Tag Archives: medication

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 →

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 →