information on hormone therapy risks and your rights.
Read More about HRT side effects, such as increased risks for breast cancer
Hydroxycut®
Hydroxycut products used by consumers for weight loss have been associated with potential risk of severe liver injury. The Food and Drug Administration has recalled all of Hydroxycut's 14 products and is warning users to immediately stop taking the dietary supplement.
Read More about the dangerous Hydroxycut side effects
Kugel® Hernia Patch
The United States has the highest incidence of deaths related to incisional hernias each year, and initially it was thought that the Bard® Composix® Kugel® Mesh Patch was the solution to hernia patients' problems. Unfortunately, this implantable device has been plagued with problems of its own and subjected to several recalls due to its dangerous side effects. Read on for more information on the kugel hernia patch and its dangers:
Read More about the unusual and dangerous Kugel Hernia Patch complications
Ortho Evra® Birth Control Patch
Recent years have seen a mushrooming number of birth control options for women, including the contraceptive patch Ortho-Evra. Unfortunately, Ortho-Evra is not right for every woman – and the effects of the patch can be sudden and extremely severe. Here's more information on the dangers of Ortho-Evra and what you can do if you've experienced its side effects.
Read More about Ortho Evra's sometimes fatal side effects
OxyContin®
OxyContin is a widely used, time-released narcotic painkiller that is commonly prescribed to treat pain associated with cancer, arthritis, back pain, and other health issues. This powerful prescription drug can pose serious risk and substantial danger to users, who may suffer dependence, withdrawal, overdose, or even wrongful death. At Farah and Farah, our Jacksonville, Florida personal injury attorneys are experienced and nationally renowned for their representation of pharmaceutical litigation claims. We handle OxyContin lawsuits on behalf of victims nationwide.
Read more about OxyContin lawsuits
Dostinex® and Permax®
Patients with Parkinson's disease often manage to control the tremors associated with the condition through dopamine agonists, drugs that help manage Parkinson's symptoms. Unfortunately, Permax, a dopamine agonist, was completely withdrawn from the U.S. marketplace due to its potential contribution to heart valve damage in Parkinson's patients, while Dostinex, another dopamine agonist, is not yet approved for the treatment of this condition. Read on for more information on Permax and Dostinex side effects:
Read more about the Parkinson's disease medication side effects from Dostinex and Permax
Premarin®
Premarin is just one in the cavalcade of drugs developed with hormonal replacement for menopausal and post-menopausal women in mind. A mixture of conjugated estrogen, the drug is manufactured by Wyeth and has been available in the United States since the 1940s. Unfortunately, this trusted drug is surrounded by controversy and has even been associated with cancer in some patients.
Read more about hormone repalcement therapy, Premarin and its dangerous side effects
Prempro®
It has been one of the most popular hormone replacement therapy drugs since its FDA approval in 1995. But Prempro isn't just a cure for menopausal symptoms – it's a potentially dangerous drug that has been linked to cancer and other significant medical problems. Read on for more information on Prempro safety and your legal rights.
Read more about the hormone repalcement therapy drug, Premarin and its dangerous side effects, including cancer
Provera®
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using drugs such as Provera has been around since the 1920s, but it only took off in the 1960s. These days, using hormones to treat the symptoms of menopause is par for the course. Unfortunately, it can also prove extremely dangerous for women, who can be fatally injured by Provera and similar pharmaceuticals in their quest to relieve the symptoms of menopause.
Read more about Provera hormone repalcement therapy drug and its dangerous physical and cognitive side effects
Raptiva®
For its association with increasing the risk of causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which is a rare and progressive disease of the central nervous system that leads to severe disability or death, manufacturer Genetech, Inc. has voluntarily recalled the drug Raptiva (efalizumab) from the U.S. market.
Read more about Genentech, Inc.'s Raptiva recall.Serzone®
Serzone® is a prescription drug used to treat depression. It has been widely prescribed because of a lower incidence of some troublesome side effects (like sexual problems and insomnia) that are more common among other antidepressants. However, Serzone® has been associated with an increased risk of liver failure, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
After repeatedly urging Serzone® manufacturer Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., to provide physicians and patients with stronger warnings, the Food and Drug Administration finally required that a black box warning be added to the Serzone® label. The order came in December 2001 after reports showed a three to four times higher incidence of liver failure among Serzone® patients than among the general public. Patients who experience liver failure may require a transplant and some will not survive the condition.
If you or a loved one has suffered liver damage as the result of taking Serzone®, please contact our dangerous drug attorneys in Florida today.
Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Millions of patients place their trust in drug companies every day when they ingest medications designed to heal or abate their various symptoms. But on occasion, a severe reaction occurs. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare, but life-threatening reaction that has been noted in response to several over-the-counter and prescription medications. Read on for more information on this syndrome and your legal options.
Read more about this serious prescription drug reaction
Thimerosal
Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that was used to prevent vaccines from being contaminated from the 1930s on. It has primarily been used to prevent contamination of the remaining vaccine in multi-dose containers. Recently, the decision was made to stop using thimerosal due to concerns over possible health effects associated with it. Although it is not being used for new vaccines, some formulations that contain thimerosal may still be available.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be harmful to humans when consumed or inhaled in large quantities. Mercury is found in several forms -- metallic, inorganic, and organic. An organic form of mercury known as methylmercury is most dangerous to humans. Thimerosal contains an organic form of mercury known as ethylmercury that converts to an inorganic form once inside the body. The safety of thimerosal is debated.
The similarity of symptoms between mercury poisoning and autism has caused some people to wonder if mercury may be a cause of autism. Some parents of autistic children say that there has been a noticeable correlation between the time their children received thimerosal containing vaccines and the time of their autism diagnosis. Although there is no agreement over the safety of thimerosal, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the U.S. Public Health Service felt sufficient concern to remove thimerosal from future vaccines.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with autism and you believe it may be linked to thimerosal, please contact our office in Jacksonville, Florida today.
Trasylol®
Blood clots, transfusions, and excessive bleeding can present severe risks during heart surgery. Trasylol, an antifibrinolytic drug designed to deal with these risks, was once a popular remedy used during surgery. Unfortunately, the drug has been found unsafe for the U.S. market, and a nationwide is underway.
Read more about the deadly kidney failure and heart attack Trasylol side effects
Vioxx®
Vioxx® is the subject of significant litigation, with more than 300 plaintiffs' claims that have been consolidated in Los Angeles County Superior Court. There are also 175 cases consolidated in Atlantic County, N.J. Superior Court.
On September 30, 2004, Merck & Co. announced a voluntary worldwide withdrawal of Vioxx®, its arthritis and acute pain medication. This action was prompted by a clinical trial that showed a dramatic increase in patient risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. Merck's withdrawal of Vioxx® from shelves worldwide is only expected to increase the number of cases filed.
If you or a loved one has been victim to injuries caused by taking Vioxx®, please contact our Jacksonville, Florida pharmaceutical litigation attorneys for more information on your legal rights.
Vytorin®
There are thousands of drugs on the market, all of which claim to be able to deliver on their promises of cures or relief for patients. What happens when a drug does not live up to the hype? Vytorin may be just such a drug. Read on for more information on the Vytorin controversy and your legal rights.
Read more about the FDA investigation into false claims by the Vytorin manufacturer
Zelnorm®
It was aggressively marketed and supposedly aggressively tested. Unfortunately, Zelnorm is no longer a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome. The product has been completely withdrawn from the American marketplace after it was linked to severe gastrointestinal injury and a higher risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke, angina pectoris, and heart attack.
Read more about Zelnorm discontinued use for irribable bowel syndrome due to unnecessary side effects
Zetia®
It's a best-selling drug and has gained incredible market share in its class. It claims to treat high cholesterol, a problem that plagues the United States in particular. But is Zetia really effective, or does it cause dangerous side effects?
Read more about liver failure and other dangerous Zetia side effects
Zicam®
Zicam products are used primarily to treat cold and flu-like symptoms, and are sold over the counter at pharmacies and other retail locations wherever cold medications are sold. More than 130 users of these products have notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of loss of their sense of smell since using the recalled Zicam products.
Read more about anosmia and life-altering Zicam side effects
Zithromax®
Though antibiotics' popularity has waxed and waned over the years, Zithromax has been an unmitigated success for Pfizer. Indicated in the treatment of ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and some sexually transmitted diseases, Zithromax has gained popularity as an antibiotic. But it has also been linked to liver damage, liver transplants, and even death. Here's what you need to know about Zithromax risks:
Read more about Zithromax and its harmful side effects like liver damage and jaundice
Contact Farah and Farah for the Latest Pharmaceutical Legal News
For many consumers, pharmaceutical litigation is a confusing topic. It seems like almost every day a new drug is being pulled off the market or a new warning has been issued to health care providers. If you are experiencing side effects associated with any of the drugs featured on this page, or if you would like to learn more about the latest recalls and warnings, contact Farah and Farah today. You can also visit our legal news page for more information about defective drugs topics.