Alabama Personal Injury Blog - FDA & Prescription Drugs

Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors - Part III

Jan Boswell — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:26:42 GMT

This is the final installment in Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors. In Part II, I will discuss protecting you from medication errors in the hospital.

Part III – The Hospital

1. Take your complete list of medications with you to the hospital. Many patients keep a typed list in their wallets. Give this list to you nurse. Ask and make sure the doctor completes the Medication Reconciliation Form. This form ensured that the doctor is aware of your home medications.
2. Do not take your home medications while you are in a hospital. The doctor will prescribe the medications you need at the dosage you need while you are in the hospital. If you take your home medications, you may over medicate yourself or cause a drug interaction.
3. Know the name of each medication you are taking and why. If you are told any different, you should ask about the difference.
4. Know your rights and speak up. If you are unsure of a medication, ask about it. Ask to see the MD’s order. Ask why you are taking it. You have a right to know and YOU may prevent a medication error.
5. Look at all your medications before you take them. Medications may look different in the hospital than at home. The hospital may use a generic brand or you may be on a different strength. Ask about any differences you see. Again, YOU may prevent a medication error.
6. Do not take any medication until your hospital identification is checked.
7. Make sure the hospital is aware of any and all allergies. Make sure you are given an allergy bracelet and that it is noted on your chart and medication administration record (MAR).
8. At discharge, have the nurse go over all your medications. Ask questions about new prescription and dosage changes. Don’t forget to update your list.
9. Remember your rights: Right time and frequency, Right person, Right drug, Right route of administration, and Right dose.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jan Boswell

FDA finds E. Coli in Nestle Cookie Dough Sample...

Troy Schwant — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:25:15 GMT

How many times have you herad that "one more cookie won't kill you"? Well today's news release by the FDA, shows that this may not be true.

Here is the full report:

www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529531,00.html

The Food and Drug Administration said Monday a sample of raw cookie dough collected at a Nestle USA manufacturing plant last week has tested positive for E. coli.

Nestle voluntarily recalled all Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products made at the Danville, Va., factory earlier this month after the FDA told Nestle it suspected consumers may have been exposed to E. coli bacteria after eating the dough raw.

The FDA and the federal Centers for Disease Control have been investigating whether the cookie dough was the source of the E. coli outbreak which has sickened 69 people in 29 states, according to the latest CDC data. E. coli is a potentially deadly germ that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.

The FDA says the sample of Toll House refrigerated prepackaged dough was manufactured at the plant on Feb. 10.

In a statement, Nestle said the sample that tested positive came from a 16-ounce Toll House refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. The product had a "best before June 10 2009" label.

"We are very concerned about those who have become ill ... and deeply regret that this has occurred," the company said in the statement.

The company also reiterated that consumers can return the recalled products to their local grocer for a full refund.

FDA spokeswoman Stephanie Kwisnek says the FDA is working with the Glendale, Calif.-based unit of Switzerland-based Nestle SA to find the source of the contamination. Nestle said it will continue to work "closely and in full cooperation" with the investigation.

Besides the Toll House products, Nestle also makes a variety of refrigerated pastas and pasta sauces at the plant.

The company shut down production in the cookie dough section of the plant when it issued the recall. That section remains closed, but the company is still manufacturing the pasta and pasta sauces in a separate section of the plant.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Troy Schwant

FDA warns against using certain nasal cold remedy products...

Troy Schwant — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:09:57 GMT

According to this report, the FDA warns that using certain Zicam nasal cold remedies can reduce and in some cases completely eliminate the sense of smell in some users.

Please check your medicine cabinet and be sure that you or a loved one isn't using these products.

Review the full article here:

www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/06/16/zicam.fda.warning/index.html

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Troy Schwant

Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors - Part III

Jan Boswell — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:32:08 GMT

This is the final installment in Protecting Yourself from Medication Errors. In Part II, I will discuss protecting you from medication errors in the hospital.

Part III – The Hospital

1. Take your complete list of medications with you to the hospital. Many patients keep a typed list in their wallets. Give this list to you nurse. Ask and make sure the doctor completes the Medication Reconciliation Form. This form ensured that the doctor is aware of your home medications.
2. Do not take your home medications while you are in a hospital. The doctor will prescribe the medications you need at the dosage you need while you are in the hospital. If you take your home medications, you may over medicate yourself or cause a drug interaction.
3. Know the name of each medication you are taking and why. If you are told any different, you should ask about the difference.
4. Know your rights and speak up. If you are unsure of a medication, ask about it. Ask to see the MD’s order. Ask why you are taking it. You have a right to know and YOU may prevent a medication error.
5. Look at all your medications before you take them. Medications may look different in the hospital than at home. The hospital may use a generic brand or you may be on a different strength. Ask about any differences you see. Again, YOU may prevent a medication error.
6. Do not take any medication until your hospital identification is checked.
7. Make sure the hospital is aware of any and all allergies. Make sure you are given an allergy bracelet and that it is noted on your chart and medication administration record (MAR).
8. At discharge, have the nurse go over all your medications. Ask questions about new prescription and dosage changes. Don’t forget to update your list.
9. Remember your rights: Right time and frequency, Right person, Right drug, Right route of administration, and Right dose.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jan Boswell

$89 Million Settlement

Jon Lewis — Sat, 23 May 2009 10:35:20 GMT

The State of Alabama settled a lawsuit with six (6) pharmaceutical companies according to the Birmingham News. InjuryBoard member, Beasley Allen, and the law firm of Hand Arendall settled six Medicaid drug pricing lawsuits. The firm has already obtained several large jury verdicts for the State totaling $352.4 million, and those are being appealed.

70 drug companies have been sued by the State alleging that they manipulated drug prices which Medicaid must pay for prescription drugs. Ten companies have already settled for $35 million.

With four jury verdicts and sixteen substantial settlements, it is clear that these companies engaged in fraud against the State of Alabama. Once again, corporate greed shines through. When will a sense of right and wrong overtake greed?

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis

Follow-Up to Hydroxycut Recall

Margaret Embry — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:41:44 GMT

As a follow-up to the May 1, 2009 Hydroxycut recall post, the FDA has released more information about the recall. As of May 7, 2009,

Iovate Health Sciences USA, Inc. of Blasdell, New York and Ontario, Canada announced today that it is adding Universal Product Codes (UPCs) with respect to the Hydroxycut-branded products sold in the United States and subject to the voluntary recall. These additions all involve additional packages and sizes of products previously referenced.

These additional UPC numbers being added to the May 1st list include:

631656800265 Hydroxycut Hardcore 8 fl. oz. Grape Explosion
631656800210 Hydroxycut Hardcore 8 fl. oz. Triple Wildberry
631656001501 Hydroxycut 280ct-3 Pak Kit *Discontinued*
631656001563 Hydroxycut 280ct-6 Pak Kit *Discontinued*
631656000658 Hydroxycut 100ct-6 month supply (7 bottles+ 4 free) Kit
631656600896 Hydroxycut 2x60ct Club Pack US Kit
631656000672 Hydroxycut 100ct-1 month supply (1 bottle+1 free) Kit *Discontinued*
631656874693 Hydroxycut 58 cap 12-pack Target US Kit *Discontinued*
631656000665 Hydroxycut 100ct-3 month supply (4 bottles+2 free) Kit *Discontinued*
631656002362 Hydroxycut Sachet Twin Pack US Kit
631656860498 Hydroxycut Instant Weight Loss Shot 12 x 2oz - Wild berry US Kit
631656660623 Hydroxycut Hardcore Shredded Stack Kit120ct
631656500585 Hydroxycut 60 Rapid Release Caplets

Iovate initiated this voluntary recall after the FDA reported that 23 consumers had experienced liver-related problems, which is different from Iovate's analysis.

Consumers with questions about the recall can visit www.hydroxycutinformation.com for more information. Consumers can also contact the company by calling 1-877-468-2835 Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm Eastern Daylight Time.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

Hydroxycut Kills and Injures!

Jon Lewis — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:23:21 GMT

The FDA has warned consumers to stop using the dietary supplement Hydroxycut. This drug is manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc., and they are recalling all of the Hydroxycut products. These include Max Drink Packets, Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, and Max Aqua Shed. The injuries involve the liver. There has been one death reported.

If you have taken these dangerous products, return them IMMEDIATELY!!! Why does this happen? Americans want the easy way out. We want the lazy way. We want to be entertained, and we want to do as little as possible to get what we want. We want easy money - gambling, lotteries (I'm not against these either). We want our sports. We want our movies. We want quick food (microwaves). We want more for less. And, more importantly, with respect to Hydroxycut, we want to lose weight without having to work for it.

How do you lose weight? Output greater than input. There is no secret. There is no miracle drug, or if there is, it usually kills or injures (see Phen fen). Exercise more than you eat. Eat in moderation. Work hard, and you will get there.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis

The FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Hydroxycut Products

Tara Helms — Fri, 01 May 2009 13:21:14 GMT

The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using Hydroxycut products. Some Hydroxycut products are associated with a number of serious liver injuries. The manufacturer, Lovate Health Sciences Inc. of Oakville, Ontario has agreed to recall Hydroxycut from the market. Hydroxycut products are dietary supplements that are marketed for weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss under the Iovate and MuscleTech brand names.

The FDA has received numerous reports of serious health problems ranging from jaundice and elevated liver enzymes to liver damage requiring liver transplant. Other health problems reported include seizures; cardiovascular disorders; and rhabdomyolysis (a type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure). The FDA continues to investigate the potential relationship between Hydroxycut dietary supplements and liver injury or other potentially serious side effects.

The list of products being recalled by Lovate currently includes:

Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets

Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets

Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets

Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets

Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)

Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets

Hydroxycut Liquid Shots

Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)

Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed

Hydroxycut 24

Hydroxycut Carb Control

Hydroxycut Natural

Consumers who have any of the products involved in the recall are advised to stop using them and to return them to the place of purchase. Health care professionals and consumers are encouraged to report serious adverse events (side effects) or product quality problems with the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online, by regular mail, fax (800-FDA-0178) or phone (800-FDA-1088).

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Tara Helms

Recalled Digitek Digoxin Tablets Could Affect Many with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

Margaret Embry — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:59:23 GMT

Digoxin is a drug used to treat congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation by making the heart beat stronger and with a more regular rhythm. To understand the importance this drug plays in those who suffer from the above mentioned conditions, a general understanding of these conditions is needed.

According to US Recall News from April 2008,

A class I recall is being issued on all Digitek (digoxin) tablets, which may contain twice the approved level of digoxin.The existence of double-strength pills pose a risk of digitalis toxicity, which can result in nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, bradycardia and even death.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), according to the American Heart Association, is a condition in which the heart is not able to pump enough blood to the body's other organs. The heart is working, but not as efficiently as the body needs. Because of this, a person with CHF cannot exert themselves because they become short of breath and tired.

As blood flow out of the heart slows, blood returning to the heart through the veins backs up, causing congestion in the tissues. Often swelling (edema) results. Most often there's swelling in the legs and ankles, but it can happen in other parts of the body, too. Sometimes fluid collects in the lungs and interferes with breathing, causing shortness of breath, especially when a person is lying down.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a disorder in which the heart's two small upper chambers (the atria) quiver instead of beating effectively. Blood isn't pumped completely out of the atria, so there is a chance for it to pool and clot. If a piece of a blood clot in the atria leaves the heart and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, a stroke results. About 15 percent of strokes occur in people with atrial fibrillation and about 2.2 million Americans suffer from AF.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Margaret Embry

Raptiva Withdrawn from U.S. Market

Michael Roberts — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:29:57 GMT

On April 8, the psoriasis drug Raptiva (efalizumab) was the subject of an announced phased voluntary withdrawal from the United States market. Its manufacturer, Genentech, made this announcement due to potential risk to patients of developing a severe, progressive neurologic disease known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This disease is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. Raptiva will be no longer available in the U.S. after June 8, 2009.

A February 19 FDA Public Health Advisory warned of PML risks in taking Raptiva, after reports were received of PML disease in patients who had been taking Raptiva.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Michael Roberts