Monthly Archives: April 2019

Carcinogen Capsules May Cause Cancer

A dangerous pill

The FDA recently discovered that certain heart and blood pressure medications contain the carcinogen NDMA, which may lead to cancer. As a result, several lawsuits have been filed against drug manufacturers and distributors, including the maker of Valsartan, Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co.  Many of the medications have since been recalled by the FDA.  While it is reportedly difficult to prove a direct correlation between the medications and cancer, a projected 2,000 personal injury cases may be filed within the next year.  The number of cancer patients who have taken these medications that contain NDMA is unknown. Continue reading

Infant Deaths Linked to Fisher-Price Product

Recall

Since 1930, Fisher-Price has produced baby toys, gear, and accessories.  Almost every kid played with the Retro Chatter Phone, ate their lunch in a Healthy Care Booster Seat, and lounged in a Deluxe Bouncer.  Recently, this household American name has been tainted with a class action lawsuit concerning the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. This Fisher-Price product is allegedly responsible for over 30 infant deaths. On April 12, two weeks before the class action lawsuit was filed in Buffalo, NY, Fisher-Price issued a recall of 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. Continue reading

Fowl Contamination Leads to Legal Action

Clean eating

A group of 12,000 doctors, who advocate for ethical research and vegetarian diets, have taken clean eating awareness to a new level.  The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has been debating fecal matter contamination on meat with the US Department of Agriculture since 2013.  By relying on the naked eye to detect possible fecal bacteria on meat and poultry, the USDA has allegedly taken a lax approach with their inspection processes.  The advocacy group previously filed a petition to ask the USDA to enhance their procedures for testing possible contamination, and to delete the word “wholesome” from labeling.  The advocacy group is pushing for a description they feel is more fitting for the products the USDA approves – “May Contain Feces.”  Continue reading

Prescribing a Possible Birth Defect

Worth the risk?

If a birth defect is a potential side effect, then morning sickness may be worth it.  Although not FDA approved to treat morning sickness, the manufacturer of Zofran, GlaxoSmithKline, encouraged doctors to prescribe this anti-nausea pill to expectant mothers.  In 2009, Zofran was the leading anti-nausea medication prescribed to pregnant women, however, women were not warned of the potential harm this drug could cause their unborn children.  The possible dangers of Zofran did not become known until children were born with birth defects, such as cleft palate, heart, mouth, and musculoskeletal defects, jaundice, club foot, and organ abnormalities.  Typically, Zofran is only used to treat nausea after surgery or chemotherapy.  As a result of so many cases of birth defects linked to Zofran use, many people have chosen to file mass tort lawsuits for compensation. Continue reading

Sweet Candy is Leaving Consumers Sour

A sweet settlement?

Movie theaters are notorious for selling overpriced candy, popcorn, and soda.  With a $4 box of candy from the concession counter, one would expect at least a full box of candy.  It is sometimes disappointing to find that only half of the large box is filled.  One California woman finally took a stand against this injustice; and filed a lawsuit against the Bethlehem-based Just Born candy company that manufacturers Mike & Ike’s. Continue reading