SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuits, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Lawsuits, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) Lawsuits, and Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil Lawsuits

SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuits, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Lawsuits, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) Lawsuits,  and Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil Lawsuits

Women that have taken SSRI antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil during pregnancy may be at a increased risk of their children having birth defects and health problems.  Recent studies have been linked SSRI Antidepressants to birth defects and other health problems in babies including persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) or developing a lung disorder, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).  In a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, women who took antidepressants in the third trimester delivered babies who were six times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) or developing a lung disorder, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) than babies not exposed to SSRIs.

If you or a loved one is taking a SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy or have had a child with primary pulmonary hypertension or other birth defects, it is important to seek medical assistance and advice.  If you have questions about a potential SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuit, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

SSRI Birth Defects, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of a Newborn, and other Potential Health Problems

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) is a disorder of the lungs in which the arteries are severely restricted, causing the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery of the heart to rise to excessive levels. Blood flow is restricted and oxygen levels in the blood are suppressed.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) is a rare disease in the statistical sense, in that there are between one and two cases of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) per million residents of the United States, which results in 300 new cases per year. However, recent studies show that Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) may be more prevalent than once thought as many cases have gone undiagnosed and the number of cases appear to be on the rise.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) starts while the baby is in the womb.  It is thought that the SSRI antidepressants effect the baby's natural development.  During pregnancy circulation is handled by the placenta and does not go through the lungs, but after birth, the baby's circulation switches over from the ductus arteriosus (which now closes) to the lungs.  However, in a baby born with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN), the ductus arteriosus stays open and the baby's blood flow continues to bypass the lungs. Because the blood does not enter the lungs, it returns to the heart very low in oxygen causing serious health problems.  The baby's organs, such as the brain, kidneys and liver quickly become stressed due to lack of oxygen. Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) is usually diagnosed within 12 hours of delivery.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is a cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by systemic arterial hypoxemia secondary to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance with resultant shunting of pulmonary blood flow to the systemic circulation. This pathophysiologic syndrome has been variously described as: Persistent pulmonary vascular obstruction, Persistent fetal circulation, Pulmonary vasospasm, Neonatal pulmonary ischemia, Persistent transitional circulation.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is the result of elevated pulmonary vascular resistance to the point that venous blood is diverted to some degree through fetal channels (i. e. the ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale) into the systemic circulation and bypassing the lungs, resulting in systemic arterial hypoxemia.

This disorder can be classified into three forms dependent on the likely etiology of the pulmonary hypertension: PPHN associated with pulmonary parenchymal disease, such as hyaline membrane disease, meconium aspiration, or transient tachypnea of the newborn as the cause of alveolar hypoxia known as secondary PPHN or appropriate PPHN  alveolar oxygen tension appears to be the major determinant of pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. PPHN with radiographically normal lungs and no evidence of parenchymal disease frequently called Persistent Fetal Circulation (PFC), or primary or inappropriate PPHN. PPHN associated with hypoplasia of the lungs most often in the form of diaphragmatic hernia associated with an anatomic reduction in capillary number in addition to the pathophysiology listed below.

FDA Information on SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defects, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), Primary Pulmonary Hypertension of a Newborn, and other Potential Health Problems

A recent study on women who had been treated with antidepressant drugs that act as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) showed risks of SSRI medications during pregnancy. This study focused on newborn babies with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), which is a serious and life-threatening lung condition that occurs soon after birth of the newborn. Babies with PPHN have high pressure in their lung blood vessels and are not able to get enough oxygen into their bloodstream. About 1 to 2 babies per 1000 babies born in the U.S. develop PPHN shortly after birth, and often they need intensive medical care. In this study PPHN was six times more common in babies whose mothers took an SSRI antidepressant after the 20th week of the pregnancy compared to babies whose mothers did not take an antidepressant. The study, by Christina Chambers and others, was published on February 9, 2006 in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The finding of PPHN in babies of mothers who used a SSRI antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy adds to concerns coming from previous reports that infants of mothers taking SSRIs late in pregnancy may experience difficulties such as irritability, difficulty feeding and in very rare cases, difficulty breathing. In addition, the labeling for paroxetine (Paxil) was recently changed to add information about findings in an epidemiology study suggesting that exposure to the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of cardiac birth defects (see FDA Public Health Advisory for Paxil dated December 8, 2005).

Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should not stop any antidepressant without first consulting their physician. The decision to continue medication or not should be made only after there has been careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks of the medication for each individual pregnant patient. If the decision is made to stop treatment with SSRIs before or during pregnancy, this should be done with a healthcare professional, according to the prescribing information for the drug, and patients should be observed closely in case their depression comes back.

SSRI Birth Defect Lawyers, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Lawyers, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) Lawyers,  and Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil Lawyers

Texas Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) Attorney Jason Coomer commonly works with other SSRI Birth Defect lawyers throughout Texas and the United States including Houston Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) Lawyers, Boston SSRI Antidepressant Birth Defect Lawyers, San Antonio Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN) Lawyers, Dallas Defective Medication Lawyers, and other Austin Dangerous Drug Attorneys.  By sharing information and working together, his law firm and other firms throughout Texas and the United States are able to provide better representation for there clients.  

If you or a loved one is taking a SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy or took Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, or another SSRI antidepressant drug during pregnancy and have had a child with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborns (PPHN), or other birth defects, it is important to seek medical assistance and advice.  If you have questions about a potential SSRI Birth Defect Lawsuit, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

Fentanyl Patch Lawsuits

Fentanyl Patch Lawsuits

Fentanyl is a strong narcotic painkiller that is now commonly administered in a  “patch.”  The Fentanyl Patch is a preferred method of delivery because if the patch is properly designed, manufactured, and administered, the dosage of the drug can provide a consistent dose of the drug.  However, recently there have been some recalls of potentially defective Fentanyl Patches as these defects can lead to overdoses resulting in death.

If you or a loved one have been injured or exposed to a damaged Fentanyl Patch seek medical assistance.  If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or have lost a loved one as a result of a damaged Fentanyl Patch, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

Fentanyl Patch Potential Health Problems

 Fentanyl skin patches provide pain relief for many people who experience chronic pain, and who have been taking pain medications for long periods of time. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted a warning that deaths and other serious problems have resulted from accidental overdoses related to inappropriate use of the fentanyl patch.

The Fentanyl patch is applied to the skin and is designed to deliver fentanyl, a potent, strong opiate analgesic. The drug is slowly absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream and can relieve pain for up to three days from a single patch application.

Please keep in mind that after applying the first patch, it can take 12 to 18 hours to reach the peak of pain relief, with some early pain relief occurring at four to six hours after the first administration. 

The FDA is investigating deaths and overdoses that have occurred with both brand-name and generic fentanyl patches. The brand Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system), manufactured by Janssen L.P. of Titusville, N.J., was approved by the FDA in 1990. A generic version, manufactured by Mylan Laboratories Inc. of Canonsburg, Pa., was approved in 2005.

Fentanyl Patch Recall

On February 17, 2008, Actavis Inc., the United States manufacturing and marketing division of the international generic pharmaceutical company Actavis Group hf, announced that 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States by Actavis' subsidiary Actavis South Atlantic LLC were being voluntarily recalled from wholesalers and pharmacies as a precaution.

The recalled patches were manufactured by Corium International Inc., a contract manufacturer for Actavis, and sold nationwide in the United States by Actavis South Atlantic LLC.

"The 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system patches being recalled may have a fold-over defect which may cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel. Although unaware of any injuries resulting from this issue Actavis, as a precaution, is recalling these lots. As per the approved product labelling for Fentanyl transdermal system, fentanyl is a potent Schedule II opioid medication. Fentanyl patches that are leaking or damaged in any way should not be used. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to serious adverse events, including respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal. Anyone who comes in contact with fentanyl gel should thoroughly rinse exposed skin with large amounts of water only; do not use soap. Immediately dispose of affected patches that may be damaged or compromised in any way by flushing them down the toilet, using caution not to handle them directly. Damaged and/or compromised patches that have leaked gel will not provide effective pain relief.

The lots covered by this recall are: 27261 (exp 05/09), 27317 (exp 05/09), 27318 (exp 06/09), 27319 (exp 06/09), 27391 (exp 06/09), 27409 (exp 06/09), 27475 (exp 07/09), 27476 (exp 06/09), 27488 (exp 06/09), 27514 (exp 07/09), 27536 (exp 07/09), 27537 (exp 08/09), 27538 (exp 08/09), 27545 (exp 07/09), covering the following strengths: 25 mcg/hr, 50 mcg/hr, 75 mcg/hr and 100 mcg/hr.

Please note: Actavis South Atlantic LLC was formerly known as Abrika Pharmaceuticals Inc. The pouches containing the patches are labelled with an Abrika Pharmaceuticals label, but the outer carton bears the Actavis logo with the following product names:

Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 25 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-120-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 50 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-121-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 75 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-122-18.
Actavis Fentanyl Transdermal System, 100 mcg/hr. NDC 67767-123-18.

Anyone who has fentanyl patches labelled with an Abrika or Actavis label should check them for these lot numbers.

Affected patches should not be handled directly.

Anyone with Actavis Fentanyl transdermal system patches with the above listed lot numbers should call 1 877 422 7452.

Patients using fentanyl patches who have medical questions should contact their health-care providers.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch."

Fentanyl Patch Lawyers

Texas Fentanyl Patch Attorney Jason Coomer commonly works with other Fentanyl Patch lawyers throughout Texas and the United States including Houston Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, Boston Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, San Antonio Fentanyl Patch Lawyers, Dallas Defective Medication Lawyers, and other Austin Dangerous Drug Attorneys.  By sharing information and working together, his law firm and other firms throughout Texas and the United States are able to provide better representation for there clients.  

If you or a loved one have been injured or exposed to a damaged Fentanyl Patch seek medical assistance.  If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or have lost a loved one as a result of a damaged Fentanyl Patch, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

Pharmacy Misfilled Prescription & Mistake Claims

Pharmacy Misfilled Prescription & Mistake Claims

Pharmacy mistakes and misfilled prescriptions can cause devastating problems. From pharmacy technicians that have confused ear cleaner for eye drops to be given to an infant to mistaking one medication for another causing heart problems or death to a consumer, giving a person the wrong amount or type of medication can cause major problems. 

If you have any questions about pharmacy mistakes, feel free to send an e-mail to pharmacy-mistake@toxicexposurelaw.com or submit an inquiry.

Many pharmacies are great and well run, but others try to cut costs and have underpaid and under trained pharmacy technicians handle too much in the prescription filling process.  It often will take a pharmacist to recognize dangerous drug interactions or determine if similar medication names have been accidentally confused or switched.  Also it is always good to have a qualified pharmacy with quality control procedures in effect to prevent mistakes in amount of a medication or type of a drug from being mixed up.

Unfortunately, pharmacy mistakes occur when pharmacists and pharmacy technicians get too busy or are just not paying attention.  If you feel you have been seriously injured by pharmacy mistake or have lost a loved one due to a medication mistake, it is important to investigate the claim and make sure that it does not happen again.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos products can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injuries, if someone you know has mesothelioma or other form of cancer related to Asbestos exposure it is important that they get the best medical care that they can find and that the source of their exposure is stopped. If you have any questions feel free to send an e-mail to toxicexposure@toxicexposurelaw.com or submit an inquiry through the online form on this page.

Information on Asbestos and Asbestos Products

The term "asbestos" describes six naturally occurring fibrous minerals, namely chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophylitte and actinolite. When mined and processed, asbestos is typically separated into very thin bundles of fibers and then commonly mixed with a binder during processing.

Asbestos has been known to man for centuries and has been used in literally hundreds of products. Asbestos was used because it is strong, insulates well, and resists fire and corrosion. Common modern uses are as thermal pipe and boiler insulation, spray-applied fire proofing and sound proofing, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, roofing materials and "transite" pipe and sheeting.

In the United States, asbestos became widely used in the early 1900s and its use peaked during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Despite wide spread use of asbestos many asbestos manufacturers and industry insiders became aware of the serious health issues surrounding asbestos in the 1930s and 1940s, but kept the information secret from workers and from the public. In the 1970s the Federal government stepped in and regulated the use of asbestos products. It is also now commonly agreed that exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other health problems.

Today despite being better regulated an estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry, particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction products, insulation, and other building materials) and during automotive brake and clutch repair work.

Asbestos Product Dumping

In addition to domestic exposure, some companies have taken asbestos products that cannot be sold in the United States and have sold the product in other countries.  This product dumping of dangerous asbestos insulation, asbestos block, and other asbestos products can cause serious problems including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other health problems.  Texas companies that dump dangerous products in other countries and cause significant harm can sometimes be brought into the Texas courts to answer for their wrongful dumping and be made to pay money compensation for their wrongful acts.

If someone you know has mesothelioma or other form of cancer related to Asbestos exposure it is important that they get the best medical care that they can find and that the source of their exposure is stopped. If you have any questions feel free to send an e-mail to toxicexposure@toxicexposurelaw.com.

Texas Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyer (Drug Reactions)

Texas Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyer (Drug Reactions)

Tardive dyskinesia can be caused by medical negligence in prescribing the wrong types of medication, the wrong dose or duration of a drug, or in misdiagnosing a medical condition.  Tardive Dyskinesia is a neurological disorder that exhibits itself through repetitive, involuntary, & purposeless movements like grimacing; tongue protrusion; lip smacking, puckering & pursing; and rapid eye blinking.  Victims of tardive dyskinesia also can exhibit rapid & involuntary movements of the arms and legs.  The neurological disorder is usually caused by the long-term and/or high-dose use of dopamine antagonists, usually antipsychotics and among them especially the typical antipsychotics. These neuroleptic drugs are generally prescribed for psychiatric disorders by psychiatrists.

If you or someone you love has been given high doses of neuroleptic drugs including Reglan by a medical doctor and has exhibited Tardive Dyskinesia symptoms, mkae sure that you get this person to a proper medical doctor, then feel free to submit an inquiry or send an e-mail to Texas Tardive Dyskinesia lawyer Jason Coomer.  He may be able to help you recover your damages.

Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuits (Neurological Drug Reactions)

It is believed that certain drugs can cause Tardive Dyskinesia by affecting how nerve impulses are transmitted across gaps between nerve cells (synapses). They do this in part by blocking a chemical made by the body called dopamine. After a while, the nerves seem to become hypersensitive to dopamine. Stimulation by even a little bit of dopamine may cause the abnormal movements.

The medicines most commonly associated with Tardive Dyskinesia include:

• Antipsychotic medicines used to treat schizophrenia and other psychoses. These are also known as neuroleptic medicines.
  
• Levodopa or L-dopa, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease (although high doses of L-dopa may actually help control tardive dyskinesia).
  
• Antiemetic medicines used to control nausea and vomiting.
  
• Tricyclic antidepressants used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
  
• Other medicines that block dopamine.
  

Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuits (GER and GERD Malpractice)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), which is common.   GER occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) opens spontaneously, for varying periods of time, or does not close properly and stomach contents rise up into the esophagus. GER is also called acid reflux or acid regurgitation, because digestive juices—called acids—rise up with the food.

When acid reflux occurs, food or fluid can be tasted in the back of the mouth. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it may cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. Occasional GER is common and does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Persistent reflux that occurs more than twice a week is considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems. People of all ages can have GERD.

An estimated two-thirds of all infants suffer from GER, though the pathological condition called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) affects approximately only one in 300 babies.

Reglan is a neuroleptic medication used to treat gastrointestinal problems that have had many cases of Tardive Dyskinesia reported in response to it. Reglan is supposed to increase the stomach and small intestine contractions to help the passage of food. As every medication, Reglan has side effects associated to it and some of them are very serious. In February 1996, the FDA warned that Reglan causes an increased risk of Parkinsonism.

Reglan is a dopamine antagonist that increases lower esophageal sphincter pressure and improves gastrointestinal emptying. The FDA approved Reglan, which is manufactured by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, for short-term treatment (between 4 and 12 weeks) of these conditions only after conservative methods of treatment have failed. However, it is common that patients are prescribed Reglan for longer than 12 weeks, which is against FDA recommendations.

This is problematic because prolonged use of Reglan can cause Tardive Dyskinesia, a serious and often irreversible movement disorder. Infants who are given Reglan appear to be at an even greater risk for this serious drug side effect.

The symptoms a person can experience from Tardive Dyskinesia can vary from mild barely noticeable facial ticks and involuntary movements to severe problems. Severe cases of Tardive Dyskinesia can have a significant impact on a person's life disabling them from normal functioning.  Severe facial ticks and involuntary body movements can be extremely embarrassing cause a person to withdraw from social interactions.

Haldol Tardive Dyskinesia Lawsuits (Psychiatric Malpractice)

Older typical antipsychotics appear to cause tardive dyskinesia more often than the newer atypical antipsychotics. Haldol® is an older typical antipsycotic and has been linked to tardive dyskinesia. Other dopamine antagonists that can cause tardive dyskinesia are drugs for gastrointestinal disorders ( metoclopramide ) and neurological disorders. In addition to the dopamine antagonists that cause tardive dyskinesia other drugs that are not intended to affect dopamine, such as SSRI antidepressants, may also cause tardive dyskinesia. Newer atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and risperidone appear to also cause tardive dyskinesia, but somewhat less frequently.

Using neuroleptic or anti-psychotic medication is believed to be the leading cause of tardive dyskinesia. These drugs are typically prescribed to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia by psychiatrists. The class of drugs known as first generation antipsychotics, including Haldol, is believed to pose the greatest risk of tardive dyskinesia.  The newer atypical or second-generation antipsychotics, such as Risperdal or Geodon, appear to be safer but may still cause tardive dyskinesia. Additional medications that are prescribed to treat certain neurological and gastrointestinal disorders, such as Reglan, may also be linked to tardive dyskinesia.

There is no cure or customary treatment for tardive dyskinesia. Stopping the use of the medication or switching to another drug does not guarantee that the symptoms will improve or disappear.  It can also be dangerous to immediately stop the use of the drug and advice of a medical doctor should be sought when making this determination. Even after discontinuing use of the offending drug, the damage may have already been done and tardive dyskinesia symptoms may remain well after use of the drug has ended.

Texas Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyer (Drug Reactions)

If you or someone you love is suffering from tardive dyskinesia, Austin Texas Tardive Dyskinesia lawyer, Jason S. Coomer, helps individuals that have been injured from high doses or long term use of neuroleptic medications.  If you have a question about a anti-psychotic medication or other neurological or gastrointestinal medications that may have caused Tardive Dyskinesia, contact Austin Texas Tardive Dyskinesia Lawyer Jason Coomer.

He works with other Texas Medical Malpractice Lawyers including Houston medical and psychiatrist malpractice lawyers, Dallas Medical Malpractice Lawyers, San Antonio Psychiatrist Malpractice Lawyers, and other Austin Psychiatrist Negligence Lawyers on a variety of medical malpractice claims.

Chantix Lawsuits (Suicide Claims)

Chantix Lawsuits (Suicide Claims)

Chantix is a stop smoking aid or smoking cessation medication that has been linked to mood and behavior changes in people that use the drug.  These behavior changes include suicidal behavior and suicidal idealation.  These changes are especially problematic when Chantix is used in combination with alcohol. 

 If you or a loved one have been taking Chantix have attempted suicide, it is important to seek to medical assistance.  If you have questions regarding a potential Chantix lawsuit for the death of a loved one, please feel free to e-mail Texas Chantix Lawyer Jason Coomer with your name & contact information.

Chantix FDA Actions and Warnings (Suicide Claims) 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Advisory to alert health care providers, patients, and caregivers to new safety warnings concerning Chantix (varenicline), a prescription medication used to help patients stop smoking.  Initially, the FDA had issued an Early Communication to the public and health care providers that the agency was evaluating postmarketing adverse event reports on Chantix related to changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and actual suicidal behavior.

After further investigation the FDA has determined based on adverse event reports that it appears increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms. As a result, FDA has requested that Pfizer, the manufacturer of Chantix, elevate the prominence of this safety information to the warnings and precautions section of the Chantix prescribing information, or labeling. In addition, FDA is working with Pfizer to finalize a Medication Guide for patients. 

Chantix was approved by FDA in May 2006 as a smoking cessation drug. Chantix acts at sites in the brain affected by nicotine and may help those who wish to stop smoking by providing some nicotine effects to ease the withdrawal symptoms and by blocking the effects of nicotine from cigarettes if users resume smoking.

In the Public Health Advisory and a Health Care Professional Sheet issued by the FDA, the FDA emphasized the following safety information for patients, caregivers, and health care professionals:

Patients should tell their health care provider about any history of psychiatric illness prior to starting Chantix. Chantix may cause worsening of current psychiatric illness even if it is currently under control. It may also cause an old psychiatric illness to reoccur. FDA notes that patients with these illnesses were not included in the studies conducted for the drug's approval.

Health care professionals, patients, patients' families, and caregivers should be alert to and monitor for changes in mood and behavior in patients treated with Chantix. Symptoms may include anxiety, nervousness, tension, depressed mood, unusual behaviors and thinking about or attempting suicide. In most cases, neuropsychiatric symptoms developed during Chantix treatment, but in others, symptoms developed following withdrawal of varenicline therapy.

• Patients should immediately report changes in mood and behavior to their doctor.
• Vivid, unusual, or strange dreams may occur while taking Chantix.
• Patients taking Chantix may experience impairment of the ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

FDA will continue to update health care professionals with new information from FDA's continuing review or if new information is received on Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.

If you or a loved one have been taking Chantix have attempted suicide, it is important to seek to medical assistance.  If you have questions regarding a potential Chantix lawsuit for the death of a loved one, please feel free to e-mail Texas Chantix Lawyer Jason Coomer with your name & contact information.

Chantix Lawsuit Lawyers 

Texas Dangerous Drug Attorney Jason Coomer commonly works with other lawyers throughout Texas and the United States including Texas Chantix Lawyers, Houston Chantix Lawyers, Boston Chantix Lawyers, San Antonio Pharmaceutical Lawyers, Dallas Defective Medication Lawyers, and other Austin Dangerous Drug Claim Lawyers.  By sharing information and working together, his law firm and other firms throughout Texas and the United States are able to provide better representation for there clients.  

Texas Chantix Lawyer Jason Coomer also works on Avandia Lawsuits and other defective mediation lawsuits. If you or a loved one have or are taking Chantix and have had mood swings, suicidal thoughts, or attempted suicide consult your doctor.  If you or a loved one has questions about a potential Chantix Lawsuit, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

YAZ, Yasmin, Ocella Birth Control Drugs

YAZ, Yasmin, Ocella Birth Control Drugs

In October 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerned with the improper advertising of the YAZ/Yasmin/Ocella birth control drugs, issued a warning letter to the Bayer Corporation to cease unlawful promotion.  Also, women who have taken these popular oral contraceptives reported serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke, gallbladder complications and heart attack as a result of taking the drugs.

If you or a loved one have been injured by YAZ, Yasmin, Ocella birth control drugs  seek medical assistance.  If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or have lost a loved one as a result of YAZ, Yasmin, Ocella birth control drugs, feel free to e-mail any questions you might have to toxicdose@texaslawyers.com.

Diabetes Drug Avandia Claims

Diabetes Drug Avandia Claims

Evidence recently confirmed that the Diabetes Drug Avandia causes an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems.  There is evidence that both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the drug producer Glaxo have been aware of the problems for quite a while.

If you have suffered a heart attack or serious heart damage and have been taking Avandia, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.  If you have lost a person that you love from a heart attack and/or have questions about Avandia, please feel free to e-mail your questions about Avandia.

Avandia Research Confirms Diabetes Drug Causes Heart Problems

The New England Journal of Medicine recently confirmed that people using the diabetes drug Avandia have a 43 percent increase in heart attacks over people not using Avandia.  If you review the research on Avandia, this should come as no surprise either to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or to Glaxo as animal studies done prior to its approval showed constant findings that Avandia caused damage to the heart of many animals.  Within the first six years of approval there have now been over 689 cases of heart failure reported to the FDA in patients using the drug. In addition, there have been reports of other health problems including strokes, anemia, and other heart problems.

More recently, there have been numerous reports of visual abnormalities in the form of macular edema (swelling of part of the retina) and increases in several kinds of fractures in women.  Despite prior knowledge of serious cardiac problems, the FDA has failed to require Glaxo to adequately warn about the dangers of this drug that should be, at best, a last-choice treatment for Type II diabetes. In addition to the accumulating evidence of the health risks of Avandia, many experts suggest that Avandia is not as effective as other diabetes drugs in controlling glucose by lowering blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C.

If you have questions about a heart attack that you think was caused by Avandia or you believe that you have suffered heart damage from Avandia, please feel free to e-mail your questions.

The ToxicDoseLaw.com Website was developed by Texas Dangerous Drug Attorney Jason Coomer.  He is a Texas Avandia Lawyer who commonly works with other lawyers throughout the nation including Chicago Avandia Lawyers, Boston Avandia Lawyers, New York Avandia Attorneys, California Avandia Attorneys, Houston Avandia Lawyers, Oklahoma Pharmaceutical Lawyers, Dallas Defective Medication Lawyers, and other Texas Dangerous Drug Claim Lawyers.  By sharing information and working together, his law firm and other firms throughout the nation are able to provide better representation for there clients.  For more information on Texas Lawyer Jason Coomer, go to his Law Firm's Web Site.