Posts Tagged ‘pharmaceutical litigation’

Tysabri, a drug made by Biogen Idec Inc., to treat multiple sclerosis, has been linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and often lethal brain infection.  The new case of PML linked to Tysabri was reported on June 23rd, and is the ninth such case reported since the drug was put back on the market in July 2006.  Biogen stated it will no longer report individual cases of Tysabri PML infections, but will keep a weekly update on its website.

Tysabri was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (”FDA”) in 2004 to treat multiple sclerosis. It was recalled in 2005 after three patients suffered PML infections; two of those infections were fatal.  The FDA reintroduced Tysabri in July 2006 with stronger warnings about side effects, and doctors were warned to use strict guidelines to limit the risk of infections.

PML is a brain infection that causes inflammation to the white matter of the brain.  Certain brain functions disintegrate, and the patient can die.  Even if the infection is discovered early, it could still lead to impaired speech, loss of vision, paralysis, and cognitive decline.

The psoriasis drug Raptiva was recalled in April due to PML infections, and the cancer drug Rituxan has been linked to 57 cases of the infection.

For more information on Raptiva lawsuits or a Tysabri lawyer, contact Bernstein Liebhard for a free and confidential consultation.

The Associated Press (“AP”) is reporting that over 800 homeopathic ingredients have been linked to health problems in the past year.  Homeopathic ingredients are highly diluted drugs made from natural ingredients, and are sold as treatments for various ailments.  Due to the recent Food and Drug Administration Zicam warning, a homeopathic cold remedy that has been named a possible cause of a permanent loss of smell in users, the FDA’s lax regulation over homeopathic remedies has been questioned.

Because homeopathic remedies are diluted and natural, they don’t require FDA safety checks.  FDA safety checks are essential for monitoring product concentration, the presence of alcohol in remedies, and the use of any dangerous ingredients.  The recent problems discovered in homeopathic remedies like Zicam and Hydroxycut, a weight-loss supplement that triggered an FDA warning this year, possibly could have been discovered through FDA safety checks.

Investigators are also examining the marketing practices used for drugs such as Zicam and Hydroxycut.  Even before the FDA took action, the Federal Trade Commission began an investigation on whether Zicam was deceptively marketed, and the Better Business Bureau took similar action for both Zicam and Hydroxycut.

Homeopathic drugs are often marketed for vague, broad symptoms, and as such it is difficult to establish their effectiveness. Still, some people swear by the remedies, and the homeopathic drug market brought in over $830 million last year in sales to almost 4 million Americans.

If you have been harmed after using a homeopathic remedy, you may be entitled to file a claim.  Contact an experienced Zicam lawyer or Hydroxycut lawyer today for a free claim evaluation.

On June 22, lawyers filed a Zicam lawsuit in Arizona on behalf of 117 people who suffered adverse reactions to Zicam cold remedies, including Zicam nasal spray and Zicam swabs.  Zicam was recently recalled after the Food and Drug Administration warned that the cold remedy could lead to anosmia, or loss of smell, and that the side effects could be permanent.  The lawsuit was filed against Matrixx Initiatives, and among those suing the company is an upscale Las Vegas chef who can no longer smell or taste food.
     Matrixx has already settled 340 Zicam lawsuits for $12 million dollars to avoid the cost of defending each individual lawsuit.  While Matrixx maintains that Zicam does not cause anosmia, William Hemelt, Matrixx’s active president, recognized that the company is particularly vulnerable to lawsuits.
     If you or someone you love has suffered a loss of smell after using Zicam, you may be entitled to file a Zicam lawsuit.  Contact a Bernstein Liebhard Zicam lawyer for a free claim evaluation.