Pharmaceuticals – Citizens Report https://citizensreport.org a digital channel commited to health & medical rights. Wed, 17 Jan 2024 09:06:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.24 https://citizensreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/cropped-cr-icon-1-32x32.png Pharmaceuticals – Citizens Report https://citizensreport.org 32 32 List of Side Effects Linked To The Blood Thinner Eliquis https://citizensreport.org/2016/11/07/list-of-side-effects-linked-to-the-blood-thinner-eliquis/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/11/07/list-of-side-effects-linked-to-the-blood-thinner-eliquis/#respond Tue, 08 Nov 2016 00:34:17 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10911 Eliquis, an anticoagulant manufactured by Pfizer and Bristol-Meyers Squibb, is used to prevent blood clots. The drug treats patients with atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes irregular heartbeat, who are considered high risk for a stroke. Eliquis is also prescribed to patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgeries. Manufacturers market the drug as a safer alternative to […]

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Eliquis, an anticoagulant manufactured by Pfizer and Bristol-Meyers Squibb, is used to prevent blood clots.

The drug treats patients with atrial fibrillation, a condition that causes irregular heartbeat, who are considered high risk for a stroke. Eliquis is also prescribed to patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgeries.

Manufacturers market the drug as a safer alternative to another blood thinner known as Warfarin. Warfarin requires close monitoring of blood levels and a special diet, which makes Eliquis a strong competitor in the anticoagulant market.

However, Eliquis is linked to a number of possible side effects. The most severe complication is uncontrolled bleeding, but it’s important to be aware of all the potential side effects.

List Of Eliquis Side Effects:

Patients taking Eliquis might be unable to stop a cut or injury from bleeding.
Image: Life Martini

  • Brain Bleeding
  • Intestinal Bleeding
  • Kidney Bleeding
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Skin Rash
  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Fainting
  • Nausea
  • Anemia
  • Death

A major concern surrounding Eliquis is the fact that the drug lacks an antidote for its side effects. However, men and women who took Eliquis and experienced severe bleeding side effects might be entitled to compensation.

Request a free, no-obligation case evaluation to learn more.

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Young Woman Files Against Zofran For Her Own Birth Defects https://citizensreport.org/2016/10/30/young-woman-zofran-birth-defect-lawsuit/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/10/30/young-woman-zofran-birth-defect-lawsuit/#respond Mon, 31 Oct 2016 02:03:12 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10801 An increasing number of women have filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the anti-nausea drug Zofran. The majority of suits are filed by mothers who used Zofran while pregnant and gave birth to children with defects. In this case, a 20-year-old woman from Texas is suing the company for her own birth defects. The […]

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An increasing number of women have filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the anti-nausea drug Zofran. The majority of suits are filed by mothers who used Zofran while pregnant and gave birth to children with defects.

In this case, a 20-year-old woman from Texas is suing the company for her own birth defects. The age of the plaintiff shows that Zofran has been prescribed to pregnant women for over two decades.

Using Zofran To Treat A Mother’s Morning Sickness

The plaintiff’s mother took Zofran to treat her severe morning sickness.
Image: The Pregnancy Zone

While pregnant, the woman’s mother dealt with a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum. It’s a serious form of morning sickness characterized by excessive vomiting and intense nausea. During the first trimester, doctors prescribed Zofran to treat the debilitating symptoms.

Today, the 20-year-old woman suffers from congenital heart defects. She was born with a ventricular septal heart defect and pulmonary stenosis. She also has facial defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

In the complaint, the woman argues that she has no genetic predisposition to cardiac or facial defects. She believes that Zofran exposure caused her defects and forever altered the quality of her life.

Filing A Suit For Compensation

The plaintiff was born with facial defects that require costly medical procedures.
Image: I Am Pregnant

On Nov. 30, 2015, the woman filed a lawsuit with the Northern District of California court system. She’s suing for negligence, fraud, misrepresentation and warranty breach.

The lawsuit alleges that GlaxoSmithKline discovered that Zofran might increase the risk of birth defects in 1992. But according to the complaint, the company didn’t take action and inform doctors of the risk.

GlaxoSmithKline engaged in off-label marketing of the anti-nausea drug, which the FDA approved for cancer patients only. The pharmaceutical company never did clinical studies before pushing the drug but reportedly knew that pre-natal Zofran exposure could injure unborn children.

Throughout her life, the 20-year-old woman had at least three surgeries. Doctors predict that she will need to undergo additional medical procedures for the remainder of her life. She’s suffered from permanent disfigurement, diminished quality of life, low self-esteem and physical and mental pain.

The woman seeks $75, 000 in compensation that would help to cover her medical bills. The award would also reimburse her for the purchase price of Zofran, and general, consequential and punitive damages.

If you or a family member was born with birth defects, then you might be entitled to compensation for this medical side effect.

Complete a free, no-obligation case evaluation now to see if you qualify.

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Misleading Ad Campaigns Praise Low T Drugs https://citizensreport.org/2016/10/12/low-t-drug-ad-campaigns/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/10/12/low-t-drug-ad-campaigns/#respond Wed, 12 Oct 2016 19:30:02 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10628 Aging, the biological process of growing old, comes with a number of noticeable changes. As men age, they begin to experience things like hearing and hair loss, low energy, declining sex drive and decreasing muscle mass. Ad campaigns, targeting aging men in an effort to sell testosterone therapies, have historically worked to convince the male […]

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Aging, the biological process of growing old, comes with a number of noticeable changes. As men age, they begin to experience things like hearing and hair loss, low energy, declining sex drive and decreasing muscle mass.

Ad campaigns, targeting aging men in an effort to sell testosterone therapies, have historically worked to convince the male population that these effects are a problematic condition that must be fixed.

The Low T Bandwagon

There’s no doubt that the majority of individuals aren’t enjoying the aging process, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s natural. Western culture has developed an obsession with anti-aging elixirs, allowing pharmaceutical corporations and beauty companies to make big bucks on fresh and fancy youth-giving products.

Pharmaceuticals that can treat these changes resonate with the male population, encouraging individuals to visit their doctors with a request for drugs like Androgel or Axiron. Health professionals may prescribe testosterone therapy medications because of their effectiveness, but in some cases, they may also be on the corporation’s payroll.

Low testosterone can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms fit into a number of different categories. Additionally, testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Many men who suffer from erectile dysfunction might have normal testosterone levels, with the real culprit being abnormal circulation or nerve function. Individuals who choose to begin a testosterone therapy regimen should carefully consider the possible side effects.

The Cost of Anti-Aging Supplements

Testosterone drugs have been linked to cardiovascular issues in elderly men.
Image: Health Animations

While there is no reason that men shouldn’t strive to look their best and maximize their potential, it’s still important to recognize the costs of pharmaceutical testosterone.

Studies have linked testosterone therapy to heart attacks, stroke, blood clots, prostate cancer and early death. Researchers suggest that these side effects are most common for elderly men — the main demographic for the advertisements.

Testosterone levels peak in the late 20s and early 30s, subsequently dropping about 1-2 percent a year. Measures of testosterone levels should be age appropriate, meaning that 75-year-old men and 35-year-old men should not be held to the same lifestyle standards.

Men who used testosterone therapies and experienced cardiac issues or other injuries may be entitled to compensation. Request a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

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Natural, Drug-Free Ways To Combat Low Testosterone https://citizensreport.org/2016/02/02/natural-ways-to-combat-low-testosterone/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/02/02/natural-ways-to-combat-low-testosterone/#respond Tue, 02 Feb 2016 19:44:15 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10347 Millions of men are using synthetic testosterone to treat low energy, low libido, depression and much more. Touted as a miracle medication, prescriptions for testosterone quadrupled between 2001 and 2011. While testosterone therapy allows older men to reap benefits similar to a revived youth, there may be consequences associated with the drug. Men using testosterone have nearly […]

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Millions of men are using synthetic testosterone to treat low energy, low libido, depression and much more. Touted as a miracle medication, prescriptions for testosterone quadrupled between 2001 and 2011.

While testosterone therapy allows older men to reap benefits similar to a revived youth, there may be consequences associated with the drug. Men using testosterone have nearly five times the number of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

In 2014, nearly one in 25 men over the age of 60 was prescribed testosterone. However, some doctors believe that it’s possible to increase testosterone naturally and without potentially dangerous prescriptions.

Holistic Alternatives To Prescription Testosterone

Doctors recommend consuming less sugar to avoid decreasing testosterone in the body.
Image: WebMd

Dr. David Samadi, Chairman of Urology, Chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital and Professor of Urology at Hofstra School of Medicine, is one of those doctors.

In an article published in the Huffington Post, Samadi described seven holistic alternatives to testosterone medication:

1. Limit alcohol intake: Even drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can cause testosterone levels to plummet.

2. Reduce stress: be mindful of factors in your life that create stress. Mental or physical stress can quickly depress your levels. The stress hormone cortisol suppresses the body’s ability to make testosterone.

3. Cardio: High-intensity exercise can cut stress in half but don’t overdo it. Injuries and fatigue are sure signs that your workout may lower testosterone.

4. Zinc: The mineral zinc is important for testosterone production. Look to protein-rich foods like meats and fish. If you decide to supplement zinc, stick to a dosage of less than 40mg per day.

5. Vitamin D: This is a big secret when it comes to healthy testosterone levels. Foods like shellfish, tuna, salmon, egg yolks, beans and others work great. You can also look into taking vitamin D supplements, 1,000-2,000 IU per day (that’s what I personally do) and monitor your levels after that. Vitamin D levels should be between 30-60.

6. Limit Sugar: When in doubt, say no to sugar. Testosterone levels decrease because sugar leads to a high insulin level.

7. Healthy fats: Foods like olive oil, raw nuts, coconut oil, grass-fed meats and avocados are essential for building testosterone — 50-70 percent of your diet should include healthy fats.

Help For Men Suffering From Testosterone Side Effects

Testosterone therapy has been linked to heart attacks, among other complications.
Image: Home Remedies Station

Studies show that testosterone therapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attack, stroke, blood clots and early death. Many men using testosterone have already experienced these complications.

If you experienced side effects while using testosterone, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Request a free case evaluation to learn about compensation today.

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Alabama Parents Sue Pharmaceutical Company For Heart Problems Linked To Zofran https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/29/alabama-lawsuit-zofran-birth-defects/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/29/alabama-lawsuit-zofran-birth-defects/#respond Fri, 29 Jan 2016 17:11:29 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10324 In 1991, the Food and Drug Administration approved Zofran to treat the most severe kind of nausea. The drug was meant for cancer patients who required chemotherapy or radiation therapy. GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Zofran, made the decision to engage in the off-label marketing of Zofran, touting it as “wonder drug” for morning sickness. A […]

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Family Files Lawsuit Against Zofran For Daughter's Cardiac Issues

An Alabama family is suing the makers of Zofran to gain compensation for daughter’s congenital birth defects that will require extended medical care and surgeries.

In 1991, the Food and Drug Administration approved Zofran to treat the most severe kind of nausea. The drug was meant for cancer patients who required chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

GlaxoSmithKline, the makers of Zofran, made the decision to engage in the off-label marketing of Zofran, touting it as “wonder drug” for morning sickness.

A family in Alabama is suing the makers of Zofran, alleging that they weren’t properly informed of the risks that led to their daughter’s birth defects.

Pre-Natal Zofran Exposure And Heart Defects

Ciara Legg’s daughter had open heart surgery before her first birthday.
Image: Adam

Ciara Legg used a generic version of Zofran to treat symptoms of morning sickness during her first and second trimester. She gave birth to a baby girl on Jan. 23, 2013. When her daughter was born, it was discovered that she suffered from congenital anomalies.

Legg’s daughter had open-heart surgery before her first birthday. She was only 8 months old. Doctors have said that she will need medical care and additional surgeries throughout her life.

The Legg family was never informed about Zofran’s potential to cause cardiac problems, which is the most common defect linked to the drug.  If she had been told about the drug’s potential to cause birth defects, Legg said she never would have taken it while pregnant. The family has since filed a lawsuit.

Taking Legal Action To Cover Medical Expenses

The Legg family is pursuing legal assistance in order to gain enough money to help cover their daughter’s medical bills.
Image: Bet

In the lawsuit, GlaxoSmithKline’s desire to have doctors prescribe the drug as a morning sickness medication is described as a “fraudulent marketing campaign.” The Legg family claims they weren’t properly informed of the risks associated with Zofran.

Because of the fact that their daughter will need additional surgeries down the line, the Legg family has decided to take legal action in an effort to gain “compensatory and punitive damages” and “equitable relief.” The money will be used to pay medical, incidental and hospital expenses.

“As a direct and proximate result of GSK’s conduct, the plaintiffs and their daughter have suffered and incurred harm including severe and permanent pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, and other economic and noneconomic damages, and will require more constant and continuous medical monitoring and treatment than had they not been exposed to the drug,” according to the legal complaint.

The drug manufacturer is allegedly aware of more than 200 children born with birth defects after their mothers used Zofran. Many families caring for a child with birth defects are struggling to afford the life-saving but costly medical procedures.

If you took Zofran while pregnant and if your child was born with birth defects, then you might be entitled to compensation for this medical side effect.

Request a free, no-obligation case evaluation now to see if you qualify.

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Arkansas Family Files Against Zofran For Cleft Palate And Clubfoot Defects https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/19/zofran-suit-for-cleft-palate-and-clubfoot-defects/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/19/zofran-suit-for-cleft-palate-and-clubfoot-defects/#respond Tue, 19 Jan 2016 17:42:22 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10251 An Arkansas mother named Jody Huffmaster has joined the ranks of more than 60 parents fighting against Zofran. During her pregnancy, Huffmaster took Zofran to treat symptoms of morning sickness. The anti-nausea drug, originally approved for cancer patients, allegedly caused Huffmaster’s son to develop numerous congenital birth defects. Huffmaster has pursued legal assistance to gain “compensatory damages” […]

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Mother Said Zofran Causes Cleft Palate And Clubfoot Birth Defects In Lawsuit

An Arkansas mother has taken legal action against the anti-nausea drug Zofran for allegedly causing her son to develop numerous birth defects.

An Arkansas mother named Jody Huffmaster has joined the ranks of more than 60 parents fighting against Zofran.

During her pregnancy, Huffmaster took Zofran to treat symptoms of morning sickness. The anti-nausea drug, originally approved for cancer patients, allegedly caused Huffmaster’s son to develop numerous congenital birth defects.

Huffmaster has pursued legal assistance to gain “compensatory damages” and equitable relief to ensure that future mothers-to-be are fully informed about the potential risks of Zofran.

Mother Claims Zofran Exposure Caused Her Son’s Defects

Huffmaster’s son was born with clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape or position.
Image: National Library of Medicine

Huffmaster’s son, referred to in court documents as B.H., has “numerous” birth injuries. In her claim, she identifies Zofran as the culprit.

B.H. was born with a cleft palate, which is a condition that causes an opening or split in the roof of her son’s mouth and lip. Children with cleft palates may develop speech disorders, stuttering, an impaired voice, feeding difficulties, hearing loss, mouth breathing, nasal congestion or snoring.

In addition, B.H. suffers from bilateral clubfoot. This condition affects the lower half of the body, creating a twist in the shape or positioning of the foot. Bilateral clubfoot may cause an abnormality while walking, calluses, knock knees or shortened legs.

Although B.H. was lucky enough to be born with a healthy heart, the majority of birth defects associated with prenatal exposure to Zofran are cardiovascular. However, B.H. was also diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome. This means his lungs weren’t fully developed when he was born, causing difficulty breathing and potential organ damage.

A Family Dealing With Mounting Medical Costs

Families with children who require multiple medical procedures often need financial assistance.
Image: Dynamic Chiropractic

At just 8 years old, Huffmaster’s son has undergone two serious surgeries. Although court documents don’t specify if the procedures repaired his clubfoot, it’s likely that his cleft palate was treated.

Throughout his life, B.H.’s family has had to shoulder his medical expenses. Because the cost of multiple medical procedures is high even for families with excellent health insurance, it can be extremely difficult to come up with enough funding to cover birth defect surgeries.

On September 14, 2015, Huffmaster filed a lawsuit against the makers of Zofran. Her family is requesting damage awards that will assist with paying B.H.’s mounting medical bills.

She is suing for her family’s “severe and permanent pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses and other economic and noneconomic damages, and will require more constant and continuous medical monitoring and treatment than had they not been exposed to Zofran,” according to court files.

Additionally, Huffmaster hopes the lawsuit will help to warn future mothers about the possible risks of Zofran. 

If you took Zofran while pregnant and if your child was born with birth defects, you might be entitled to compensation.

Complete a free, no-obligation case evaluation now to see if you qualify.

 

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Mother Seeks Justice For Son’s Heart And Lung Problems Caused By Zofran https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/07/mother-launches-prayers-for-finn-and-takes-on-zofran/ https://citizensreport.org/2016/01/07/mother-launches-prayers-for-finn-and-takes-on-zofran/#respond Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:01:21 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10149 Health professionals estimate 90 percent of pregnant women experience symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Kelly Blumenthal was no different. During the early stages of her pregnancy, Blumenthal began using a generic version of the off-label morning sickness drug Zofran in 2014. On January 2, 2015, her son was born with multiple heart defects, a lung defect and […]

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Family Sues Zofran Manufacturer in Birth Defects Lawsuit

A Virginia woman named Kelly Blumenthal has filed a lawsuit against Zofran, the morning sickness drug that allegedly caused her son’s severe heart defects.

Health professionals estimate 90 percent of pregnant women experience symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Kelly Blumenthal was no different.

During the early stages of her pregnancy, Blumenthal began using a generic version of the off-label morning sickness drug Zofran in 2014.

On January 2, 2015, her son was born with multiple heart defects, a lung defect and an intestinal issue. In addition to developing a program to support others dealing with similar circumstances, Blumenthal has filed a suit to fight against the drug that changed her family forever.

A Son’s Birth Defects, A Mother’s Broken Heart

Blumenthal’s son suffers from atrioventricular canal defect, which caused holes to develop in the center of his heart.
Image: Hx Benefit

Although doctors believed he wouldn’t make it through the pregnancy, Blumenthal’s son pushed through. However, she knew his life wouldn’t be easy. Originally planning to name him Landon, Blumenthal decided to change his name to Finley, meaning “warrior.”

Blumenthal’s son came into the world with a list of congenital problems, but the most severe is called atrioventricular canal defect. The diagnosis means that Finn has a hole in the center of his heart.

The condition affects the natural regulation blood flow and requires costly open heart surgeries. If untreated, the condition can cause serious complications including enlargement of the heart, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and pneumonia. Finn had open heart surgery before his first birthday.

Additionally, Finn has a double outlet right ventricle defect. The condition involves a difference in the structure of the heart, causing the two main arteries to connect to only the right chamber rather than both pumping chambers.

Blumenthal’s 1-year-old boy also suffers from  heterotaxy of the lungs, which is a misalignment of these essential organs in the chest. Finn’s lung has been deteriorating, and his mother needs to constantly monitor his blood oxygen levels. The heterotaxy is likely also linked to Finn’s malrotation of the intestines, in which his small bowel is found on the right side of the abdomen.

Supporting Others And Fighting The Industry

In addition to pursuing legal assistance to get compensation for Finn’s medical expenses, Blumenthal created a support group for families with sick children.
Image: Fredericksburg

There is no doubt that Blumenthal’s heart was broken when she discovered her son suffered from so many medical problems.  Finn’s short life has been filled with expensive surgeries, endless tubes, heavy oxygen tanks and long nights in the hospital.

Through a Facebook page called Prayers for Finn, Blumenthal has created a community of over 26,000 members that offers mutual support and comforting donations to families with sick children. It has been instrumental in helping her get through the surgeries.

On September 28, 2015, Blumenthal took another action. She decided to fight against the drug that allegedly caused her son’s medical issues. She named Glenmark Generics Inc., USA and GlaxoSmithKline LLC in her complaint, taking on both companies that may have had a hand in causing her son’s condition.

But Blumenthal is not alone. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of Zofran, with about 200 cases consolidated in a multi-district litigation in Boston.

If you took Zofran while pregnant and if your child was born with birth defects, then you might be entitled to compensation. Complete a free, no obligation case evaluation now to see if you qualify.

 

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Studies Link Low T Drugs To Heart Attacks In Elderly Men https://citizensreport.org/2015/12/30/testosterone-studies-show-heart-attacks/ https://citizensreport.org/2015/12/30/testosterone-studies-show-heart-attacks/#respond Wed, 30 Dec 2015 19:55:19 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=10045 Testosterone therapy, a popular hormone treatment for males, has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, prostate cancer and other serious conditions. While testosterone medication is used by different age groups and demographics, researchers have found that it can increase the risk of cardiac issues in elderly men. PLoS One Study Published in 2014 Public Library […]

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Studies Show Heart Attacks Caused By Low T Meds

In the past few years, a number of medical journals have published studies linking prescription testosterone to increased cardiac risks.

Testosterone therapy, a popular hormone treatment for males, has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, prostate cancer and other serious conditions.

While testosterone medication is used by different age groups and demographics, researchers have found that it can increase the risk of cardiac issues in elderly men.

PLoS One Study Published in 2014

PLoS was founded in 2000 as a nonprofit, open-access scientific publishing project.
Image: WikiMedia

Public Library of Science, a peer-reviewed resource that includes various scientific disciplines, published a study evaluating the hypotheses that testosterone therapy can increase the risk of heart attacks, referred to as “acute non-fatal myocardial infarction.”

The Univeristy of California Los Angeles and the National Cancer Institute tested a database of 56,000 patients, measuring the likelihood of heart attack both before and after using testosterone for the first time.

Published on January 29, 2014, the study’s scientists concluded that men older than 65 and younger men with undiagnosed heart disease had double the risk of suffering a heart attack after the first 90 days of testosterone therapy.

The most recent study builds on other research that has identified cardiac risks caused by testosterone replacement.

JAMA Study Published in 2013

JAMA focuses on biomedical science and is published 48 times each year by the American Medical Association.
Image: Ashish K. Jha, MD

The Journal of American Medicine (JAMA) published a 2013 study that examined 8,709 veterans with low testosterone levels.

The men underwent cardiac tests and were entered into the Veterans Affairs (VA) system between 2005 and 2011.

“Among a cohort of men in the VA health care system who underwent coronary angiography and had a low serum testosterone level, the use of testosterone therapy was associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes,” according to the study.

Testosterone therapy bumped the risk of death, heart attack and stroke by an estimated 30 percent in veterans with a history of heart disease.

NEJM Study Published in 2010

The New England Journal of Medicine is published by the Massachusetts Medical Society and has existed since 1812.
Image: Oh Care

In 2010, the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) conducted a similar study. In this experiment, a man lost his life. The cause of death was thought to be a heart attack activated by testosterone use.

The trial, called Testosterone in Older Men with Mobility Limitations (TOM), evaluated frail men with a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. The study was stopped because of a high number of negative cardiovascular events in the treatment group.

“Frail elderly men with limitations in mobility are more likely to have clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease than are those who do not have limitations in mobility,” according to the study.

The study also found that testosterone gels increased the risk of stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

The Takeaway

As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline about 1 percent each year after age 30 or 40.
Image: Visualize Us

Older men are more likely to use testosterone replacements to improve sexual function, bone density, and strength that is affected by the natural aging process.

But the truth is that the effects of testosterone therapy on the cardiovascular health of men are unknown.

While scientists conduct research to gain more knowledge about prescription testosterone, millions of men continue using it every day.

Patients who experienced heart complications from testosterone medication may be eligible for compensation. Complete a free, no-obligation survey to learn more.

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Massachusetts Takes On All Zofran Cases https://citizensreport.org/2015/11/25/massachusetts-zofran-lawsuits/ https://citizensreport.org/2015/11/25/massachusetts-zofran-lawsuits/#respond Wed, 25 Nov 2015 20:41:56 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=9703 Zofran, an anti-nausea drug that may have been misprescribed to treat pregnant women, can cause severe and debilitating birth defects. Children exposed to Zofran can suffer from heart problems, cleft lips/palates and craniosynostosis. Mothers who took Zofran while pregnant have been seeking justice against the manufacturer, claiming that the drug was illegally marketed to pregnant […]

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Zofran Consolidated to Multi-District Litigation in Massachusetts

Individual lawsuits filed by families injured from the anti-nausea drug Zofran will be combined into a multi-district litigation in Boston, Massachusetts.

Zofran, an anti-nausea drug that may have been misprescribed to treat pregnant women, can cause severe and debilitating birth defects. Children exposed to Zofran can suffer from heart problems, cleft lips/palates and craniosynostosis.

Mothers who took Zofran while pregnant have been seeking justice against the manufacturer, claiming that the drug was illegally marketed to pregnant women for off-label use.

Last month, these lawsuits were combined into a multi-district litigation (MDL) that will be examined in Boston. It seems that families injured by Zofran may finally get justice.

Centralizing Zofran Cases In A Multi-District Litigation

Lawsuits filed in 10 states, and potentially 22 others, are set to be tried in Boston.
Image: My Money Coach

In an MDL, all federal civil cases with similar claims will be transferred to one court. Zofran suits will be consolidated in a District Court of Massachusetts. The multi-district litigation suit has been given the number MDL No. 2657.

The Boston team will prepare the steps to take the cases to trial, with Judge F. Dennis Saylor collectively examining the evidence. He will be managing the often costly pretrial and discovery process.

“Judge Saylor is an experienced transferee judge who we are confident will steer this litigation on a prudent course,” according to the court transfer order.

The court will be addressing the claim that Zofran causes birth defects and the kinds of defects it causes. The case will also focus on the role of the manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline in promoting the drug as a morning sickness treatment, additionally questioning if the company should have included warnings about birth defects.

Although witnesses will only have to testify once, an MDL is different from a class-action suit. The cases will remain individual in nature, and each family will be treated as a separate entity.

There was debate as to where the MDL would be conducted. The state Massachusetts was chosen to “serve the convenience of the parties and witnesses and promote the just and efficient conduct of the litigation,” according to the court transfer order.

More information about the decision to consolidate can be found in the transfer order published on October 13, 2015.

Benefits Of A Consolidated Process

An MDL is cheaper and easier to litigate because it coordinates resources.
Image: Under 30 CEO

The Zofran multi-district litigation is meant to save time and money. Overall, it will make the process more effective and economical by conserving judicial resources and creating consistency in pretrial rulings.

“Centralization will eliminate duplicative discovery; prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings; and conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel, and the judiciary,” according to the transfer order.

While plaintiffs who have already filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline await the decision,  families injured by Zofran can still take action and file a suit.

If you took Zofran while pregnant and your child was born with birth defects, you might be entitled to compensation for this medical side effect.

Complete a free, no obligation case evaluation now to see if you qualify.

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Will Federal Regulators Take Action Against Pharmaceutical Price-Gouging? https://citizensreport.org/2015/11/06/regulating-pharmaceutical-price-gouging/ https://citizensreport.org/2015/11/06/regulating-pharmaceutical-price-gouging/#respond Fri, 06 Nov 2015 18:26:22 +0000 http://www.citizensreport.org/?p=9480 Pharmaceutical companies have been notoriously price-gouging. The recent scandal centered around the ridiculously inflated cost of Daraprim showed how carelessly pricing is regulated. Many have been left wondering if federal lawmakers will take action against the high price of life-preserving medications. Putting Price-Gouging In the Spotlight Drug prices have been steadily increasing throughout the past […]

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Big Pharma Will Keep Making Big Bucks If Federal Regulators Don't Step In

Federal regulators may finally step in an take a real stance against the pharmaceutical industry’s rampant price-gouging.

Pharmaceutical companies have been notoriously price-gouging. The recent scandal centered around the ridiculously inflated cost of Daraprim showed how carelessly pricing is regulated.

Many have been left wondering if federal lawmakers will take action against the high price of life-preserving medications.

Putting Price-Gouging In the Spotlight

Pharmaceutical companies have created a pattern of acquiring the rights to certain drugs and then raising the cost.
Image: Buzzsaw Mag

Drug prices have been steadily increasing throughout the past decade. The first big hit was when Gilead Sciences priced the hepatitis C treatment Sovaldi at $84,000.

The high price of prescription medication received a renewed wave of attention when Turing Pharmaceuticals raised the price of Daraprim, an antiparasitic drug that protects seriously ill patients with weakened immune systems.  CEO Martin Shkreli made the decision to raise the toxoplasmosis treatment from $13.50 to $750 a pill.

Although he rescinded his original announcement, media broadcasters publicized widespread outrage from politicians, health professionals and patients.

Canadian drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International added fuel to the fire by raising the price of two heart medications, Nitropress and Isuprel, by 525% and 212% respectively. Many of these companies have started a pattern of acquiring the rights to sell a certain drug before raising the price a few hundred times.

On top of that, Citron Research accused Valeant of conspiring with specialty pharmacies Philidor Rx Services and R&O Pharmacy in a plan to generate phony sales.

The report sheds light on a stark jump in drug costs for both new breakthrough medications and older generics.

How To Combat The Increase

Patients protest Congress to fight Big Pharma’s standard of high pricing.
Image: US News

John Rother, CEO of the National Coalition on Health Care, has been working on a campaign to lower drug prices.

After the high price of Sovaldi and others brought attention to price-gouging, many politicians have begun to highlight the problem in their political campaigns.

“For lawmakers who are concerned about our fiscal standing, this is going to be an ever-more central issue,” Rother said.

According to a Health Affairs article, drug costs had increased 12.6% in 2014. While some are calling on regulators to step in, others believe that government interventions could have additional consequences.

“I’m very worried that on the pricing side, policymakers could be clumsy in trying to fix something and maybe make other problems,” Chip Kahn, Federation of American Hospitals CEO, said.

Both Democrats and Republicans have planned to address the issue in their platforms. Presidential candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Marco Rubio are condemning the current system that allows drug companies to set their own prices.

Under Sanders and Clinton’s health care reform, Medicare would be given the ability to negotiate with drug companies to set prices. Patients would also be allowed to access to cheaper drugs from foreign providers.

Independent Health’s director of pharmacy services Sheila Arquette believes regulators will take action upon realizing that the current price of drugs makes health maintenance unsustainable.

Arquette recommends that drugmakers and insurers work together to find solutions, in addition to being more transparent about research and development costs.

“We have to be transparent, because I don’t think any of us really understand the whole picture,” Arquette said. “We need the manufacturers to come to the table and just be honest with us.”

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