Antelope Valley Personal Injury Lawyer

Heparin Prices are Soaring

Rick Patterson — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:23:00 GMT

It is a case of supply and demand with regard to the blood-thinning drug heparin. Since the recall of heparin earlier this year, supplies have become very limited, so an increase was to be expected.

For example, "At Renal Advantage's 90 dialysis centers, prices have gone up twice since mid-April, says Angela Newman, vice president. DaVita, which has 1,300 dialysis centers, has seen a similar jump, says spokeswoman Stephanie Horn." The increase shows no immediate signs of leveling off. The costs of crude heparin alone, which is imported from China, have risen 500% since the beginning of this year.

Additional Information Pertaining to the FDA and Perscription Drugs

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Walgreen Agrees to Pay $42 Million for Drug Switching

Rick Patterson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:50:47 GMT

Just this morning I walked past a Walgreens delivery truck that proudly displayed this slogan "Walgreens The Pharmacy America Trusts" Which immediately brings to mind the fact that your friendly local pharmacy, Walgreens, has recently had its cover blown.

In a whistleblower filed Walgreens pharmacist, Bernard Lisitz, it was disclosed that Walgreens illegally switched tablet and capsules of generic Zantac and generic Prozac, which would make it possible for them to overcharge 400 percent more to Medicaid. Imagine, the "Pharmacy America Trusts" stealing millions upon millions from hardworking American tax payers.

Attorney for the whistleblower, pharmacist, Bernard Lisitz, said "Bernie wanted the government to know that the drug switching programs he observed were schemes to increase pharmacy profits at taxpayers' expense." Walgreens has agreed to pay $42 million to settle the allegations. Well done Bernie, well done.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Court rules Merck Need Not Monitor Their Former Vioxx Customers

Rick Patterson — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:31:49 GMT

Merck, the manufacturer of the recalled drug known as Vioxx, was victorious in the New Jersey Supreme Court of late. Regrettably, the court issued a ruling that the manufacturer of the defective product, Vioxx, does not have to pay for health monitoring of those who have used their product - despite the fact that the hearts of consumers of Vioxx could become compromised as a result of using the drug. The vote was 5 to 1 that the Products Liability Act does not include the remedy of medical monitoring when no specific injury is claimed.

Additional Information Pertaining to Defective and Dangerous Products
Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Three Motorcycle Riders Die in Three Seperate Accidents in Oklahoma

Rick Patterson — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:39:31 GMT

Three motorcycle riders lost their lives in Oklahoma this week. The motorcycle crasheswere unrelated. In fact they were in separate Oklahoma counties.

The first involved Jackie Sams, 69 of Ardmore, Oklahoma, the second involved Brett Hughes, 24 of Tishomingo, Oklahoma and the third fatality involved John Holland, 57, of Love County, Oklahoma. Local authorities said it was unusual to have three consecutive motorcycle incidents on three consecutive days. All of the motorcycle riders were riding without helmets.

Additional Information Pertaining to Motorcycle Accidents

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Atrium Medical Corporation Announces Recall

Rick Patterson — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:54:00 GMT

Atrium Medical Corporation recently announced that they are conducting a recall on particular lots of their thoracic drainage catheters.

They have been found to be contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS). The risks are currently unknown. The recall was prompted by an influx of reports of serious injury and even death of people who have administered heparin via injection that contain large doses of OSCS. The complete name of the product in question is HYDRAGLIDE™ Brand Heparin-Coated Thoracic Drainage Catheters.

If you have this product, you should discontinue use immediately and contact your medical advisor. See full article for additional information.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Loophole in Federal Law May have Cost Girl Both Feet

Rick Patterson — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:09:00 GMT

You may recall the malfunction on the "Superman Tower of Power" ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom last June. As a result of that incident, a young girl lost both of her feet when the malfunction occurred.

Congressman Edward J. Markey remembers it all too well, and he continues to fight to close a federal loophole in the law that prohibits safety oversight by the federal government of amusement park rides that are permanently located at an amusement park. It would be fair to say that many people who use amusement park rides are unaware of that loophole.

Recently, Congressman Edward J. Markey held a press conference and was joined by the girl who tragically lost both of her feet last year, 14-year-old accident victim Kaitlyn Lassiter. The girl's family were also in attendance. Their goal is to bring attention to this oversight and ultimately to close the federal loophole once and for all.

Additional Information Pertaining to Dangerous and Defective Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Mouthwash Recall Announced

Rick Patterson — Sat, 10 May 2008 23:02:00 GMT

Hydrox Labs, Elgin, have issued a voluntary recall of a mouthwash product that is believed to be contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia.

Unfortunately, this particular defective product has been distributed to hospitals, medical centers, and long term care facilities nationwide. The product is labeled as Alcohol-Free Mouthwash, Cardinal Health, 4 oz., contains recorder number: AG-210 and product lot number 26228.

To a healthy person Burkholderia cepacia may not pose a huge health risk. However, the same cannot be said for a consumer with a compromised immune system. The FDA has been apprised of the action, and Cardinal Health is notifying their customers via overnight mail and is arranging for all product to be returned for credit.

Additional Information Pertaining to Defective and Dangerous Products

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

Minnesota Teen Drivers get Bad Rap

Rick Patterson — Fri, 02 May 2008 23:10:08 GMT

Minnesota teen drivers have been getting a bad rap, and it is undeserved. It has been widely

reported that teen drivers in Minnesota have the highest teen fatality rate as a result of motor vehicle crashes in the nation. That is not true.

Minnesota teens can say with all honesty that they are much less likely to die behind the wheel of an automobile they are driving than most teens in other states in the nation. In fact, they have the 13th lowest teen fatality rate in the nation. Keep up the good work Minnesota.

Information Pertaining to Automobile Accidents

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

California Campaign To Help Prevent Teen Deaths

Rick Patterson — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:05:00 GMT

Between the California Highway Patrol, California Teachers Association, state legislators and other groups California is working hard to bring public awareness to all in an effort to reduce the number of deaths of teenage drivers. Teen Driving Safety Week began this week.

At one time, there was in-car drivers' training in public high schools. Due to budget cuts, now only one in three schools offer such a program to their students. We need to think about where our priorities are. Think about the fact that a high school soccer player may receive as much as 1,500 hours of coached soccer practice compared to a mere 50 hours of driving practice prior to obtaining a license to drive. Truth is stranger than fiction comes to mind here.

More than 7 in 10 16 year-old drivers are at fault in California vehicle accidents. And 4 in 10 deaths of teens are as a result of traffic accidents. The numbers speak for themselves. According to California Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell "the fatal crash risk per mile driven by 16-year-olds is twice that of 18-year-olds and about seven times the risk of drivers ages 30-59."

The group, Impact Teen Drivers delivers awareness, has delivered more than 15,000 packets of classroom materials to public high schools in California. The aim is to teach teens the impact and consequences of driving while distracted. The CHP also plays a vital role as explained by CHP spokeswoman Barbara Upham. Her Santa Rosa office holds a free two-hour safe driving course each month. Additionally, CHP officers give weekly safe driving presentations in health education and drivers' education classes at local high schools.

Parents can play a vital role also. If your child does not show responsibility and restraint while driving. Please, take the car away before a life is taken away.

Additional Information Pertaining to Automobile Accidents

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson

FDA Concerned about Dietary Supplements

Rick Patterson — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:04:41 GMT

As far as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is concerned dietary supplements that contain ephedra (a source of ephedrine alkaloids) poses a health risk due to the fact they contain ephedrine alkaloids. Ephedrine alkaloids are best described as an adrenaline-like stimulants that pose a significant risk to the heat. In short they put undue stress on the circulatory system, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

In 2004 the FDA prohibited the sale of supplements that contain ephedrine alkaloids. Herbal Science International, Inc. also know as Jen-On Herbal Science International, Inc. is now recalling no less than twelve supplements that contain ephedra, aristolochic acid or human placenta due to health concerns. As of now, the recall is voluntary. See full article for a complete list of recalled items and further information.

Additional Information Pertaining to the FDA and Drugs

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Patterson