FDA & Prescription Drugs

• Drug Consortium to Study Relationship Between Genetics and Drug Safety

  Joe Saunders | September 27, 2007 10:38 AM | 0 CommentsPinellas, FL

  In a move that is widely seen as a step in the right direction for consumer safety, a consortium of pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions will combine forces to study data concerning the link between genetics and drug safety. The pharmaceutical companies involved in the group include: Abbott Laboratories, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer Inc., Roche Holding AG,...

• E. coli Sickens 21 People Prompting Burger Recall

  Lee Coleman | September 27, 2007 9:18 AM | 0 CommentsBowling Green, KY

  E. coli strikes again. At least 21 people in eight states may have become ill due to the latest outbreak. CDC has confirmed two in New York and one in Florida directly linked to the ground beef, the others are under investigation. The recall comes from Topps Meat Company out of Elizabeth, NJ. The frozen beef patties, 331,582 pounds, were distributed nationwide.The boxes recalled carry the number...

• Reports of Adverse Drug Effects Have Doubled Over the Last Decade

  Chrissie Cole | September 26, 2007 3:25 PM | 0 CommentsLas Vegas, NV

  Adverse drug effects reported to the FDA over the last decade have more than doubled, according to a new study. Deaths associated with adverse effects have also more than doubled."A change of this magnitude ought to be cause for alarm," says Thomas J. Moore, senior scientist, drug safety and policy, for the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in Huntingdon Valley, Pa., and the lead author of...

• Cause of Rare Fibrosis Suggested

  Scott Kappes | September 25, 2007 4:54 PM | 0 CommentsGalveston Bay, TX

  Researchers from Wake Forest University have suggested a reason why some people with advanced renal failure develop Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Before now there has been no explanation for the rare skin condition characterized by tightening and swelling of skin and in some cases internal tissue and organs. There has been a previous link established between gadolinium based contrast...

• Chantix Claims Are Becoming More Prominent

  Scott Kappes | September 25, 2007 9:07 AM | 0 CommentsHouston, TX

  The shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht has gotten quite a bit of attention throughout the U.S. media. The Castle Doctrine has been the main focal point associated with Albrecht's death, but concerns about the prescription stop smoking aid Chantix have also gotten nation wide attention. Albrecht's girlfriend has alleged that Chantix had to play a significant role in the psychotic...

• Ketek Safety Concerns Persist

  Brenda Fulmer | September 24, 2007 5:14 PM | 0 CommentsPinellas, FL

  For months, there have been growing concerns over the safety of Ketek, an antibiotic that has caused liver failure in a number of patients. Ketek (telithromycin) is part of the ketolide class of antibiotics, and was approved by the FDA in April of 2004. The drug has been shrouded in controversy due to Congressional investigations into irregularities with regard to the approval process,...

• FDA to Study Potential Link between ADHD Drugs and Cardiovascular Problems

  Joe Saunders | September 24, 2007 1:52 AM | 0 CommentsPinellas, FL

  The potential link between such ADHD drugs as Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and Dexedrine and cardiovascular disease and strokes will be studied by the FDA. According to the September 17 FDA News item:"Case reports have described adverse cardiovascular events in adult and pediatric patients with certain underlying risk factors who receive drug treatment for ADHD, but it is unknown whether or not...

• TWC Global LLC, Inc. Issues a Recall of Axcil and Desirin

  Jenny Albano | September 22, 2007 7:23 PM | 0 CommentsSacramento, CA

  TWC Global LLC, Inc., in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling Axcil and Desirin products marked as dietary supplements because they include potentially dangerous unlabeled ingredients.FDA found the lot of 02B07 contains 3 mg/g of sildenafil, the active ingredient of a FDA-approved drug used for ED, as well as sulfosildenafil and sulfohomosildenafil, both are analogs of sildenafil. All of these...

• Dietary Supplements Recalled for Potential Health Risk

  Scott Kappes | September 21, 2007 1:54 PM | 0 CommentsGalveston Bay, TX

  Today the FDA issued a nationwide recall of the dietary supplements Axcil and Desirin. These drugs are marketed as dietary supplements but they definitely focus on sexual performance. They were recalled because an FDA laboratory analysis showed that supplements contain potentially dangerous ingredients that are unlisted. The supplements contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in many erectile...

• Baby Bliss Gripe Water Recalled

  Lee Coleman | September 21, 2007 1:09 PM | 0 CommentsBowling Green, KY

  The FDA along with MOM Enterprises, Inc. posted a recall of Baby's Bliss Grip Water, apple flavor, code 26952V and expire date of October 2008 due to Cryptosporidium infection. The herbal formula is used ease stomach discomfort in infants associated with colic, hiccups and teething. Cryptosporidium infection causes a watery diarrhea. It can also have symptoms of weight loss, stomach cramps or...