Medicines

URGENT MEDICATION LAWSUIT INFORMATION: Pritzker | Ruohonen, a leading product liability law firm, is investigating unsafe medications that have caused serious injury and death in patients. Please contact the firm for information regarding a medication lawsuit if the one of the following applies:

You or a family member was seriously injured after taking a medication, either prescribed or over-the-counter
A family member died after taking a medication, either prescribed or over-the-counter

If you retain Pritzker | Ruohonen for a medication lawsuit, we will examine relevant medical records, consult with medical professionals regarding your case, and pursue a medication lawsuit against responsible parties if we feel the evidence supports it.

Below are medications that have caused serious injury and death and have been recalled, had label changes, and/or had documented injuries and/or death related to the administration of the medication:

Total Body Formula "Recall"
CDC and FDA have linked cases of renal failure (kidney failure), hair loss, fingernail loss, elevated hepatic enzymes, thrombocytopenia, hemolysis, changes in thought processes, gastrointestinal disorders, chest pain, erythema/flushing/rash, dizziness, headache, agitation, and rhabdomyolysis to Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula, dietary supplements manufactured for Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc. Read more about the Total Body Formula "recall" and a possible Total Body Formula lawsuit. Read updated information on Total Body Recall, chromium and renal failure (kidney failure).

Selenium Poisoning (Toxicity)
Total Body Formula, a dietary supplement, has been found by FDA to contain hazardous levels of selenium (up to 200 times the label value). Read about selenium poisoning (toxicity) and a possible Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc. lawsuit.

Chromium Poisoning (Toxicity)
Total Body Formula, a dietary supplement, has been found by FDA to contain hazardous levels of chromium. Read about chromium poisoning (toxicity) and a possible Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc. lawsuit.

Fentanyl Patch Recall
Actavis Inc. has announced that its subsidiary Actavis South Atlantic LLC is proceeding with the voluntarily recall from wholesalers and pharmacies of all lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the United States. Read about the Fentanyl patch recall.

Tysabri Liver Damage and Wrongful Death
TYSABRI® may have caused severe liver injury that could lead to death or the need for a liver transplant. In a February 2008 “Dear Healthcare Professional Letter,” Biogen Idec, Inc., Elan Corp. and FDA notified healthcare professionals of reports of clinically significant liver injury, including markedly elevated serum hepatic enzymes and elevated total bilirubin, occurring as early as six days after the first dose of Tysabri. A Tysabri lawsuit may include a product liability claim and a Tysabri lawyer can explain a medical malpractice claim.

Botox Wrongful Death
FDA has received reports of systemic adverse reactions including respiratory compromise and death following the use of botulinum toxins types A and B (botox) for both FDA-approved and unapproved uses. At least 23 people have died, most of them children treated for cerebral palsy-accociated limb spasticity.Use of botulinum toxins for treatment of limb spasticity (severe arm and leg muscle spasms) in children or adults is not an approved use in the U.S. Read about botox wrongful death and the lack of a botox recall.

Colchicine "Recall"
On February 6, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to take enforcement action against companies marketing unapproved injectable colchicines. Colchicine is a highly toxic drug that can easily be administered in excessive doses, especially when given intravenously. The FDA is aware of 50 reports of adverse events associated with the use of intravenous colchicine, including 23 deaths. Read more about the colchicine "recall" and lawyer information.

Baxter Healthcare Heparin Recall
Baxter Healthcare and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a voluntary recall of certain lots of Heparin as a precaution due to an increase in reports of adverse patient reactions associated with these lots. Read more about the Heparin recall and a Baxter Healthcare lawsuit.

Edetate Disodium Error
There have been cases where children and adults have died when they were mistakenly given Edetate Disodium instead of Edetate Calcium Disodium (Calcium Disodium Versenate) or when Edetate Disodium was used for "chelation therapies" and other uses that are not approved by the FDA. Read more about a Edetate Disodium (Endrate) error and malpractice.

Recall of Heparing Syringes Due to Possible Contamination with Serratia Marcescens
AM2 PAT, Inc. has recalled one lot of Pre-Filled Heparin Lock Flush Solution USP (5 mL in 12 mL Syringes), Lot # 070926H. The heparin IV flush syringes have been found to be contaminated with Serratia marcescens, which have resulted in patient infections. CDC has confirmed growth of Serratia marcescens from several unopened syringes of this product. Read about the Heparin recall and a possible Heparin/AM2 PAT lawsuit.

This type of bacterial infection could present a serious adverse health consequence that could lead to life-threatening injuries and/or death.

Cryptosporidium in Minnesota Infant Prompts Recall of Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, Apple Flavor
Baby's Bliss Gripe Water, apple flavor, has been recalled due to possible contaminated with cryptosporidium, a parasite that can cause life-threatening intestinal infections in infants. FDA confirmed through laboratory analysis the presence of cryptosporidium after investigating the illness of a 6-week-old infant in Minnesota who consumed the product. Read more about the Baby's Bliss Gripe Water recall due to possible contamination with cryptosporidium.

Deaths Prompt New Warnings for Haldol (Haloperidol)
The WARNINGS section of the prescribing information for Haldol (haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication), a Johnson & Johnson product, has been revised to include a new cardiovascular (heart-related) subsection regarding cases of sudden death, QT prolongation and torsades de pointes(TdP) in patients treated with haloperidol, especially when given intravenously, or at doses higher than recommended. Read more about haloperidol and a Haldol (haloperidol) lawsuit.

Deaths Prompt Cephalon to Inform Doctors about FENTORA
There have been serious, adverse events, including deaths in patients treated with FENTORA (fentanyl buccal tablet). According to the manufacturer of FENTORA, Cephalon, “These deaths occurred as a result of improper patient selection (e.g., use in opioid non-tolerant patients), improper dosing, and/or improper product substitution.” Read FENTORA lawsuit and lawyer information.

Xolair: New Boxed Warning
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) has occurred in some patients who were administered Xolair, an asthma medication manufactured by Genentech, Inc. 15% of the reported cases required hospitalization. Learn about a Xolair lawsuit.

Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef: New Label Precautions and Warnings
Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef (cephalosporin-based antibiotic medications) can cause pseudomembranous colitis, severe inflammation in areas of the colon (large intestine). Children are particularly susceptible to developing antibiotic-related colitis, which can cause serious illness and death. Read Ceftin, Fortaz, Rocephin, and Zinacef lawsuit informtation.

Infant Deaths May Be Linked to Rocephin
Rocephin (ceftriaxone sodium) may be linked to the deaths of newborn infants. The babies most at risk are premature infants who are hyperbilirubinemic (a condition associated with jaundice). As a result, Roche, the manufacturer of Rocephin, issued a letter to healthcare professionals warning of the potential risk and advising them of Roche’s update to the Rocephin for injection prescribing information. Learn more about Rocephin and the risk of death or injury.

Patient Death May Be Linked to Colistimethate (Marketed as Coly-Mycin M and Generic Products)
The FDA has received a report about the death of a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) who used the antibiotic Colistimethate that had been premixed by a pharmacy into a liquid for inhalation with a nebulizer. Colistimethate (marketed as Coly-Mycin M and generic products) is FDA approved only for injection into a vein or a muscle; it is not FDA approved for use as a liquid to be inhaled via nebulizer. When Colistimethate is mixed into a liquid form, the product begins to break down into other chemicals that can damage lung tissue. Learn more about Colistimethate.

COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Recall
Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. has recalled COMPLETE® MoisturePLUS(TM) multipurpose contact lens care solution. This contact lens solution has been associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but serious eye infection. Learn more about the COMPLETE MoisturePLUS recall. Read the FDA notification regarding the AMO Complete MoisturePlus recall.

ApotheCure-compounded Colchicine Recall
3 people in Oregon and Washington may be dead after injections of Colchicine that was compounded by ApotheCure, a Texas pharmacy company. ApotheCure may have compounded the injectionable Colchicine to be far stronger than it should have been (possibly ten times stronger). Read more about ApotheCure and a possible Colchicine lawsuit.

Zelnorm Heart Attack and Stroke Warning
Novartis has agreed to discontinue marketing Zelnorm, a drug used for the short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and for patients younger than 65 years of age with chronic constipation. FDA analysis of safety data showed an excess number of serious cardiovascular adverse events, including angina, heart attacks, and stroke, in patients taking Zelnorm compared to patients given placebo. Learn more about Zelnorm heart attack and stroke.

3 Infants Die Due to Medication Error
Two Heparin products with similar blue labeling are being mistaken for each other. One product delivers 10,000 units/mL of Heparin and the other product delivers only 10 units/mL. In three instances, infants died after being given the 10,000 units/mL product instead of the 10 units/mL product. Learn more about medication errors and Heparin.

Topical Anesthetics
FDA is issuing this advisory to alert you to the potential hazards of using skin numbing products, also known as topical anesthetics, for cosmetic procedures. These topical anesthetics contain anesthetic drugs such as lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine in a cream, ointment, or gel. At least 2 women died after application of topical anesthetics. Learn more about the FDA public health advisory regarding topical anesthetics.

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT)
Heparin sodium injections can cause Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious antibody-mediated reaction resulting from irreversible aggregation of platelets. HIT may progress to the development of venous and arterial thromboses, a condition referred to as Heparin-induced Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (HITT). FDA and Baxter International Inc. have notified healthcare professionals that the onset of HIT and HITT may be delayed up to several weeks after the discontinuation of heparin therapy. Learn more about Heparin and HIT and HITT.

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch
Women using the Ortho Evra birth control patch have been shown to have a higher risk for developing blood clots that can lead to heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems. Read FDA September 2006 announcement regarding the Ortho Evra birth control patch.

Bismacine (Chromacine) and Bismuth Poisoning
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers and health care providers not to use a product called "bismacine," also known as chromacine. The FDA is investigating one report of a death and several reports of injury related to the administration of bismacine. Learn more about the FDA warning regarding bismacine (chromacine) and bismuth poisoning.

Ketek and Liver Failure
Ketek has been associated with cases of serious liver injury and liver failure with four reported deaths and one liver transplant after the administration of Ketek. Ketek is indicated for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis; acute bacterial sinusitis; and community acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity, including pneumonia caused by resistant strep infections. Learn more about Ketek and liver failure.

Triaminic Vapor Patch Recall
On June 19, 2006, the FDA announced the recall of Triaminic Vapor Patch products. According to the manufacturer, Novartis Consumer Health, serious adverse health effects, including seizures, could result if a Triaminic Vapor Patch is swallowed by a child who has removed the patch to chew on it. Learn more about the Triaminic Vapor Patch recall.

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Lawsuit Update
The Ortho Evra birth control patch has been linked to numerous cases of stroke, heart attack, and other serious illnesses. In November 2005 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated labeling for the Ortho Evra birth control patch to warn healthcare providers and patients that the Ortho Evra birth control patch exposes women to higher levels of estrogen than most birth control pills. The new bolded warning specifically states that women who use the Ortho Evra birth control patch are exposed to about 60 percent more total estrogen in their blood than if they were taking a typical birth control pill containing 35 micrograms of estrogen. Read the Ortho Evra birth control patch lawsuit update.

Duragesic Recall
In February and April of 2004, the FDA announced a Duragesic recall (fentanyl pain patch recall) due to the possibility of leakage of medication from the patch onto the skin of the patient. Duragesic is a pain patch that contains fentanyl, a highly concentrated pain killer that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Exposure to the leaked medication from the Duragesic patch could result in inadvertent ingestion or an increased absorption of the opiate component fentanyl, leading to potentially-life-threatening complications. Read more about the Duragesic recall.

Duragesic and Fentanyl FDA Advisory
In July of 2005, the FDA issued an advisory regarding reports of death and other serious side effects from overdoses of fentanyl in patients using fentanyl transdermal (skin) patches for pain control. Deaths and overdoses had occurred in patients using both the brand name product Duragesic and the generic product. Read more about the FDA advisory regarding Duragesic and fentanyl.

Fusarium Keratitis Information
At the request of visitors to this site, we have gather information regarding Fusarium keratitis, the fungal eye infection linked to ReNu with MoistureLoc manufactured by Bausch & Lomb. Information includes an easy-to-understand definition, symptoms, treatment, and a brief explanation of possible product liability and medical malpractice cases. Learn more about Fusarium keratitis.

Oral Sodium Phosphate Products (Fleet and Visicol) and Kidney Failure
The Food and Drug Administration is warning health care professionals and patients that a rare, but serious form of kidney failure (acute phosphate nephropathy) has been associated with the use of oral sodium phosphate (OSP) products (e.g., Fleet Phospho-soda solution, Fleet Accu-Prep solution, and Visicol tablets) for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, radiographic procedures, and surgery. Learn more about kidney failure after use of oral sodium phosphate products (Fleet and Visicol).

FDA Warns that Promethazine Can Cause Death in Young Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has notified healthcare professionals and patients that Promethazine HCI (marketed as Phenergan®, Promacot®, Promethegan®, Promethazine HCI syrup®, and generic products) has been linked to cases of breathing problems, some causing death, when the drug was used in children less than 2 years old. Learn more about Promethazine (marketed as Phenergan and generics).

Traysylol Poses Risk of Kidney Failure
January 28, 2006—An article in the January issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reported that Trasylol, a popular blood-clotting drug used after heart bypass surgery, poses an increased risk of kidney failure, cardiovascular events, and stroke. Learn more about the risks of Trasylol.

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