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Every day, more and more prescription drugs, supplements and medical devices are marketed to the general public as promoting health benefits and enriching lives. The problem is that a number of these are far from safe, with consumers being the last to know. Prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal supplements and medical devices are often marketed and sold to the public without adequately disclosing the risks known to the manufacturers so that consumers can make an informed choice about whether the proven benefits are worth taking those risks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is under constant pressure from drug and medical device manufacturers to approve their products quickly through a process called “fast track” status designed to reduce the time it takes to get approval which, history has shown is far too often premature and inappropriate. Sadly, the drug or medical device that is intended to help may cause injury or illness worse than the condition being treated.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a medicine, supplement or medical device, it is important that you contact counsel who have experience in this area. The Law Offices of Stuart A. Kritzer, P.C. has successfully represented many consumers and their families against those responsible for manufacturing and distributing defective, dangerous medicines, supplements and medical devices. We’re here to help.
DANGEROUS MEDICINES
Vioxx®
In 1999, Merck & Co., Inc. introduced the drug Vioxx® to combat the painful effects of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is estimated that over 105 million people worldwide took Vioxx. Documented serious side effects are associated with Vioxx including heart attacks, stroke and cardiovascular injuries. As a result, in late 2004, Merck voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the worldwide markets due to safety concerns. In 2007, Merck entered into an agreement with the attorneys representing those who were injured from taking Vioxx and created a settlement fund for the participants’ qualifying claims. This is not a class-action settlement and claims had to be filed or tolled before November 8, 2007. Contact the Law Offices of Stuart A. Krizer, P.C. for more information. We’re here to help.
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Ortho Evra®
In 2002, Ortho-McNeil aggressively marketed a contraceptive patch, Ortho Evra, as a convenient alternative to oral birth control pills. It is estimated that over 5 million women worldwide have used the patch. Unfortunately, it has been shown that this device exposes women to 60% more estrogen than daily birth control pills. Serious adverse health risks have been linked to Ortho Evra including blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke and death. If you or someone you know has taken Ortho Evra and have concerns, contact the Law Offices of Stuart A. Krizer, P.C. for more information. We’re here to help.
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Seroquel®
In 1997, AstraZeneca released the drug named Seroquel® to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Although approved specifically for these limited purposes, some physicians have prescribed Seroquel® for "off-label" uses including dementia, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive behavior and other anxiety disorders. Evidence linked use of Seroquel to serious side effects including diabetes and its related health complications: Hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, coma and death. Although Seroquel® remains on the market today, suits have been filed on behalf of all patients harmed by the drug. If you or someone you know has taken Seroquel and are experiencing any of the above side effects, contact the Law Offices of Stuart A. Krizer, P.C. for more information. We’re here to help.
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Trasylol®
In 1993, Bayer released the drug Trasylol® (aprotinin injection). Trasylol is an injected drug used to minimize bleeding during cardiac bypass surgery. It is estimated that approximately 4.5 million people worldwide were given this drug over the last 14 years. However, an alarming number of recipients experienced serious side effects including strokes, heart attacks and kidney failure, some of which resulted in death. As a result of continued pressure from international regulators, on November 5, 2007, Bayer temporarily suspended the marketing of Trasylol® until a comprehensive review of a Canadian study which showed increased risk of death can be performed. If you or someone you know were administered Trasylol during surgery and are experiencing any side effects, contact the Law Offices of Stuart A. Krizer, P.C. for more information. We’re here to help.
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DANGEROUS MEDICAL DEVICES
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posts consumer information about the most serious medical device recalls. These products have been identified as creating a reasonable chance that usage could cause serious health problems or death. These products range from general consumer products like contact lenses, wheel chairs, baby teething rings to specialized medical patient products such as some kinds of surgical instruments, testing equipment and treatment devices. A comprehensive up to date list can be found at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfTopic/medicaldevicesafety/recalls.cfm.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a medical device, it is important that you contact attorneys who have experience in this area. The Law Offices of Stuart A. Krizer, P.C. has successfully represented consumers and/or their survivors against those responsible for manufacturing and distributing defective or dangerous medical devices. We’re here to help.
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