The drug company Pfizer manufactures the popular form of contraception Depo-Provera. It’s a contraceptive administered via an injection every three months; it suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm’s ability to get to the egg. However, studies have shown that there is a link between increased risk of…
Recently, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalled 114 batches of 750 mg. potassium chloride extended-release capsules USP 10 mEq because of dissolution failure. The failed dissolution of these capsules can result in high potassium levels, a condition called hyperkalemia. This can lead to a patient’s cardiac arrest. Normal potassium levels are essential to…
Plaintiffs sued Hetero, the manufacturer of valsartan, a generic blood pressure medication, because it was contaminated with carcinogens, and they alleged it caused cancer. The lawsuits were consolidated in 2019. These cases are coming closer to settlement. Recently, the United States District Judge Renée M. Bumb who is presiding over…
The Supreme Court heard arguments related to a challenge to the bankruptcy deal that’s intended to compensate victims of highly addictive pain killer OxyContin. Based on the questions judges asked, court watchers believe the Court is split. The manufacturer of Oxycontin, Purdue Pharma, entered into a deal to pay billions…
Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a news release requesting manufacturers to withdraw all products containing the popular heartburn drug, ranitidine, the active ingredient in the medication, Zantac. The order applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 national emergency, those…
Earlier this year, a study was released showing that certain heartburn medications – known as proton-pump inhibitors – can cause irreversible damage to those who take the medication. The study was released by a respected medical journal and evaluated a group of about 250,000 patients. The group of medications known…
Recently, a man was prescribed Valsartan, a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and the pharmacy mistakenly gave the man a container with both Valsartan pills and Lithium pills. The pills were the same color but different shapes. The man took the medication as prescribed. When the man’s wife…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it would take actions to provide women with information about the risks of using Essure, a form of permanent birth control. This form of birth control involves inserting flexible coils through the cervix and vagina into the fallopian tubes. After…
According to a news article, the U.S. Supreme Court recently refused to hear a drug-maker’s appeal in a case that cost the drug company $124 million for falsely marketing a prescription medication. By declining the appeal, the court affirmed a South Carolina Supreme Court ruling that reduced the company’s damages…
There are side effects with just about any prescription medication. For many patients, the decision to take a specific medication comes only after the benefits of the medication are weighed against the possible side effects, which range from minor annoyances to serious medical risks. The laundry list of side effects…