Pharmaceutical Litigation

Defective Drugs

Accolate®: Also known as zafirlukast, Accolate® is used for the prevention of asthma symptoms. Approved by the FDA in 1996, the drug works by halting inflammation, fluid retention, mucous secretion, and constriction of the lungs. However, since its approval, Accolate® use has been linked to liver problems. In April of 1997, the label of Accolate® was revised, warning patients taking the drug that if they notice signs of liver problems, liver tests are recommended. Symptoms of liver dysfunction include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, severe itching, jaundice, abdominal pain in the upper right chest area, and flu-like sickness. In the case of liver or hepatic dysfunction, Accolate® use should be discontinued. Contacting qualified medical malpractice lawyers can help victims and their loved ones decide if they should move forward with a lawsuit.

Accutane®: Also known as isotretinoin, Accutane® is prescribed for serious acne that has not cleared with oral and topical treatments. Accutane® use has been associated with severe depression and suicide. Symptoms of depression include changes in sleeping patterns, weight gain or weight loss, trouble concentrating, a sad or anxious feeling, and irritability. Recently, the FDA revised the label of Accutane® to include a warning that the drug may cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome in patients with no previous history of intestinal problems. Accutane® has also been found to cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, do not use Accutane®.

Arava®: Also known as leflunomide, Arava® is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, relieving the symptoms and slowing damage to the joints caused by the condition. However, the European Medicines Evaluation Agency and a consumer protection group have reported a connection between Arava® and liver damage. Symptoms of liver problems include nausea, loss of appetite, change in sleeping patterns, blood in stools, abdominal swelling, and jaundice. Arava® has also been linked to birth defects, and patients taking the drug should avoid pregnancy during and up to two years following treatment. Other problems that are believed to be associated with Arava® treatment are lymphoma, high blood pressure, hypertension, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you believe you have suffered injuries due to Arava® use, choose one of the medical malpractice lawyers in our directory to help you with your case.

Celebrex®: Also known as celecoxib, Celebrex® is used to relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, as well as for the reduction of intestinal polyps. Celebrex® is in a class of drugs called COX-2 inhibitors that have been associated with an increase in heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. Other side effects include kidney problems, gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, and ulcers. Celebrex® users that have sustained injury should consult with experienced medical malpractice lawyers for legal assistance.

DES: Diethylstilbestrol is an estrogen drug that was frequently given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage and secure a healthy pregnancy. The drug was predominantly prescribed by physicians from 1938 to 1971. Following scientific testing, DES was not found to have any effect on miscarriage. However, serious dangers resulting from the drug were found in female offspring exposed to DES in the womb. DES exposure to the fetus increased the risk of a rare cancer of the vagina or cervix called clear cell adenocarcinoma, as well as the risk of infertility or pregnancy problems.

Enbrel®: Also known as an etanercept injection, Enbrel® is used to reduce pain and swelling resulting from rheumatoid, juvenile rheumatoid, and psoriatic arthritis. In a class of drugs called TNF inhibitors, Enbrel® works by blocking TNF, a substance that causes swelling and joint damage in arthritis sufferers. Since the approval of Enbrel®, users have reported serious infections, such as sepsis. Because Enbrel® halts the action of the tumor necrosis factor, which is one of the body's defenses against infection, it has led to concern that the drug may be responsible for the occurrence of infections. If you suspect that you have a dangerous drugs case, contacting medical malpractice lawyers that are well versed in pharmaceutical litigation will help you determine if you have a valid claim.

Ephedra: Also known as Ma huang, Ephedra has recently been used for weight loss, to boost energy, and improve sports performance. On Dec. 30, 2003, the FDA put out a consumer alert regarding the safety of Ephedra in dietary supplements. Consumers were warned to immediately discontinue the use and purchase of products containing Ephedra. Ephedrine, the principle ingredient in Ephedra, is a stimulant that may have an adverse effect on the nervous system and the heart. Ephedra use may lead to harmful side effects, including heart attack, stroke, seizures, psychosis, and death.

Herceptin®: Also known as trastuzumab, Herceptin® is a drug used for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Some patients taking Herceptin® have experienced heart damage as a result of the medication. Herceptin® has also been found to cause severe allergic reactions that could be life threatening in users of the drug. Adverse reactions generally occur within 24 hours of treatment, and a physician should closely monitor patients undergoing Herceptin® injections. Victims of dangerous drugs such as Herceptin® can choose an attorney our directory of medical malpractice lawyers for legal counsel.

Lamictal®: Also known as lamotrigine, Lamictal® is used to control partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It can also be used in adults and children with generalized seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Lamictal® can cause serious rashes that are potentially fatal. Additionally, there have been reports of medical malpractice due to prescription dispensing errors between Lamictal® and Lamisil®. Patients with epilepsy that receive Lamisil® instead of Lamictal® are victims of inadequate treatment that could result in serious consequences.

Lamisil®: Also known as terbinafine, Lamisil® is used for the treatment of fungal infections of the toenail and fingernail. Findings have indicated a connection between Lamisil® and liver disease, in some cases in patients with no prior history of liver disease or related condition. This prompted the FDA to revise the drug label of Lamisil®, warning patients about the increased risk of liver failure.

Lotronex®: Also known as alosetron, Lotronex® is used for the treatment of severe irritable bowel syndrome in women with diarrhea as their main symptom. The drug originally had a broader application in the treatment of IBS, but the manufacturer of Lotronex® voluntarily withdrew the medication from the market following reports of intestinal damage, obstructed or ruptured bowels, and death. Recently, the drug has been made available again, but only under certain circumstances due to safety concerns. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug such as Lotronex®, contacting qualified medical malpractice lawyers for assistance could help you obtain the settlement you deserve.

Mellaril®: Also known as thioridazine, Mellaril® is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and hostility. Patients with a history of heart disease, irregular heartbeat, prolonged QT intervals, congenital long QT syndrome, or other heart problems may have an increased risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and death while taking Mellaril®. Due to these safety concerns, Mellaril® should only be prescribed to patients that have not responded to other schizophrenia medications. If you are taking Mellaril® and experience fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures, or dizziness, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Meridia®: Also known as sibutramine, Meridia® is a weight loss pill that decreases the appetite. Public Citizen, a consumer organization, has asked for the withdrawal of Meridia® because of cardiovascular problems - some leading to death - that have been associated with the drug.

Nevirapine: Also known as Viramune®, nevirapine is used for the treatment of HIV infections. Nevirapine can cause severe liver damage that could be potentially fatal. Symptoms of liver damage include fatigue, upset stomach, loss of appetite, pale stools, dark urine, and jaundice. Nevirapine can also cause serious skin reactions that could be life threatening. Patients experiencing a rash in conjunction with lack of energy, fever, fatigue, blisters, blisters in the mouth, muscle or joint pain, or pink eye should contact their physician as soon as possible. Those that experience an adverse reaction due to nevirapine use can choose from our list of medical malpractice lawyers to find an attorney in your area of residence.

Norplant®: Norplant® is a contraceptive drug that is implanted into women. Since its approval, many women allege that the manufacturer of Norplant® failed to communicate the drug's side effects to consumers. Many women who have used the Norplant® system experience irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, headaches, nervousness, arm pain, dizziness, nausea, ovarian cysts, weight gain, acne, skin reactions, decreased vaginal lubrication, depression, and changes in sex drive, appetite, and hair growth. Due to health risks, women with unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, and women that may be pregnant or have breast, cervical, or endometrial cancer should not have been put on the Norplant® system, which is now off the market.

OxyContin®: Also known as oxycodone, OxyContin® is used to relieve pain. OxyContin® users can become dependent on the drug if it isn't taken as directed. Patients taking OxyContin® for more than a few weeks should gradually decrease use or they could experience symptoms of withdrawal. OxyContin® abuse has increased recently due to its heroin-like effects. OxyContin® addiction can lead to a myriad of health and personal problems, and victims of this dangerous medication should seek professional help.

Prempro™: Prempro™ is a drug taken by women undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to treat post-menopausal symptoms. Recent studies have reported a connection between Prempro™ use and breast cancer, heart disease, heart attacks, and blood clots. Patients taking Prempro™ are urged to speak with their physician about the dangers associated with the drug.

Relenza®: Also known as zanamivir, Relenza® is used for treatment of the flu in patients that are at least 12 years old and have experienced symptoms of the flu for less than two days. Relenza® is not recommended for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Relenza® has not been found to have an effect on the flu in patients with this condition. Patients with no prior history of asthma or pulmonary disease have also experienced breathing problems believed to be associated with Relenza® use. Medical malpractice lawyers with expertise in pharmaceutical litigation may be able to help you seek retribution for your injuries caused by a defective drug.

Serentil®: Also known as mesoridazine, Serentil® is used for the treatment of schizophrenia symptoms, and to abate anxiety, restlessness, tension, uncooperativeness, and hyperactivity. Because this medication can result in irregular heartbeats that may be life threatening, patients should only be prescribed Serentil® if their condition has not responded to other medications. Serentil® users that experience irregular, fast, or pounding heartbeats should contact a physician immediately.

Serzone®: Also known as nefazodone, Serzone® is used for the treatment of depression. Users of Serzone® should be aware that the medication may cause life-threatening liver failure. If you experience symptoms of liver dysfunction, including jaundice, dark urine, stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or lack of energy, you should contact a physician immediately.

Tasmar®: Also known as tolcapone, Tasmar® is often used in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Tasmar® has been linked to liver problems, and may cause liver failure that can be life-threatening. Users of Tasmar® experiencing signs of liver impairment such as fatigue, upset stomach, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, itching, pale stool, dark urine, or loss of appetite should call their doctor for assistance. Because of the dangers associated with Tasmar®, the medication should only prescribed to patients who have severe movement problems, and whose condition has not improved with other treatments. Victims of dangerous drugs can find an attorney in our directory of medical malpractice lawyers.

Thalidomide: Also known as Thalomid®, thalidomine is used for the treatment and prevention of skin conditions caused by erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Thalidomine was originally used as a sleeping pill and to treat morning sickness until the dangers this medication presented to the fetus was discovered. Patients who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding should not take thalidomine because it could kill the fetus or result in serious birth defects.

VIAGRA®: Also known as sildenafil, VIAGRA® is used for the treatment of impotence in men. Some patients taking VIAGRA® have reported side effects such as heart attack, irregular heartbeat, stroke, death, chest pain, and increased blood pressure. It is unknown whether these conditions are associated with VIAGRA® use. Patients that have experienced heart-related problems after taking VIAGRA® should contact a firm of medical malpractice lawyers successful in pharmaceutical litigation.

VIDEX®: Also known as didanosine, VIDEX® is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of HIV infection. VIDEX® has been found to result in liver and pancreas damage, as well as lactic acidosis. Patients should talk to a doctor about their prior medical history and current medications before taking VIDEX®. If you use VIDEX® and experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or swelling, fatigue, back pain, weakness, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, breathing abnormalities, dark urine, jaundice, or malaise, you should contact a physician immediately.

Zerit®: Also known as stavudine, Zerit® is used with other medications for the treatment of HIV infection. Zerit® can cause lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition that may cause severe damage to the liver and pancreas. Patients should consult with a doctor about their previous medical history and current medications before taking Zerit®. Nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, weight loss, breathing irregularities, weakness, or any change in your health are danger signs, and patients are urged to see a doctor as soon as possible if experiencing any of these symptoms. If you suspect that you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a defective drugs, do not hesitate to have one of the medical malpractice lawyers in the directory review your case.