Every year, thousands of Americans die from adverse reactions and harmful side effects caused by prescription drugs. Thousands more are seriously injured and sometimes die from reactions and side effects associated with over-the-counter medications.

Congress gave the Food & Drug Administration the power to assess the safety and effectiveness of all drugs. However, drug manufacturers have been successful in pushing and obtaining FDA approval of many drugs without adequate clinical research and testing. In addition, millions of patients are receiving drugs that the FDA has not approved for treating their specific illness. Many drug manufacturers aggressively market such off-label uses to physicians, encouraging them to prescribe potentially dangerous medications for uses not approved by the FDA. Moreover, the FDA fast track process has allowed many deadly drugs to be approved and used on patients, without adequate research of all side effects and possible adverse reactions. Further, the level of evidence required to get unsafe products off the market is very high. In many tragic instances, the public has been used as guinea pigs and subjected to serious health risks by taking inadequately tested and unproven drugs.

While many effective drugs have been developed, many dangerous and deadly drugs have now been introduced into our hospitals, pharmacies and doctor's offices. Gilman and Pastor, LLP has specialized expertise in handling defective drug litigation. Our efforts have yielded millions of dollars in compensation for many injured victims.

If you have been seriously injured, or a loved one has been injured or killed after taking either a prescription or over-the-counter medication, it is important that you contact an attorney who can help protect your legal rights. There are also strict time limitations within which you must commence action. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.

DANGEROUS DRUGS AND DESCRIPTIONS

• Ablify
  Abilify is used to treat schizophrenia and is part of a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. Similar drugs are Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel. Abilify might increase the possibility of a specific, and potentially fatal heart-rhythm irregularity.



• Accutane
  Accutane has been used to treat severe acne. It has dangerous dies effects, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Premature Closure of Growth Plates, Birth Defects, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Rectal Bleeding, Abdominal Pain, Central Nervous System Injuries, Bone and Muscle Loss, Cardiovascular Injuries, Liver and Kidney Damage, Pancreatitis, Immune System Disorder, Lupus, Hearing and Vision Damage, Thyroid Disorders, Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior, Suicide.



• ACE Inhibitors
  ACE inhibitors are used for monitoring blood pressure, treating heart failure and preventing kidney damage in people with hypertension or diabetes. ACE inhibitors have been linked to causing severe birth defects.



• Actonel
  Actonel is prescribed to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. Actonel is a type of drug known as bisphosphonates, which is in the same family drugs as Fosamax, Aredia, and Zometa. Actonel (and other bisphosphonates) has been linked to causing serious bone disease called Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.



• Actos
  Actos is a diabetes drug called thiazolidinedione or glitazone, which increases the body's sensitivity to insulin. Diabetics who have mild heart disease or any problems with their kidneys may be at an increased risk of developing congestive heart failure.



• Adderall
  Adderall is a drug used in the treatment of ADHD. The FDA has identified a link between use of Adderall and an increased risk of sudden death and serious cardiovascular problems including heart attacks.



• Advair
  The Advair Diskus inhaler contains a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol and is used to treat asthma. The FDA has reported that potentially fatal side effects from the Advair Diskus. These medications may increase the chance of severe asthma episodes, and death when those episodes occur.



• Advanced Medical Optics
  Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution was recalled in May 2007 after it was linked to potentially blinding eye infections.



• Advil
  Children’s Advil is a commonly used painkiller that is designed for children aged two to eleven years, and is available over the counter. Children’s Advil has been linked to two often deadly skin diseases: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).



• Aldara
  Aldara is a patient-applied cream available by prescription for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Aldara side effects include the following: anaphylactic shock and death; Memory loss, Diminished eyesight, Headaches, Dizziness, Weight loss, Irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, Nerve damage, Tear duct damage, Sinus damage, Parkinson’s disease, Skin rash, Skin irritation, Back pain, Burning, Itching, Skin peeling, Muscle aches, Swelling, Scabbing, Skin cancer.



• Ambien
  Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug prescribed for sleeplessness. There are several serious side effects, including severe allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, which may include sleep driving. Sleep driving is defined as driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event.



• Aptivus
  Aptivus is a protease inhibitor, which is in the family of antiretroviral drugs. Aptivus obstructs HIV protease, an enzyme that HIV needs to make more copies of it. The drugs current black box warning states that patients taking Aptivus with another protease inhibitor, Norvir can develop potentially fatal bleeding in the brain.



• Aranesp
  Aranesp is approved to treat anemia caused by chemotherapy. Anemia is a common side effect of chemotherapy, which can damage the production of red blood cells. Serious and dangerous side effects include blood clots and death, cardiac arrest, hypertension, vascular thrombosis, and convulsions.



• Arava
  Arava is used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. It has been associated with severe liver toxicity and death. Additional, Arava has been linked to Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which is a severe reaction can cause rash, skin peeling, sores on the mucous membranes, and death.



• Aredia
  Aredia is used to treat Hypercalcemia, Paget's disease, and Cancer. Severe side effects of the drug have been reported as osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which is a serious bone disease.



• Aricept
  Aricept is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. This and similar drugs have been linked to an increase in the risks of heart disease.



• Avandia
  Avandia is used to treat diabetes. Avandia has been linked to numerous, dangerous and deadly side effects, including fatal liver failure, cardiovascular problems, edema and bone fractures, heart failure and bone fractures, and increases the risk of anemia and vision loss from macular edema.



• Avelox
  Avelox is an antibiotic which has been associated with liver damage. Avelox is in a class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Severe side effects from this drug include liver damage, liver failure, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia.



• Avonex
  Avonex is a drug used in the treatment of symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Avonex has been linked to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy. PML is a rare and frequently fatal disease of the central nervous system. PML often results in irreversible neurological deterioration and death.



• Baycol
  Baycol is part of a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels called statins. Baycol was withdrawn from the market because it has been linked to Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes muscle-cell breakdown (atrophy) and causes muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea and vomiting. Rhabdomyolysis also involves injuries to the kidneys, including kidney failure. This drug has been reported to have caused dozens of deaths.



• Bayer Aspirin Products
  Bayer Women’s Low Dose Aspirin + Calcium or Bayer Aspirin With Heart Advantagehas been reported to be more effective in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke than ordinary aspirin products. Bayer Aspirin with Heart Advantage contains plant sterols and claims on its packaging to help control cholesterol, while Bayer Women's Low Dose Aspirin + Calcium claims to help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. There has been no proof, however, that support these claims.



• Betaseron
  Betaseron issued for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This drug has been linked to liver toxicity. There have been reports of serious liver injury including autoimmune hepatitis and severe liver damage leading to liver failure and transplant. Common side effects include flu-like symptoms (fatigue, chills, fever, muscle aches, and sweating) and injection site reactions (swelling, redness, discoloration, and pain).



• Bextra
  Bextra, a Cox-2 Inhibitor drug, is in the same drug family as Vioxx, Celebrex and Naproxen. Bextra is prescribed for the treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain associated with menstrual cramping. Serious side effects linked to this drug include, high rate of heart attacks, strokes, other cardiovascular injuries and Stevens Johnson Syndrome, an extreme allergic reaction that can cause severe skin rash, blistering, difficulty breathing, and death.



• Bismacine
  Bismacine, also known as chromacine, is an injectable supplement often used to treat Lyme disease. Bacteria causes lime disease, often the result of tick bites. Bismacine is considered a non-pharmaceutical product that is not approved for anything. Bismacine is frequently prescribed or administered by doctors of alternative health or by people claiming to be medical doctors. Bismacine contains high amounts of bismuth, a heavy metal that is used in some medications taken by mouth to treat Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers), but is not approved in any form for use by injection. The reported side effects include bismuth poisoning, cardio-vascular collapse, and kidney failure.



• Bitter Orange
  Bitter Orange (generic name: Citrus Aurantium) is a supplement that many supplement manufacturers claim is the equivalent of the banned supplement, Ephedra. Bitter Orange contains Synerphrine, which brings about stimulation similar to Ephedra and many believe that it is as dangerous as Ephedra. Bitter Orange represents a new generation of herbal diet pills that are being marketed as safe alternatives to the banned Ephedra. Popular products include Xenadrine EFX and Metabolife's Metabolife Ultra. It has been reported that Bitter Orange may cause cancer, severe liver or kidney damage, heart problems, or even death.



• Botox
  Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Myobloc are injectable drugs that contain botulinum toxin. Besides its common use as in plastic sruefry and dermantology practices to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it has been linked to severe reactions in children treated for limb spasticity associated with cerebral palsy, an off-label use of the drugs. Botox, which is made with botulinum toxin type A, is approved for treatment of conditions such as blepharospasm (spasm of the eyelids), cervical dystonia (severe neck muscle spasms), and severe primary axillary hyperhydrosis (excess sweating). Botox Cosmetic, which also uses botulinum toxin Type A, is approved for temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe facial frown lines. Myobloc, which is made from botulinum toxin Type B, is approved for the treatment of adults with cervical dystonia. Among the claims are that the drug resulted in hospitalization and death, and occurred mostly in children treated for cerebral palsy-associated limb spasticity.



• Byetta
  Byetta is a drug approved by the FDA to help type 2 diabetics better control blood sugar when other drugs were not adequate. The twice-daily injection is a synthetic form of a lizard hormone that boosts the production of insulin. Byetta has been linked to the onset of acute pancreatitis, as well as hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis. Deaths have been reported due to use of this drug.



• Campath
  Campath is approved to treat Leukemia. The drug has been linked to serious side effects and death. Among the side effects is the development of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), which is a condition in which patients experience a low platelet count that can cause abnormal bleeding.



• Cardizem
  Cardizem, generic Diltiazem, is a calcium channel blocker used to relax or widen your blood vessels making it easier the heart to pump and reduce the stress of the heart. Cardizem is usually prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat angina (chest pain), and to slow unusually fast heartbeats but it is often commonly prescribed for off-label uses as well. There have been claims that Cardizem use results in permanent male infertility associated with Cardizem.



• Celebrex
  Celebrex (Generic: Celecoxib) is a COX-2 inhibitor, a class of drugs linked to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Celebrex is the only COX-2 inhibitor still on the market in the United States. Celebrex and the other COX-2 inhibitors are prescribed for the treatment of osteoarthritis, adult rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain associated with menstrual cramping. Serious side effects linked to this drug include, high rate of heart attacks, strokes, other cardiovascular injuries and Stevens Johnson Syndrome, an extreme allergic reaction that can cause severe skin rash, blistering, difficulty breathing, and death.



• Celexa
  Celexa is a SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prescribed antidepressant, but has not been approved for pediatric depression. Nevertheless, Celexa is prescribed off-label for pediatric depression. This SSRI has been linked to suicidal thoughts in patients ranging from 18-24 years of age. SSRI drugs have been reported to increase the risk of death in heart disease patients.



• CellCept
  CellCept, also known by its generic name mycophenolate mofetil, is part of a class of drugs called immunosuppressants. It is used to prevent rejection of solid organ transplants, including kidney, heart and liver. Severe risks of using this drug include increased risk of developing opportunistic infections and sepsis, causing miscarriages, and birth defects.



• Chantix
  Chantix is a smoking cessation medication that is used to block nicotine receptors, thereby reducing cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Chantix has been linked to serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts.



• Cipro
  Cipro is a member of the fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics, prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the abdomen, bones, urinary tract skin and lower respiratory system. Health care providers often prescribe Cipro to combat bronchial infections, typhoid fever, prostate gland infections and tuberculosis. It has been reported that Cipro increases the risk of tendonitis and tendon ruptures, and may also result in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN - also called Lyle's Syndrome - is a life-threatening skin condition that is frequently induced by a reaction to medications. TEN affects many parts of the body, but it most severely affects the mucous membranes, such as the mouth and eyes. These severe symptoms are often preceded by 1 to 2 weeks of fever, and many victims at first believe they are suffering from a common upper respiratory tract infection. TEN is often fatal.



• Cleocin
  Cleocin is an antibiotic prescribed to treat infections of the respiratory tract, skin, pelvis, vagina, and abdomen. There have been reports of serious side effects linked to use of this drug, including, Peudomembranous colitis, Diarrhea, Dry skin, Reddish skin, Skin irritation, Skin rash, Oiliness, Itching, Burning, Vaginal inflammation, Vaginal pain, Vaginal infection, and death.



• Clozaril
  Clozaril is an Atypical Antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. Clozaril (Generic: Clozapine). Clozaril has been linked with diabetes, hyperglycemia and pancreatitis. In some reports, patients have developed runaway blood sugar that previously had been under control with a careful diet.



• Complete MoisturePlus
  Complete MoisturePlus is a contact lens solution. It has been reported that this contact lens solution is responsible for an outbreak of a rare but serious eye infection that can cause blindness. Eye infections from Acanthamoeba typically occur in contact lens wearers but are extremely rare, appearing on average in just one or two cases per million lens wearers per year. The manufacturer, Advanced Medical Optics Inc., blamed the contamination of the Complete MoisturePlus product on a water-borne organism that got into some solution at the company's plant in China.



• Concerta
  Concerta is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Reported psychiatric side effects of Concerta include suicidal thoughts, aggression, psychotic behavior and hallucinations. Concerta's label already includes warnings about psychiatric side effects; the warnings may downplay the seriousness of the side effects. There have also been reports of serious cardiovascular problems in Concerta users including hypertension, arrhythmia's, chest pain, tachycardia, and death.



• Coreg
  Coreg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure and current heart attacks. Common side effects of Coreg consist of: tiredness, lightheadedness, dizziness, body or leg swelling, headache, diarrhea, vision changes, joint pain and difficulty falling or staying asleep. More severe side effects include skin reactions: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). SJS and TEN are two forms of severe adverse reactions that cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes, lesions, blisters, swelling of the throat, and even death.



• Crestor
  Crestor is a prescription drug used to reduce bad cholesterol levels. This drug has been linked to kidney damage, kidney failure, Rhabdomyolysis, a rare muscle destroying disease, and death.



• Cylert
  Cylert is a stimulant that was approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This drug has been linked to severe adverse reactions, including liver failure, requiring transplants, and death.



• Cymbalta
  Cymbalta is used as an antidepressant, but is often prescribed for the off-0label use of treating urinary incontinence. This and other antidepressants have been reported to cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, in patients ranging from 18-24 years of age. It has also been linked to hepatitis, jaundice and other liver-related problems in patients.



• Cytotec
  Cytotec is approved to treat ulcers. There has been an increased off-label use of Cytotec as a labor-inducing drug. There have been reports of uterine rupture following Cytotec use for cervical ripening in patients with prior uterine surgery. Other reported serious risks of Cytotec include increased incidence of jaundice in the baby, fetal distress caused by uterine hyper stimulation, fluid overload from the IV use, increased blood loss post-partum, amniotic fluid embolism, uterine rupture, and an overall increased risk of instrumental or surgical delivery, death and birth defects.



• Darvocet
  Darvocet is a drug used to treat pain symptoms. Because the main active ingredient in the drug is propoxyphene, a relatively weak painkiller, users may accidentally overdose on the drug. There have been reports of hundreds of accidental overdose deaths associated with this class of drugs.



• Darvon
  Darvocet is a drug used to treat pain symptoms. It is the equivalent of Darvocet. Because the main active ingredient in the drug is propoxyphene, a relatively weak painkiller, users may accidentally overdose on the drug. There have been reports of hundreds of accidental overdose deaths associated with this class of drugs.



• Daypro
  Daypro is a prescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory (NSAID) used to treat the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Daypro has an extremely long half-life (time it takes for the blood plasma concentration of the drug to be reduced by one-half), which means that the amount of drug available for therapeutic and toxic effects is greater in the blood stream for a longer period of time. The long half-life increases Daypro's propensity to cause toxic reactions, particularly in women and persons of low body weight. In addition, there have been reports of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) associated with this drug. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes, swelling of the airway, and death.



• Definity
  Definity is a contrast agent used in ultrasounds of the heart to enhance images during a procedure called echocardiography. During an echocardiography, Definity is injected into a patient’s veins, which sharpen the resulting ultrasound picture. There have been reports that use of this contrast agent may result in serious cardiac reaction, cardiac failure, and death.



• Depakote
  Depakote is used to treat certain types of seizures and convulsions. It can be prescribed alone or with other epilepsy medications. Doctors have reported that expectant mothers with epilepsy who took Depakote to control seizures were at increased risk of having a child with mental deficits and other birth defects, such as neural tube problems.



• DES
  DES is a synthetic form of estrogen that was prescribed between 1938 and 1971 to help women with certain complications of pregnancy. DES has been linked to clear cell adenocarcinoma, an uncommon cancer of the vagina or cervix, in daughters of women who used DES during pregnancy. DES sons are at increased risk of epididymal cysts. Children and grandchildren of women who took DES (Diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing significant injuries ranging from rare cancers to genital abnormalities. DES Daughters also have a higher risk for ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and preterm labor and delivery. Most DES daughters can become pregnant and carry their babies to term. However, because of the above risks, all DES daughters (whether they have had previous normal pregnancies or not) require high-risk obstetric care and early confirmation of pregnancy.



• Desmopressin
  Desmopressin is a hormone taken through the nose, by mouth, or given by injection to prevent or control the frequent urination, increased thirst, and loss of water associated with diabetes insipidus (water diabetes). Desmopressin is used also to control bed-wetting and frequent urination and increased thirst associated with certain types of brain injuries or brain surgery. Desmopressin works by acting on the kidneys to reduce the flow of urine. Serious side effects have been reported, including hyponatremia, a low concentration of sodium in the blood, which can result in seizures and death.



• Dexedrine
  Dexedrine is a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity drug (ADHD) Dexedrine. Dexedrine has been linked to serious heart conditions, including heart failure. It has also been reported that the drug may lead to adverse psychiatric events, such as hallucinations and mania.



• Digitek
  Digitek is a form of digitalis, a chemical derived from the foxglove plant that has been used as a heart medicine for hundreds of years. The medication is sold generically as digoxin by several companies. Digitalis medicines strengthen the force of the heartbeat by increasing the amount of calcium in the heart's cells. Digitalis medicines also control irregular heart rhythms (called arrhythmias). Digitalis toxicity is a complication of digitalis therapy and may be caused by an acute ingestion of digitalis. Digitalis toxicity can occur from a single exposure or chronic overmedication. People with heart failure are commonly given diuretics (medications used to pull excess fluid from the body) along with digoxin. Many diuretics can cause potassium loss. Low levels of potassium in the body increase the risk of digitalis toxicity. Digitalis toxicity may also result from low levels of magnesium in the body. Reduced kidney function will cause digitalis to accumulate in the body rather than being excreted normally through urine. Therefore, any disorders that disrupt kidney functioning (including dehydration) make digitalis toxicity more likely.



• Dilantin
  Dilantin is an antiepileptic drug prescribed to manage temporal lobe seizures and grand mal seizures. A major side effect of Dilantin is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), which is a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction. Other side effects associated with Dilantin include: confusion, constipation, discolored urine (pink, red, or brown), fatigue, slurred speech, agitation, anemia, bone marrow depression, chest discomfort, difficulty learning (children), dizziness, fever and chills, frequent bone fractures or breaks, headache, joint pain, light gray stools, low thyroid function, malformed bones, numbness or tingling in extremities (long-term use), painful erection, restlessness, severe stomach pain, severe skin reaction, shallow or troubled breathing, uncontrolled jerking of limbs, uncontrolled facial movements, unusual bleeding or bruising, weight loss, and yellow eyes or skin.



• Diltiazem
  Diltiazem is a popular drug used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), to treat angina (chest pain), and to slow unusually fast heartbeats but it is often commonly prescribed for off-label uses as well. Diltiazem is sold in the United States under the brand names: Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem LA, Cardizem SR, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Diltia XT and Tiazac. Reports suggest that this drug may permanent male infertility associated with Diltiazem.



• Ditropan
  Ditropan is prescribed to help control symptoms associated with an overactive bladder. Severe side effects have been reported regarding this drug, including insomnia, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, and other central nervous system risks.



• Dostinex
  Dostinex (generic: cabergoline) is used for treating Parkinson’s in other countries but is approved in this country only for a hormonal disorder, hyperprolactinemia. Newer studies have linked this drug to heart valve disease.



• Duragesic Patch
  The Duragesic Patch (Fentanyl transdermal) is a pain medication patch indicated for the management of severe, chronic pain (such as cancer pain) that cannot be managed with less powerful drugs such as acetaminophen-opioid combinations and nonsteroidal analgesics. There have been reports of serious adverse reactions to this drug, including medication leaks out of the patch, which can deliver a fatal overdose of the drug.



• Effexor
  Effexor is an SNRI antidepressant (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and is used to treat depression and associated anxiety symptoms. It has been linked to suicide, suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior and suicide attempts.



• Elidel
  Elidel is prescribed to treat Eczema and is also commonly prescribed off-label for psoriasis and dermatitis seborrhea. Research shows that the cream is absorbed into the body and may have the potential to cause cancer. Research indicates that the risk of cancer may increase as the amount of the drug given increased.



• Enbrel
  Enbrel is used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. The manufacturer of Enbrel has advised that the drug might cause serious blood reactions and stimulate nervous system disorders. Reports of 10 such incidences, half of which were fatal, prompted this action by Immunex.



• Ephedra
  Ephedra is a supplement which has been linked to serious side effects including, Stroke, Heart attack, Palpitations, Hypertension, Coma, Tachycardia, Respiratory depression, Death.



• Epilepsy Drugs
  Carbamazepine(marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR), Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol), Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin), Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal), Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra), Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal), Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica), Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril), Topiramate (marketed as Topamax), Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon), Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran), are anti-seizure medications. The FDA has warned the people taking epilepsy drugs were twice as likely to suffer from suicidal thoughts. Many drugs in this class of drugs have also been known to cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) associated with this drug. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are two forms of the skin disease that can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes, swelling of the airway, and death.



• Epogen
  Epogen (Generic: Epoetin alfa) is used in the treatment of anemia in kidney patients. Concerns about serious side effects exist, including risks related heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure.



• Estratest
  Estratest is a hormone pill hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consists of both estrogen and testosterone. Research and studies indicate that HRT doubles the risk of breast cancer in women. Estrogen-testosterone pills are sold under the brand names Estratest and Estratest H.S.



• Ethex
  In November 2008, ETHEX Corporation recalled various lots and sizes of Propafenone HCl Tablets, Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release Tablets, Morphine Sulfate Extended Release Tablets, Morphine Sulfate Immediate Release Tablets and Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets. ETHEX initiated the recall because of the potential that some of the tablets were oversized. Oversized tablets may contain more than the intended levels of the active drug ingredient, which could result in an overdose. Overdosing on these drugs may result in serious or life-threatening consequences, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and low blood pressure, fainting, low blood pressure, respiratory depression (difficulty or lack of breathing) and low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.



• Evista
  Evista is a hormone used in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). This drug, among other HRT class of drugs, have been reported to increase the risk of death due to stroke in postmenopausal women who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.



• Fentora
  Fentora is a narcotic painkiller approved for use in cancer patients in severe pain. Fentora contains fentanyl, a highly addictive opiate 80 times more powerful than morphine. Accidental overdoses on Fenora have been reported in several instances. Despite its limited use approval, Fentora is being increasingly prescribed for treating headaches and back pain. Accidental overdose from this powerful painkiller remains a serious risk.



• Fleet Enema
  Federal health officials warned Friday of kidney failure associated with certain products used to cleanse the bowel before colonoscopies and other procedures.



• Fleet Phospho-Soda
  The risk of kidney damage associated with the use of OSP products, including Fleet Phospho-Soda, has been known since at least 2006. However, companies such as C.B. Fleet have failed to warn patients about these dangers.



• Foradil
  The asthma drug formoterol, sold under the brand names Foradil (Novartis), Oxis (AstraZeneca), Atock (Astellas) and Perforomist, has been linked to an increased risk of non-fatal, serious adverse events, according to a new study. The study, conducted by Cochrane Researchers, found that people who took the drug daily for at least 12 weeks showed a significantly increased risk than those who took a placebo.



• Fosamax
  Popular drugs used to treat osteoporosis may be linked to a risk of esophageal cancer according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Reuters is reporting that Merck’s Fosamax (generically known as alendronate) may be among the bone drugs that carry such a risk.



• Gadolinium
  Gadolinium was endorsed for use in MRI scans in 1988 and has been used in millions of studies since. The element is the preferred contrast agent for folks with chronic kidney disease, however recent finding are causing many to reconsider this preference. Gadolinium gained favor because the use of iodine-containing contrast agents is still a common cause of hospital-acquired acute renal failure and is associated with increased death and morbidity.



• Gardasil
  U.S. regulators have postponed an approval decision on GlaxoSmithKline's cervical cancer vaccine, Cervarix. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) delay of the Cervarix decision came a day after news broke that a British girl had died only hours after receiving the vaccine.



• Geodon
  Geodon side effects include: feeling unusually tired, nausea, constipation, dizziness, restlessness, diarrhea, rash, cough, runny nose, and abnormal muscle movements, including tremor, shuffling, and uncontrollable movements.



• Gleevec
  Gleevec has recently been linked to heart failure and other serious cardiac injuries. Gleevec, which is known generically as imatinib, is manufactured by Novartis and was approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia.



• Heparin
  The Food and Drug Administration has cited two Chinese manufacturers for shipping tainted heparin to the U.S. According to The Wall Street Journal, one of the firms has also been charged with lying to the FDA about its role in the contaminated heparin scandal.



• Herceptin
  The FDA issued a warning about the potential heart problems associated with use of the breast cancer drug Herceptin (Generic: Trastuzumab).
  
  
• Humira
  Abbott Laboratories is in more hot water over its Humira advertising. Federal regulators warned Abbott about its advertisements for the company's psoriasis drug, saying the ad is misleading and makes claims not supported by scientific evidence.



• Hydrocodone
  The FDA announcement was the latest action in the agency’s ongoing efforts against dangerous unapproved drugs. Hydrocodone, a powerful narcotic, is used in some prescription painkillers and cough suppressants.



• Hydroxycut Liver Damage
  Reports of liver damage and other problems associated with the Hydroxycut line of dietary supplements began filtering into the Food and Drug Administration as early as 2002.



• Intergel
  The FDA originally turned down approval for Intergel in 2000, concluding that administering the gel raised a woman’s risk of infection.



• Ketek
  Lawmakers investigating the defective drug Ketek have been forced to subpoena current and former Food and Drug Administration officials. A subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee is trying to figure out how Ketek, one of the most dangerous antibiotics on the market, obtained FDA approval even though an FDA audit.



• Lamictal
  Epilepsy drugs must now carry warnings about their suicide risks, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has announced. The drugs subject to the new warning include those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.



• Lariam
  Lariam has been linked to serious psychiatric side effects including suicide. Lariam is a popular malaria prevention drug prescribed to thousands of U.S. travelers and military personnel.



• Levaquin
  Food & Drug Administration forced Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil to place a strong Black Box warning on the label of Levaquin regarding its link to tendon damage, especially ruptures of the Achilles tendon.



• Levitra
  Levitra, an erectile dysfunction (ED) drug made by Bayer AG is undergoing its third labeling change since 2005. This time, the precautions section of the Levitra label will be changed to note its possible association with transient global amnesia, or TGA.TGA is a sudden, temporary episode of memory loss that can't be attributed to a more common neurological condition, such as epilepsy, transient ischemic attack, stroke or head injury.



• Levodopa
  Levodopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Levodopa is also prescribed to treat herpes zoster and restless leg syndrome. Mirapex, Permax and Requip, widely prescribed dopamine agonists in the same class as Levodopa, have been associated with gambling addiction and compulsive behaviors.



• Lexapro
  The Food and Drug Administration asked the makers of SSRIs to include warnings that children and adults might become more depressed or suicidal while taking these drugs.



• Luvox
  The antidepressant Paxil may raise the risk of suicidal behavior in young adults.



• Lymerix
  Since the vaccine Lymerix was approved in December 1998, there have been questions about whether it might cause arthritis in some people.



• Lyrica
  General side effects associated with Lyrica can include: dizziness, blurred vision, sleepiness, weight gain, swelling (edema), muscle problems, and altered perception. Weight gain is of particular concern to those with diabetes, as this can worsen their condition.



• Maxipime
  Maxipime related deaths have come to the attention of the Food and Drug Administration recently.



• Mellaril
  Federal regulators are warning that some antipsychotic drugs including Haldol, Compazine, Mellaril and Thorazine pose a risk of deaths when they are given to elderly patients suffering from dementia.



• Meningitis Vaccine
  The government is investigating reports of teenagers who came down with a serious neurological disorder after receiving a new vaccine against meningitis.



• Meridia
  The Food and Drug Administration has refused to ban Abbott Laboratories’ prescription diet drug Meridia, despite numerous reports of elevated blood pressure, heart complications, and deaths associated with the medication.



• Metabolife
  Metabolife International is seeking a national settlement with U.S. consumers who allege they were injured by the company's now-defunct ephedra diet pill.



• Metadate
  The makers of Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and other drugs treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder were advised by the government Wednesday to give patients and their parents an additional warning that those medicines could cause serious psychiatric and heart problems, including sudden death.



• Methazolamide
  There have been instances of people taking Methazolamide developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome, a rare skin disease. Stevens Johnson Syndrome can cause rash, skin peeling, and sores on the mucous membranes.



• Methylin
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is ordering all manufacturers of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication to develop Patient Medication Guides to warn patients of potentially serious side effects. The most significant warnings will be related to adverse psychiatric symptoms and to cardiovascular risks.



• Mirapex
  Mirapex and other dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's Disease have been linked to the development of extreme behaviors by yet another study. According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, one in five patients taking such drugs in a recent study developed behavior disorders, such as compulsive gambling or hyper sexuality.



• Mobic
  Health officials have signaled that a popular group of painkillers may be taken off the market because of the increased risk of heart attack and stroke.



• Motrin
  Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of heart attack.



• Neurontin
  Epilepsy drugs must now carry warnings about their suicide risks, the Food and Drug Administration has announced that the drugs is subject to the new warning include those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.



• NeutroSpec
  The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert about NeutroSpec, a diagnostic imaging agent injected into a patient's bloodstream to help doctors diagnose ailments, saying it may cause severe, life-threatening reactions in some people.



• Nexium
  We have been reporting on drugs such as Prilosec and Nexium is part of a class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors, or PPIs that the US Food and Drug Administration investigated for a suspected link between cardiac trouble.



• Novantrone
  Novantrone causes a significant increase in the risk of a heart condition that impairs the heart's pumping power and may raise the risk of congestive heart failure.



• NovoSeven
  According to the FDA, a blood clotting drug for hemophiliacs has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, deaths, and other health complications.



• Optison
  Optison is a contrast agent used in ultrasounds of the heart to enhance images during a procedure called echocardiography. During an echocardiography, Optison is injected into a patient’s veins, which sharpen the resulting ultrasound picture. There have been reports that use of this contrast agent may result in serious cardiac reaction, cardiac failure, and death.



• Ortho Evra Patch
  The FDA had received reports of life-threatening blood clots and other ailments associated with the use of the Ortho Evra Patch. Records obtained by the Associated Press showed that seventeen patch users between the ages of 17 and 30 suffered fatal heart attacks, blood clots and possible strokes.



• Palladone
  The FDA is issuing this public health advisory to inform patients and health care providers that the sponsor of Palladone, Purdue Pharma, has agreed to suspend sales and marketing of Palladone, a potent narcotic painkiller, because of the potential for severe side effects when taken with alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking Palladone may cause rapid release of hydromorphone, leading to high drug levels in the body, with potentially fatal effects and may depress or stop breathing, cause coma, and even cause death.



• Paxil
  Paxil has been linked with suicide, suicidal ideation and violence in children and teenagers. The FDA issued a Paxil warning when results of a study became public showing that Paxil also increases suicide risk in young adults.



• Permax
  The Food and Drug Administration announced that all pergolide products are being removed from the market due to serious safety concerns. Pergolide drugs, which are used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, have been connected with an increased risk of severe heart valve damage.



• PPA
  The government ordered a ban on the prescription and manufacturing of cold medicines containing Phenylpropanolamine, citing risk of brain stroke, especially among women.



• Premarin
  Premarin has been linked to the following serious side effects: Ovarian Cancer, Lupus, Scleroderma, Gallbladder Cancer and Stroke. Premarin is an estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy used to treat the symptoms of menopause.



• Premphase
  Premphase has been linked to the following side effects: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, lupus and breast cancer. Premphase is a hormone replacement therapy prescribed for menopause symptoms.



• Prempro
  Studies have long been pointing to the link between Hormone Replacement Therapy drugs like Prempro and an increase in some cancers.



• Prilosec
  Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, Protonix and other stomach acid reducers that belong to a class of drugs known as Proton Pump Inhibitors could lead to dependency if taken at prescription strength over an extended period of time.



• Propylthiouracil
  Liver injuries caused by Propylthiouracil are extremely painful and traumatic, especially when they occur in children.



• Protopic
  The Federal Drug Administration has announced the approval of updated labeling for two topical eczema drugs, Protopic Ointment and Elidel Cream. The new labeling will add a black box warning about a possible cancer risk.



• Prozac
  Glaxo Smith Kline and the FDA cautioned Paxil may raise the risk of suicidal behavior in young adults and changed the drug’s label to reflect that risk. Reports of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents taking Prozac are becoming widespread.



• Raptiva
  Serious infections and malignancies reported in patients taking Rapitva include malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, non-cutaneous solid tumors, and lymphomas.



• Reglan
  Reglan is a drug prescribed for acid reflux disease. Reglan has been linked with Tardive Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Both of these conditions are very serious and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is often fatal.



• Regranex
  Regranex, a gel used to treat foot and leg ulcers in diabetics, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer death, prompting the drug's maker to add a new black box warning.



• Relafen
  Relafen is an anti inflammatory medicine generally prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Relafen can lead to a severe adverse reaction called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.



• Remicade
  Patients taking Remicade for rheumatoid arthritis suffered a type of cancer, lymphoma, at three times the rate of the general public.



• ReNu MoistureLoc
  The FDA has recalled Bausch & Lomb’s contact solution ReNu with MoistureLoc. The FDA and CDC have been investigating an increase in cases of fungal keratitis, an eye infection that affects the cornea and can cause permanent blindness.



• Risperdal
  Risperdal has been linked to breast growth, and even lactation, in boys under 18 who take the powerful antipsychotic drug. The condition is known as gynecomastia, and is usually permanent.



• Ritalin
  Side effects of Ritalin include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, sleep problems and headaches. If the drugs are taken long term, children may be smaller as a result of the appetite suppression.



• Rituxan
  Rituxan side effects include abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and perforation, in some cases leading to death.



• Serevent
  The Food and Drug Administration has called for restrictions on two asthma treatments Serevent and Foradil. Both belong to a class of drugs known as long-acting beta-agonists. Both contain a drug that relaxes muscles around airways that may mask symptoms that can prompt deadly asthma attacks.



• Seroquel
  Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia. Seroquel carry a decreased risk of side effects related to loss of motor control, a major problem with older antipsychotics.



• Tamoxifen
  Tamoxifen is a commonly prescribed drug to treat breast cancer increases the chances of stroke, new research shows. Tamoxifen has been linked to cause the following side effects: pulmonary embolism and cancer of the uterus.



• TNF Blocker
  The FDA has been studying the link between the pediatric uses of TNF blockers and cancer since 2008. The safety review was prompted by approximately 30 reports of cancer in children and adolescents treated with TNF blockers.



• Trasylol
  The Food and Drug Administration found that Trasylol increased the risk of kidney failure requiring dialysis.
  Even after Trasylol sales were halted, other studies show the drug put patients at a needlessly high risk of death.



• Tysabri
  Tysabri, is considered a last-resort treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, it was first pulled from the market in 2005 after being linked to a fatal brain infection.



• Viagra
  In a recent study, US researchers describe patients who developed nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, an eye ailment that can result in permanent vision loss, after taking Viagra.



• Vioxx
  Before the withdrawal of Vioxx, the FDA announced that patients taking Vioxx have a 50 percent greater chance of heart attacks and sudden cardiac death.



• Wellbutrin
  Antidepressants like Effexor, Zoloft, Wellbutrin and Paxil, may not be as effective in treating symptoms of depression as once thought. That’s because studies done on many popular antidepressants have been skewed in a way that exaggerates their effectiveness.



• Xenadrine
  Xenadrine contains Ephedra, which has been linked to dangerous side effects that may seriously harm and can potentially kill some who use it.



• Xenical
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducted a safety review of orlistat, the popular weight-loss drug sold over-the-counter as Alli, and its prescription version, Xenical. According to the agency, Xenical and Alli have been associated with liver injuries.



• Xigris
  Xigris increased the risk of dangerous internal bleeding when used by patients with a recent history of hemorrhages.



• Xolair
  The FDA received reports of serious and life-threatening allergic reactions in patients after treatment with Xolair. Typically these reactions take place within two hours of receiving a Xolair subcutaneous injection.



• Yaz/Yasmin Oral Contraceptives
  Women taking the oral contraceptives Yasmin and Yaz have experienced blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, strokes, gall bladder damage, and in some cases have died.



• Zelnorm
  Some users of the irritable-bowel treatment Zelnorm have suffered diarrhea so serious they require hospitalization others have died from an intestinal problem.



• Zicam
  Zicam’s active ingredient is zinc gluconate, which can have a caustic effect on the nasal passages, over time this caustic effect can cause users to lose their sense of smell.



• Zithromax
  Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zithromax, first began receiving reports of liver damage associated with it as early as 1996, just a year after it was approved for use in children.



• Zometa
  Zometa, Reclast and Boniva infusions have been linked to a rare inflammatory eye disease.



• Zyprexa
  Zyprexa has been linked to serious side effects including diabetes, hyperglycemia and other blood sugar disorders.

For more information, contact us.