St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney & Workers Compensation Lawyer
 

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Product Liability Victims Settle for Billions Against Antidepressant Drug Manufacturers

Many liability lawsuits were filed against the giants of manufacturing drugs such as Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Wyeth, and GlaxoSmithKline. In 2010, billions of dollars have been settled between these companies and product liability victims. These claims have one thing in common: they appear because the Plaintiffs accuse the drug makers of retaining data that showed popular drugs like Effexor, Paxil, Levaquin, Reglan and Yaz/Yasmin had devastating and potentially life-threatening side effects.

 

SSRI antidepressants like Paxil and Effexor caught fire over the allegation that they had hidden the serious side effects such as seizures, hallucinations, birth defects, persistent pulmonary hypertension, severe mood swings, and even suicidal tendencies. In fact, the manufacturer of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline, paid no less than $ 1 billion in damages to settled claims against various drugs, including a 750 million dollar settlement has exceeded its "bad" manufacturing processes for Glaxo's plant in Cidra, Puerto Rico. Disclosure of wrongdoing in that case recently appeared on 60 Minutes.

 

Johnson & Johnson lost their final trial related to the antibiotic Levaquin, which became popular in 2010. Eighty-two year old applicant John Schedin won his claim that the company did not adequately disclose the fact that the drug caused tendon rupture in some patients. In addition, Bayer has made a series of trials that have not yet been decided on the pill Yaz and Yasmin. In these lawsuits, Plaintiffs allege that Bayer hid the fact that the pills could cause heart attacks, stroke, and blood clots.

 

All these companies have been accused of hiding the negative effects that these drugs can have on the public. Some companies are accused of going out of their way to hide this information completely and others accused of black-box warnings buried deep within the package documents. Still, other companies have been accused of using clever marketing techniques as a means of hiding serious side effects of their drugs to the public.

 

While the future of all these lawsuits can not be determined before they are settled or go to court, one thing remains certain: 2010 was a year of landmark lawsuits filed against drug manufacturers. As a product liability attorney in the Midwest, I am pleased that the FDA took the steps necessary to inform the public of the serious side effects of the drugs in question. If you or someone in your family was injured by a prescription drug with defects or labeling error, call 888.945.2487 for a free consultation with an experienced product liability attorney.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« Paxil and Other Medication Blamed for Threatening Behavior | Main | Product Liability Victims Settle for Billions Against Antidepressant Drug Manufacturers »

DePuy's Artificial Hip Replacement Pinnacle System Called Into Question After Other Recalls

Missouri product liability attorneys have written much about the recalls surrounding DePuy's artificial hip replacements ASR XL Acetabular and ASR Hip Resurfacing systems. Safety advocates and others believe a possible recall of the DePuy Pinnacle Acetabulum hip replacement system. DePuy's Pinnacle hip replacement uses a metal-metal design found in ASR systems already recalled. A growing number of complaints have expressed concern with the Pinnacle system.

 

The Pinnacle system has not been recalled, but patients who experience pain and other problems related to DePuy's Pinnacle implant should be discussed with your doctor and a product liability attorney immediately. According to DePuy, the Pinnacle was designed "to help provide a more fluid range of natural movement." A 2002 investigation, cited on the firm's website, revealed that about 99.9 percent of components in the Pinnacle Hip system remain in use, so a potential recall of this device to affect a large number of people.

 

Regardless of Depuy's desire to put the recall behind them, there are still several thousands of people in the U.S. who are not aware of the risk. If you had a hip replacement done, please contact your doctor to find out if you are at risk from a recall. Your next step is to hire an experienced product liability attorney to fight for you. Call 888.956.2487 to speak to an attorney today to schedule a free consultation.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« European Patent Office Revokes Yaz Patent | Main | DePuy's Artificial Hip Replacement Pinnacle System Called Into Question After Other Recalls »

Paxil and Other Medication Blamed for Threatening Behavior

An attorney for a man accused of threatening conduct has stated that his client was under the influence of a Klonopin, Paxil, and alcohol cocktail. Nathan Jackson Fuller Jr. lied to police after he crashed his car and threatening to go on a killing spree across the state of West Virginia. Fuller's attorney stated that he hoped that the charges would be dropped once he proves his client's statements to police held no truth. Fuller made the decision to waive his right to a preliminary hearing on May 16 in a Marion County Magistrate Court. John David Moore, Fuller's alleged accomplice, has been listed as a codefendant in the case. The magistrate believes there is probably cause to try a case against Moore however Moore's attorney insists his client's innocence.

 

Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit murder. After Fuller collided his car on May 3 in Rivesville, injuring Moore, Fuller allegedly began stating oddities to the arresting officer as he was being arrested for driving under the influence. It was at that time Fuller confessed he was planning to go on a killing spree.

 

Allegedly Fuller began citing his plans on "going through West Virginia and killing people at random, stopping at a rest area, locating a few girls, and cutting them, stealing their wallets, and then stealing their vehicle, and continue that process, flipping cars." Fuller also stated he had been looking for someone to murder on High Street in Morgantown and killing someone at Penn State University earlier that day, but had not found the chance to do so. Fuller claimed he and Moore met up in Morgantown.

 

According to Fuller's attorney, his client was taking Paxil and Klonopin. Paxil is an antidepressant, which has been linked to suicidal and aggressive behaviors. Klonopin is prescribed to relieve panic attacks and treat seizures. Moore's attorney claims that his client never had the intention of killing anyone or helping Fuller on his spree. Fuller tried to reduce his bail amount but was denied and was returned to the North Central Regional Jail after his preliminary hearing.

 

A healthy lifestyle has been proven to alleviate depression, but it does not always relieve major depression. Many people have been prescribed Paxil, but have suffered severe side effects such as Fuller. Injuries from a prescription drug can be complicated, which is why victims should work with an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let us help you fight.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« New Antidepressant Treatment Could Eliminate Need For Harmful Drugs Like Paxil and Effexor | Main | Paxil and Other Medication Blamed for Threatening Behavior »

European Patent Office Revokes Yaz Patent

-->The German company Bayer, which manufactures Yasmin and Yaz, tried to blame their recent stock market loss on the expiration of their patent. However analysts believe that the decrease in shares was not caused by the revocation of the patent. According to Bayer, the European Patent Office revoked the company's patent after the generic drug Novartis filed an appeal against the decision to uphold the patent in 2006. The revoke brought shares for Bayer down to 1.6% lower.

 

The patent protects the procedure to lower the amount of particles in the pills active ingredient and was supposed to last until 2020. However with the recent revoke the patent might give generic versions a chance to release this year. A JP Morgan analyst expects to see Hexal, a generic version of the drug, release sometime this year. The patent for Yasmin products from the Glaxo manufacturer was revoked in America because of a number of pending lawsuits for its harmful side effects. After the patent was revoked in America, the sales for both Yaz and Yasmin declined 13% from the previous year. Analysts believe that the European revoke will have a similar effect.

 

A brokerage firm stated, "In Germany the pricing is dramatically lower than in the U.S. at 7.5 euros per month compared to the U.S. at 54 euros per month, which could lead to more brand loyalty allowing Bayer to retain more share." Insurance companies in Europe would like to prevent patients from choosing to buy the generic versions of Yasmin or Yaz. The main reason is that most women pay out of pocket for the contraceptives. Even though the revocation of the European patent was not good for Bayer and others, it was inevitable following the American revocation. Unfortunately many women have suffered from the drug's side effects, which leave many wondering why the drug has not been pulled from the market.

 

In product liability cases, experienced Missouri attorneys work tirelessly to make sure that their clients receive compensation for their injuries. Injuries from a prescription medication can be devastating to any family, which is why product liability victims should seek the guidance of an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let one of our experienced attorneys help fight for you.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.

 




« Popular Antibiotic Levaquin Linked to Tendon Ruptures | Main | European Patent Office Revokes Yaz Patent »

New Antidepressant Treatment Could Eliminate Need For Harmful Drugs Like Paxil and Effexor

New information has been provided by a paper published in The Lancet establishing that researchers, Ian B. Hickie and Naomi L. Rogers, are currently watching how melatonin and its analogues chance the body's circadian system (internal clock) while providing treatment for major depression. This new information may make patients consider forgoing the use of SSRI treatments like Paxil and Effexor. The new treatment, Agomelatine, is an analogue that is showing much promise to the treatment of major depression. Simply it offers the same level of depression relief as medications like Paxil and Effexor, but it comes with an added bonus. Agomelatine can also help sleep pattern improvement in people under the treatment.

 

Both of the authors of this research have stated that one of the biggest causes of disability and early death are caused by major depression. Although the drug market has many medication treatments that work, they also come with limitations as to what they can and cant do. The current treatments also come with side effects that can be severe. The authors of the paper state, "Recent advances in our understanding of the fundamental links between chronobiology and major mood disorders, as well as the development of new drugs that target the circadian system, have led to a renewed focus on this area."

 

The research points to other evidence that supports the strong link between common symptoms of depression and circadian problems. Symptoms include restless sleep, waking early, daytime fatigue, trouble sleeping among many others. To the researchers, these symptoms created a natural curiosity and began the investigation into melatonin and medications that treat depression. The researches also stated, "In the short-term, agomelatine has similar antidepressant efficacy to venlafaxine, fluoxetine, and sertraline and, in the longer term, fewer patients on agomelatine relapse (24 percent) than do those receiving placebo (50 percent). Patients with depression treated with agomelatine report improved sleep quality and reduced waking after sleep onset." Currently Agomelatine is approved in Europe, the United States, and Australia in which patients have seen a major improvement in treatment of depression.

 

Even though a healthy life change can help alleviate depression, there are many who will still need to depend on antidepressant treatment. Injuries from prescription drugs can be complicated, which is why victims should work with an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney after discovering a product has caused injury, please call 888.956.2487 and let us help you fight.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Study Points to Yaz Being Riskiest Birth Control on the Market | Main | New Antidepressant Treatment Could Eliminate Need For Harmful Drugs Like Paxil and Effexor »

Popular Antibiotic Levaquin Linked to Tendon Ruptures

The popular antibiotic, Levaquin, was once at the top of the game, but many people wonder if the addition of generic versions of the drug combined with the several lawsuits may be the end of Johnson & Johnson's profit and domination of the antibiotic market. In 2006, Johnson & Johnson surpassed $1.4 billion in annual sales of Levaquin in America alone. For a long time, the drug was the most prescribed antibiotic on the market and sales increased by 1.7 percent in 2007 as news of possible tendon ruptures associated with drug. By 2009, sales of the popular antibiotic dropped by 6 percent, but that was just the beginning of the downfall. Competing antibiotics along with the side effects helped cause the major drop in sales for Johnson & Johnson.

 

The negative attention on Johnson & Johnson and their popular drug will continue through 2011 when most of the lawsuits against the company will end up in the courtroom near the end of the year. Unfortunately that is not the only problem Johnson & Johnson is face with when it comes to the drug Levaquin. In June, the patent on Levaquin will expire and many of the generic versions will be released to the public. The Food and Drug Administration approved a generic version of Levaquin made available by Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co. Inc. The generic versions are expected to take an even bigger cut out of Johnson & Johnson's profits.

 

The trials against Johnson & Johnson and Levaquin are set to being this summer. One plaintiff, John Schedin, has already received a verdict in the amount of $1.8 million for punitive damages. Schedin suffered two torn Achillies tendons after taking Levaquin and that was the basis of his claim. In early 2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a black box warning involving the risk of ruptured tendons. But for many patients that have suffered from tendon ruptures, the warning didn't come soon enough.

 

In product liability cases, experienced Missouri attorneys work tirelessly to make sure that their clients receive compensation for their injuries. Injuries from a prescription medication can be devastating to any family, which is why product liability victims should seek the guidance of an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let one of our experienced attorneys help fight for you.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Some OTC Anti-Inflammatories Could Lower Effects of Antidepressant Medication Like Paxil | Main | Popular Antibiotic Levaquin Linked to Tendon Ruptures »

Study Points to Yaz Being Riskiest Birth Control on the Market

Earlier in the month, the British Medical Journal published two studies that, Yaz, the popular oral contraceptive might be riskier than any other birth control on the market. However, Bayer has denied these accusations since putting the drug on the market. The results of the two studies coincide with studies that were previously released in the United States.

 

Both studies may have served as the smoking gun that supports plaintiffs in their Yaz lawsuits. The main study conducted in the United States was performed by research from Boston University's School of Medicine's Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program. The studies showed that women who take Yaz have more than twice the chance of developing blood clots than women who take other forms of birth control pills. The main ingredient, drosperinone a (synthetic progestin), is the dangerous part of the drug. Most of the other birth controls on the market use a different synthetic progestin named levonorgestrel. Before Yaz hit the market, levonorgestrel was the main ingredient in birth control pills.

 

The study in the British Medical Journal concluded that, different from the U.S. study, states that women on Yaz are three times more likely to develop blood clots than from other oral contraceptives. These studies came out a little over a week after the Canadian Medical Association Journal published a study involving 2.7 million American women. This study showed the 20 percent of the woman taking Yaz developed gallbladder problems, which has gained much attention. Evidence against Yaz and Bayer are piling up, but even with all the evidence it still remains the most popular oral contraceptive.

 

Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers. If a defective product injures you, the manufacturer of the product should be held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled medication or product in Missouri, contact our experienced product liability attorneys at 800.956.2487. You and your family may be entitled to compensation as a result of the harmful product.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of Harmful Effects of OTC Acetaminophen Products | Main | Study Points to Yaz Being Riskiest Birth Control on the Market »

Some OTC Anti-Inflammatories Could Lower Effects of Antidepressant Medication Like Paxil

In recent studies on mice, Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that patients who take anti-inflammatory medications minimize the effective compounds in various antidepressant medications, which include Paxil. Paul Greengard and Jennifer Warner-Schmidt found that ibuprofen, naproxen, and other over-the-counter medication lower the benefits of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal. These experts believe that the study is most important for Alzheimer's patients. The reason Alzheimer's patients are believed to be at risk is that they suffer from depression and treatment for the disorder alievates the severity that Alzheimer's progresses. However, not just Alzheimer's patients are at risk. Many elderly individuals are treated for depression to reduce the chances of getting Alzheimer's.

 

In the course of the study, the researchers gave mice popular antidepressants while also giving them anti-inflammatory drugs to see how the animals would react. The mice given anti-depressants illustrated behaviors that were inhibited by taking anti-inflammatories. After this phase in the research had been completed, the scientists ran the same test on human patients. The people who took anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory medications were not getting relief from their symptoms as patients who didn't take the anti-inflammatories.

 

The scientist, Warner-Schmidt, summed up the research stating, "The mechanism underlying these effects is not yet clear. Nevertheless, our results may have profound implications for patients, given the very high treatment resistance rates for depressed individuals taking SSRIs."

 

"Many elderly individuals suffering from depression also have arthritic or related diseases and as a consequence are taking both antidepressant and anti-inflammatory medications," Greengard added to his colleague statement. "Our results suggest that physicians should carefully balance the advantages and disadvantages of continuing anti-inflammatory therapy in patients being treated with antidepressant medications."

 

Even though a healthy life change can help relieve depression, there are many who will still need to depend on their antidepressant medication. Injuries from a prescription drug can be complicated, which is why victims should work with an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let us help you fight.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of the Dangers of a Dog Bite | Main | Some OTC Anti-Inflammatories Could Lower Effects of Antidepressant Medication Like Paxil »

Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of Harmful Effects of OTC Acetaminophen Products

Extra Strength Tylenol and Tylenol PM as well as other drugs containing acetaminophen could be dangerous to your health leading to kidney or liver conditions. Acetaminophen, which is found in over-the-counter medicine for pain and fever reduction, has not been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they have taken several steps to reduce the possible risks from patient overuse. However the action by the FDA apply to only to prescription formulations and not the OTC drugs.

 

Overuse of the acetaminophen has been linked with several cases of severe liver injury and toxicity, which can even lead to death. Acetaminophen is often recommended by health care professionals for patients with a fever or in pain because it is easy on the stomach and more affordable than stronger pain relievers. Because the drug is so widely used and perceived as safe, it is commonly taken over the counter by individuals without thinking about the long-term effects of taking too much. Currently, overuse of acetaminophen is the leading cause for organ transplants in patients.

 

Earlier this year, the FDA limited the use of acetaminophen in prescription drugs to protect consumers, but these actions do not affect OTC products that contain the drug. Dr. William Lee, director of the Clinical Center for Liver Diseases at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, stated "Too much acetaminophen in the system at one time or over an extended period can cause serious liver damage or can lead to liver failure and even death. About 100 people die annually of accidental acetaminophen poisoning and another 15,000 end up in the emergency rooms from unknowingly taking too much."

 

Despite the warnings and advisories from the FDA, consumers still face a risk when self-medicating with acetaminophen. In March, a 49-year-old man from Florida died from failure of the liver and kidney, which was caused by taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen to alleviate a toothache for several weeks. Because the man did not have health insurance, he couldn't afford treatment took as many as eight pills a day for the pain.

 

Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers and warn them of any harmful effects. If a recalled product injures you, the manufacturer of the product should be held liable for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled medication or product in Missouri, contact our experienced product liability attorneys at 800.956.2487. You and your family may be entitled to compensation as a result of the injuries sustained from the recalled product.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Some Antidepressants Could Make Symptoms Worse | Main | Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of Harmful Effects of OTC Acetaminophen Products »

Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of the Dangers of a Dog Bite

A dog is supposed to be a man's best friend, but there are many cases of dog bites every year. As a Missouri personal injury attorney, I want to make sure everyone knows the dangers of a dog bite. According to the National Institute of Health any dog bite victim should have a tetanus shot if his or her skin is broken by a bite, especially if he or she has not had a tetanus shot in the last five years.

 

Tetanus is an infection of the nervous system by bacterium that can be potentially fatal. The bacterium is typically released into the body through a dog bite, but symptoms do not usually begin to show until seven to 21 days after the time of the bite. Tetanus usually begins with minor spasms in the jaw known as lockjaw. These spasms, in some cases, also effect the muscles that we use to control breathing. Other symptoms of tetanus include fever, drooling, difficulty swallowing, hand or foot spasms, and incontinence.

 

Unfortunately, without treatment one in four of those who are infected with tetanus from a dog bite will die. If the wound that caused the tetanus is on the head or the face, it is even more dangerous than wounds to other parts of the body. However, with proper treatment, less than 10 percent of those infected will have no remaining effects. Treatment can include antibiotics, muscle relaxers, sedatives, bed rest, surgery, and breathing support.

 

If you have been bitten by a dog and you have not had a tetanus shot in the last five years, see a doctor immediately. If you have been bitten by a dog, you also have legal rights against the owner of the dog. Contact our personal injury attorneys in Missouri at 888.956.2487.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Major Department Store Sells Recalled Children's Clothes and Faces Fine | Main | Missouri Personal Injury Attorney Warns of the Dangers of a Dog Bite »

Some Antidepressants Could Make Symptoms Worse

Antidepressant medications have received a bad reputation from the harmful side effects that they produce. With all the lawsuits that have been filed against Effexor and Paxil, popular antidepressant makers, is it best for patients to use natural treatments?

 

Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. When people are looking to cure their anxiety and depression signs, most of them in turn to prescription drugs. In fact, a study published in the Journal Archives of General Psychiatry, said that 10 percent of the U.S. population is on antidepressants such as Paxil or Effexor. This means that approximately 31 million people in the U.S. alone are taking these medications. The Journal of the American Medical Association published a study, which showed that antidepressants are working, but they work no better than placebo pills.

 

A study conducted by the U.S. government 2006 revealed that less than half of those taking antidepressants like Paxil and Effexor experienced a decrease in the signs of depression. What is even worse, George Washington University Health Care Analyst Thomas Moore, who reviewed the unpublished studies from drug companies, says 40 percent of the studies focused on the power of antidepressants but did not submit information regarding the drug not working.

 

These study results and more have caused many physicians to believe that the simple life changes can be more encouraging in the fight against depression. "Doctors are now medicating unhappiness," says Dr. Ronald Dworkin. "Too many people use drugs when they need to be making changes in their lives." If the pills are not working, a simple lifestyle change may be the solution. The best part about taking advantage of a more natural type of depression relief is that it can also prevent the dangerous side effects of antidepressants.

           

Even though a healthy life change can help relieve depression, there are many who will still need to depend on their antidepressant medication. Injuries from a prescription drug can be complicated, which is why victims should work with an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let us help you fight.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« FDA Warns of Food Borne Illness From Fruit and Vegetable Juice | Main | Some Antidepressants Could Make Symptoms Worse »

Major Department Store Sells Recalled Children's Clothes and Faces Fine

Retail giant Macy's recently accepted to pay a $75,000 fine to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The CPSC found out that the department store did not report the sale of children's clothing that had drawstrings. Drawstrings pose a threat to children who may choke or accidentally strangle themselves. As of now, the CPSC is willing to accept the offer from Macy's.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission ruled in 2006 that children's clothing with drawstrings in hood or around the neck should be recalled since they posed a risk to children. The CPSC also put other specific pieces with drawstrings on the recall list at the same time. Unfortunately the major department store continued to sell clothing with drawstrings including the specific garments that were a part of the recall between 2006 and 2010. Macy's was aware of the recall. The sales were made in stores owned by Macy's, inc. including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Robinson-May stores.

When a company continues to sell a recalled product can be prosecuted and face civil lawsuits. Even though Macy's has offered to pay the $750,000 fine, the company denies knowing that the clothing had been recalled. Product recalls are unnerving when the product is for children because children cannot recognize the hazard. If a defective product has injured you, please call one of our experienced Missouri personal injury attorneys at 888.956.2487.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles claims that result in personal injury or death throughout the Midwest. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, please contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights.  It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« New Labels Ordered by FDA to Clear up Dosage Confusion for Morphine Sulfate | Main | Major Department Store Sells Recalled Children's Clothes and Faces Fine »

FDA Warns of Food Borne Illness From Fruit and Vegetable Juice

As a personal injury attorney in Missouri, it is important that everyone know of the possible dangers of drinking fruit and vegetable juice. According to the Food and Drug Administration, although drinking fruit and vegetable juices can be a healthy dietary choice, there have been numerous reports of food borne illness outbreaks as a result of drinking juice that is not properly pasteurized. Although drinking fruit and vegetable juices will not cause a problem for most people, children, the elderly, and people with health problems are at a higher risk of contracting a food borne illness.

 

Fortunately, the majority of juices sold in grocery stores are properly treated to kill bacteria. Since 1999, the FDA requires juices that are not pasteurized to be labeled as such. However, fresh squeezed juices sold by the glass are not required to be labeled. Always read the labels of any juice you purchase in order to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of unpasteurized juice.

 

Be extra cautious and aware of the symptoms that are commonly associated with food borne illness. The incubation period for food borne bacteria can vary between one to three days of consumption, but there are many cases where the symptoms begin as soon as 20 minutes to six weeks after consumption. Several symptoms of food borne illness include vomiting, headaches stomach pain, fever, diarrhea and body aches.

 

Food manufacturers have a responsibility to provide safe products for consumers. If you have contracted a food borne illness from unsafe food practices, you may be able to receive compensation for your illness and medical bills. Contact a Missouri personal injury attorney at 888.956.2487 for a free consultation to discuss your Missouri personal injury claim.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due negligence, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Cheryl Eckard Appears on 60 Minutes to Discuss Why She Blew the Whistle on Paxil Manufacturing | Main | FDA Warns of Food Borne Illness From Fruit and Vegetable Juice »

New Labels Ordered by FDA to Clear up Dosage Confusion for Morphine Sulfate

As a product liability attorney in the Midwest, I was unhappy to see the reports of death and serious illness of a prescription painkiller.  MedPage Today reported on January 11, 2011 that the Food and Drug Administration has ordered new labels for a popular oral morphine sulfate medication marketed by Roxane Laboratories. The medicine was marked at 100 mg/ml, which apparently confused some patients prescribed the medication. The confusion led to a several drug overdoses as many as 20 times the amount recommended and caused deaths and serious illness according to the FDA. The 100 mg/ml dosage of the drug may also have been perceived as a less concentrated version, which lead to the overdoses. The agency has commissioned a new label to distinguish morphine sulfate 100 mg/ml as less powerful version of the drug. It comes with a syringe that gives the right dosage making it easier to use.

 

Morphine has been sold many times in the 20th century, but the preparation of morphine sulfate sold by Roxana wasn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2010 because the manufacturers never applied for FDA approval. The approval was important because morphine is a potent painkiller with a high potential for abuse and overdose. At high doses, morphine can cause respiratory problems that lead to death or brain damage. The dose of 100 mg/ml morphine sulfate solution that required the label change is already a high dose. The drug is for people who are known to have a tolerance to opioid and need a higher dose and for those receiving care from a hospice provider. The old label that has made the issue worse by giving the dosage in mg/ml, although the doses are ordered in mg. Consequently, those unfamiliar with the drug dosages given in ml increases the drug's already considerable power.

 

As a product liability attorney in the Midwest, I am pleased that the FDA is taking these steps. Most Americans do not use the metric system, so it is not surprising that some users were confused by the instructions of the doses of morphine. If you or someone in your family was injured by a prescription drug with defects or labeling error, call 888.945.2487 for a free consultation with an experienced product liability attorney.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.

 




« Childproofing a Home will Reduce Potential Infant Injuries | Main | New Labels Ordered by FDA to Clear up Dosage Confusion for Morphine Sulfate »

Cheryl Eckard Appears on 60 Minutes to Discuss Why She Blew the Whistle on Paxil Manufacturing

The whistleblower in the civil class action against GlaxoSmithKline, Cheryl Eckard, recently appeared on the newest episode of 60 minutes to discuss the case with the interviewer Scott Pelley. During the interview, said she was fired after officials urged Glaxo to do something about the conditions in a Glaxo plant in Cidra, Puerto Rico. She noted that from August 2002 until she was fired in May 2003, she had tried to get managers of the Glaxo to close the plant for as Pelley referred to as making "bad medicine." Pelley talked about what he claimed Eckard found was wrong with the production and packaging of drugs such as Paxil and Avandia during a survey she held that led her to act. He was referring to her claims that the facility:

  • Mixed Avandia and Paxil together in the same packaging
  • Shipped packages of Paxil with the wrong dosages
  • Used tainted water in the production of the two popular drugs.

 

Eckard ended up having to file a full report to the Compliance Department at Glaxo when her managers continued to ignore her warnings about the dangerous practices. Ultimately, Eckard said they acted as if her complaints about the plant were not substantiated. This is what led her to report the situation to FDA officials in San Juan. She also suggested that these actions are what got her fired. In a press release, Glaxo denied the implications stating, "The company strongly rejects any claim of retaliation for whistle-blowing...In fact, employees are encouraged to report any concerns they might have to management or through a confidential compliance hotline. Issues raised are investigated, and company policy prohibits retaliation against employees."

 

Following these allegations against the Cidra plant, the Glaxo group settled the class action lawsuits for $750 million. From the settlement amount, $150 million dollars went toward fines and $600 million collectively went to the Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. Whistleblower Eckard received $96 million dollars for her claim that the company fired her in retaliation. Lawsuits for the product liability of drugs like Avandia have increased dramatically. Our experienced product liability attorneys in the Midwest believe that companies like GlaxoSmithKline should be held responsible for the harm that their drugs cause. We believe people who have suffered illness and injury from medication should be compensated for their loss. If you or a loved one has been injured by a medication that was not properly manufactured or the side effects have been misrepresented by a manufacturer, please call 888.956.2487 to speak to one of our experienced product liability attorneys today.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.

 




« Bayer Funds New Study to Prove Yaz is an Effective Birth Control Despite Dangers | Main | Cheryl Eckard Appears on 60 Minutes to Discuss Why She Blew the Whistle on Paxil Manufacturing »

Childproofing a Home will Reduce Potential Infant Injuries

Childproofing a home can be an enormous task for new parents. The list of potential dangers can seem endless. As a personal injury attorney, I wanted the public to know the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a useful list of 12 safety recommendations you should use to your home safe for children.

 

First, be sure to install safety locks or latches on cabinets and drawers containing all medicines, matches or lighters, cleaning products, knives or other sharp objects. To prevent children from entering the premises containing hazardous materials use covers on your doorknobs and locks. Water can be dangerous in many ways for children. The use of anti-scald devices for showers and faucets will prevent accidental burning while bathing your child. If you have a pool or spa, completely surrounding the area with a high fence with self-closing and self-locking doors will keep your child from accidentally falling in and getting hurt.

 

To prevent injuries from falls, use corner and edge bumpers to keep your children from falling on sharp edges. A safety barrier like a gate will prevent children from falling down the stairs or from entering rooms that could be dangerous. To prevent falls from balconies, terraces and windows, safety nets or the use of window guards will protect your children. There are also many hidden dangers for children. It is important to install carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to help prevent injury from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Although many parents do not believe, blinds can pose a strangulation hazard. It is important to use a tassel on each cord. Electrical outlets can also pose a risk of electric shock so be sure to use outlet covers and outlet plates.

 

Although not make may seem overwhelming at first, with appropriate safety features, you can ensure that your home is safe for their children. If a defective product injures your child, you can make a claim against the manufacturer or supplier of the product. Call 888.956.2487 for a free consultation to discuss your right as a victim.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles claims that result in personal injury or death throughout the Midwest. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, please contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights.  It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.

 




« Effexor Linked to PPHN When Taken by Pregnant Mothers | Main | Childproofing a Home will Reduce Potential Infant Injuries »

Bayer Funds New Study to Prove Yaz is an Effective Birth Control Despite Dangers

Bayer, the makers of a controversial birth-control pill Yasmin and Yaz has funded a new study showing that even if Yaz is dangerous, the pills that contain drosperinone are better for protecting women from unwanted pregnancies. The study found that birth control pills that make use of a drug-free time for a shorter period (drosperinone stays longer in the blood), mix those pills containing drosperinone like Yaz, may also act as a diuretic because drosperinone is a long-term progestogen. Right now, Yaz, Yasmin and Beyaz are the only drugs on the market, which may contain drosperinone.

 

Basically, Bayer paid German researchers to study a database that had over 52,000 records of women who were taking Yaz. The study was conducted by comparing the failure rates or the number of unwanted pregnancies that occur in women taking different oral contraceptives. According to information from the study, women taking pills containing drosperinone had less failure than those with other progestins.

 

While such news should be worthy of being celebrated for Bayer, but it does not overlook the fact that the company has thousands of lawsuits that were filed against them by women who have suffered adverse side effects of Yaz or Yasmin . Some of these side effects include heart problems, gallbladder problems, stroke and blood clots. Although there are many studies showing the dangers of drugs such as Yaz, which contains drosperinone, Bayer does not care. In an earlier statement made to address the risks of Yaz, Bayer's then counsel, David Stewart, said: "The reality is that Yaz and Yasmin are much more aggressive form of birth control drugs than previous generations"

 

Bayer executives remain fully convinced that all birth control pills contain the potential to cause serious health risks. Indeed, Bayer is so firm in that conviction that they have launched more drugs that use Safyral, droperinone, and Beyaz. One thing is certain: while Bayer is ready and willing to defend their oral drugs against all claims and complaints against them, the new study does nothing to help the company see the error of their ways. In any case, this new study Bayer simply encouraged to think that has done nothing wrong. For Bayer, at least, the risks are worth it.

 

In product liability cases, experienced Missouri attorneys work tirelessly to make sure that their clients receive compensation for their injuries. Injuries from a prescription medication can be devastating to any family, which is why product liability victims should seek the guidance of an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let one of our experienced attorneys help fight for you.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Pfizer Plans to Buy Akrimax Back and Resell or Close Effexor Plant in 2012 | Main | Bayer Funds New Study to Prove Yaz is an Effective Birth Control Despite Dangers »

Effexor Linked to PPHN When Taken by Pregnant Mothers

With all the new pharmaceutical drugs coming on the market, it can be difficult to keep up with all drug information and side effects. As a product liability attorney, I keep a watchful eye on drug-related studies around the world. Recently I read about a new study that links a depression drug taken by pregnant women and an increased risk of birth defects. According to a study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the more serious birth defects can be linked to Effexor is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN). An FDA health advisory agrees, stating that women who took drugs similar to Effexor in the second trimester of pregnancy were six times more likely to give birth to babies that suffered from PPHN.

 

Babies born with PPHN have a far more difficult time processing oxygen while in the uterus than children whose mothers did not take the popular antidepressant. While babies are still in the womb, oxygen is transmitted to the baby through the umbilical cord instead of the lungs and pulmonary artery that circulates oxygen to the heart through the ductus arteriosus. Once the baby is born, oxygen stops moving through the ductus arteriosus and into the lungs. If the child is born with PPHN, the ductus arteriosus does not close. This prevents blood flow into the baby's lungs, leaving the oxygen supply of the child very low.

 

Some of the symptoms associated with PPHN are rapid breathing, fast pulse, difficulty breathing, and bluish skin. Children who are born of heart murmurs and low oxygen concentration in the blood may also have PPHN. Most children who are born PPHN don't survive it, but those who do not typically have long-term health problems such as difficulty breathing, complications of developmental disabilities, hearing disabilities, and seizures.If you took Effexor while in the second half of your pregnancy and your baby has one of the symptoms above, or if your child has been diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation. You should talk to your doctor immediately and then talk to an experienced product liability attorney. Call 888.956.2487 to speak to an attorney today and we'll help you through this difficult time.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.




« St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication, Files Personal Injury Lawsuit | Main | Effexor Linked to PPHN When Taken by Pregnant Mothers »

Pfizer Plans to Buy Akrimax Back and Resell or Close Effexor Plant in 2012

Pfizer has made headlines in recent years with the controversy surrounding drugs like Effexor. In 2008 Akrimax bought the manufacturing plant in Rouses Point, New York, which sold because the demand for Wyeth's Premarin, a drug to treat menopause symptoms, dropped in demand. Since Akrimax bought the plant, it has been manufacturing Effexor among several other medications. Now Pfizer plans to buy back the plant.

 

When Akrimax first made the deal, the company leased some manufacturing space to Wyeth so it could continue making both Effexor XR and Premarin. In 2009 Pfizer bought Wyeth, but the deal did not change with the sale. Akrimax used its part of the manufacturing plant to make several over-the-counter creams, medications, and ointments. Several different reports verify the agreement between Pfizer and Akrimax to buy back the plant after Akrimax's plan to expand operations fell short. Akrimax's oversaturated the market making it difficult to sell the drugs they manufacture fast enough.

 

Chris Loder, a spokesperson for Pfizer told the Press Republican that "Akrimax's departure, which is due to take place in the next few weeks, will see around 60 of the 400 people employed at the facility lose their jobs. While Pfizer intends to continue some manufacturing operations at the facility in the short term, the plan is to seek a buyer for the facility and, if none can be found, close the plant in 2013."

 

As generic version's of Pfizer's Effexor XR hits the market, there is an oversaturation of the medication making it difficult to turn a profit. These days' medication manufacturers are surfacing with new versions of an old medication. When you add generic medications like Effexor to the mix, there is not much money for even larger medication manufacturing companies to make money.

 

With all the side effects of antidepressants such as Effexor XR, many people have turned toward making healthy lifestyle changes to help relieve their anxiety and depression. However, there are still some individuals that must rely on Effexor XR or other antidepressant medication. Injuries that are a direct result of the side effects of a medication can be more complicated than the reason the medication was prescribed in the first place, which is why victims should contact an experienced product liability attorney. Call 888.956.2487 and let our product liability attorneys fight for you and your family.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.




« St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication; Files Personal Injury Lawsuit | Main | St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication; Files Personal Injury Lawsuit »

St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication, Files Personal Injury Lawsuit

As a personal injury attorney in Missouri, I was surprised to read that an inmate in St. Louis has filed a personal injury lawsuit because he was denied his HIV medication. On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Eastern Missouri filed suit. The lawsuit states that the Plaintiff, John Doe, was deprived of his right to receive medication needed to treat HIV at the Justice Center in downtown St. Louis and the medium security institution on Hall Street. The ACLU contends that the Plaintiff was denied medication for 17 days and received only sporadic attention later.

 

The lawsuit names the city of St. Louis and the Correctional Medical Services as the Defendant. Also named as Defendants in the lawsuit are the director of the prison, Eugene Stubblefield, and two doctors Brenda Singer and Susan Mallard. Deputy City Counselor Nancy Kistier responded to the lawsuit saying, "contrary to the claims of the ACLU, the records of the inmate in question reflect that he received adequate medical care consistent with his constitutional rights."

 

The Plaintiff was detained in March of 2010 and released in mid-November. The lawsuit claims that the Plaintiff had been treated by his physician before his detention but was deprived of treatment once detained even though officials knew his condition. The Defendant's physician faxed his medical information, medication list, and dosage of medication before the Defendant was incarcerated. The Defendant claims that received no medication for the first 11 days of incarceration and only received Tylenol. After 17 days behind bars, the Defendant still had no treatment for his illness. Once he did receive treatment, it was sporadic, which posed serious risks to his health. A test is being ran on the Defendant to decide his current health status.

 

Currently, there are two wrongful death lawsuits in progress against the City of St. Louis for not providing adequate care. When you are injured due to the negligence of another, it can be life altering. When you are forced to recover from injuries or illness, the last thing you want to worry about is a lawsuit. However, in order to receive the compensation you deserve, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Call 888.956.2487 to speak to an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney and get your life back on track.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles claims that result in personal injury or death throughout the Midwest. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, please contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights.  It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication, Files Personal Injury Lawsuit | Main | St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication, Files Personal Injury Lawsuit »

St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication; Files Personal Injury Lawsuit

As a personal injury attorney in Missouri, I was surprised to read that an inmate in St. Louis has filed a personal injury lawsuit because he was denied his HIV medication. On Thursday, November 18, 2010, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Eastern Missouri filed suit. The lawsuit states that the Plaintiff, John Doe, was deprived of his right to receive medication needed to treat HIV at the Justice Center in downtown St. Louis and the medium security institution on Hall Street. The ACLU contends that the Plaintiff was denied medication for 17 days and received only sporadic attention later.

 

The lawsuit names the city of St. Louis and the Correctional Medical Services as the Defendant. Also named as Defendants in the lawsuit are the director of the prison, Eugene Stubblefield, and two doctors Brenda Singer and Susan Mallard. Deputy City Counselor Nancy Kistier responded to the lawsuit saying, "contrary to the claims of the ACLU, the records of the inmate in question reflect that he received adequate medical care consistent with his constitutional rights."

 

The Plaintiff was detained in March of 2010 and released in mid-November. The lawsuit claims that the Plaintiff had been treated by his physician before his detention but was deprived of treatment once detained even though officials knew his condition. The Defendant's physician faxed his medical information, medication list, and dosage of medication before the Defendant was incarcerated. The Defendant claims that received no medication for the first 11 days of incarceration and only received Tylenol. After 17 days behind bars, the Defendant still had no treatment for his illness. Once he did receive treatment, it was sporadic, which posed serious risks to his health. A test is being ran on the Defendant to decide his current health status.

 

Currently, there are two wrongful death lawsuits in progress against the City of St. Louis for not providing adequate care. When you are injured due to the negligence of another, it can be life altering. When you are forced to recover from injuries or illness, the last thing you want to worry about is a lawsuit. However, in order to receive the compensation you deserve, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Call 888.956.2487 to speak to an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney and get your life back on track.


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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles claims that result in personal injury or death throughout the Midwest. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, please contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights.  It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.





« New Studies on the Risk of Birth Control Medications are Being Evaluated by the FDA | Main | St. Louis Inmate Denied HIV Medication; Files Personal Injury Lawsuit »

Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawsuit Settled for $600,000

When someone is injured, it can make life more difficult. What makes matters worse is when someone is injured due to the negligence of a business, but there are experienced personal injury attorneys that help victims through stress of filing a lawsuit. Recently a Missouri jury found in favor of a slip and fall victim because of the business' negligence.

 

A Missouri jury recently found in court in favor of Debra Belliveau for her personal injury lawsuit against HAC, Inc. The original judgment was $600,000, but the jury assessed 30% of the fault to Plaintiff and 70% fault to the Defendant. Consequently, the award was reduced to $420,000. Debra Belliveau fell while entering the Price Cutter Grocery Store in St. Joseph, Missouri, on a rainy day. The fall caused a burst fracture in her back, which required fusion surgery. Belliveau claimed employees created a dangerous situation when they left tile exposed between the door and the carpet.

 

When you are injured because of the negligence of a business, it can be devastating. When you are forced to recover from your injuries, the last thing you need to worry about is medical bills and lost wages. Eventually, the bills will overcome the money coming in and you could feel helpless. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you'll have someone fighting for you so you can recover. Call 888.956.2487 to speak to an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney and get your life back on track.


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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles claims that result in personal injury or death throughout the Midwest. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another, please contact a personal injury attorney to learn your rights.  It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.




« Paxil Internet Support Group offers Patients with Advice and Comfort | Main | Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawsuit Settled for $600,000 »

New Studies on the Risk of Birth Control Medications are Being Evaluated by the FDA

Although widely used brands of birth control medications that contain drospirenone, such as Yasmin and Yaz, have yet to be recalled by the Food and Drug Administration, the evidence of the risks associated with the medication are being evaluated. Studies published in the British Journal of Medicine earlier this year reported that taking birth control medicine with drospirenone have two to three times more risks associated than for levonorgestrel-based birth control medications.

Two new studies published by the British Journal of Medicine examine the risk for blood clots or venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women between the ages of 15 to 44 who use birth control medication that contains drospirenone versus women who took birth control using another form of progestin. Progestin, a synthetic female sex hormone, is used in many oral contraceptives. In Europe, regulators are revising the prescription information to reflect these recent findings. The European Medicines Agency stated the risk of taking oral contraceptives containing drospirenone held a greater risk of developing blood clots than medication containing levonorgestrel. Although there is less risk in taking oral contraceptives with levonorgestrel contained a smaller risk of blood clots, the risk is there.

The Food and Drug Administration released an alert that stated that it is "currently evaluating the conflicting results from these studies and will look at all currently available information to fully assess the risks and benefits of dropspirenone-containing birth control pills." The agency is not suggesting that women stop using the birth control with consulting their doctor first, but does advise that women watch for symptoms of blood clots. Symptoms include severe chest pain, persistent leg pain, or sudden shortness of breath. The Food and Drug Administration plans to release a study this summer exploring the link between blood clots and hormonal contraceptives.

Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers. If you are injured by a defective product, the manufacturer of the product should be held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled medication or product in Missouri, contact our experienced product liability attorneys at 800.956.2487. You and your family may be entitled to compensation as a result of the harmful effects of a product.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Woman Lands Probation After Killing Husband While Taking Paxil | Main | New Studies on the Risk of Birth Control Medications are Being Evaluated by the FDA »

Paxil Internet Support Group offers Patients with Advice and Comfort

For more than a year, it has been proven that Paxil can cause traumatic experience in patients who take the medication. Many of those patients are seeking to find comfort in others who understand that trauma they have been through while on the medication. With so many Paxil victims suffering from different adverse side effects, it's no surprise that many of them are turning to Internet forums for comfort and advice on how to handle their situation.

 

Support groups are very popular with those who are grieving or overcoming a traumatic event because it helps people see that others feel the same as they do and they have someone to talk to about what they are going through. There are many local support groups for health conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer all over the country, but there aren't any for Paxil patients.

 

Paxil has caused many health problems in patients, which include aggression and mania. Many patients have attempted suicide and even committed murder while on the medication. Paxil patients do not have a forum for sharing their experiences of adverse side effects or stories of addiction until now. The Internet allows for many forums of Paxil patients to come together and talk about their experiences while on the medication. As of now, the Paxil Information and Support Center is available as an online resource that former Paxil patients can utilize to receive the support from others affected by the drug.

 

The Paxil support group is also available to support families that have given birth to a child with defects that were caused by the pregnant mother being prescribed Paxil during pregnancy. The birth defects caused by Paxil caused serious health problems for babies that can be both stressful for families and require long-term treatment. Families can find comfort in the Paxil Information and Support Center and find an understanding about the side effects of the medication as well as ways to cope with them.

 

As an experienced Missouri product liability attorney, I regularly see the pain and confusion that product liability victims go through. I am happy that a support group has been set up to help these families find comfort and prepare for what is to come. Lawsuits for the product liability of drugs like Paxil have increased dramatically. Our experienced product liability attorneys in the Midwest believe that companies like the makers of Paxil should be held responsible for the harm that their drugs cause. We believe people who have suffered illness and injury from medication should be compensated for their loss. If you or a loved one has been injured by a medication that was not properly manufactured or the side effects have been misrepresented by a manufacturer, please call 888.956.2487 to speak to one of our experienced product liability attorneys today.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



« Reglan Side Effects Hard to See in Children | Main | Paxil Internet Support Group offers Patients with Advice and Comfort »

Woman Lands Probation After Killing Husband While Taking Paxil

Mary "Arlene" Baymiller received probation at the request of her Children for the murder of Charles "Skip" Baymiller. Mary was taking Paxil at the time of her husband's murder and used the "Paxil Defense" when she was charged. According to case details, Charles suffered from dementia. Because of the anxiety that Mary was going through while caring for her husband, she was prescribed Paxil, Ativan, and Ambien. When Mary began to feel the bad side effects of the drug Paxil, she went back to her doctor who increased her dosage.

In a statement, her attorney said she had been sentenced to five years probation for the murder on May 20, 2011. Her attorney went on to say that the combination of drugs that she was prescribed put her into a "catatonic drug-induced state," which caused Mary to kill her husband by stabbing him several hundred times in the throat in October 2009. After stabbing Charles, Mary also stabbed herself and tried to overdoses on Paxil and the sleeping pills she was prescribed. According to Mary, she does not remember her actions that resulted in her husband's death because of the medication she was taking. Since there was no blood splatter on the walls, Mary's attorney believes "the stabbing was not in a violent frenzy because the blood would have flown off the blade and into the wall."

During Mary's sentencing, her adult children came to her defense. Eliott Sattler, Deputy District Attorney, opposed the probation order because he believed it sent the wrong message to the public. Sattler asked the judge, "What does it say to the next person in a difficult situation with a loved one? We are living in an aging society. What does that say to them? To condone what she did?" The presiding Judge Perry did warn Mary that a violation to the terms of her probation would result in a very large sentence. As a part of her probation agreement, Mary must continue treatment for her mental problems and take her medication as prescribed. Judge Perry defended his position on the probation saying there was "no reasonable explanation" as to why Mary killed Charles "other than the medications involved." Judge Perry continued saying that Mary had suffered enough loss from the death of "her best friend of 43 years."

In product liability cases, experienced Missouri attorneys work tirelessly to make sure that their clients receive compensation for their injuries. Injuries from a prescription medication can be devastating to any family, which is why product liability victims should seek the guidance of an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. In cases such as this the side effects caused injury not only to the person taking the medication but also resulted in the death of a loved one. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let one of our experienced attorneys help fight for you.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



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Reglan Side Effects Hard to See in Children

According to an extensive amount of evidence, the side effects of Reglan in children are harder to detect. The side effects of the drug are also more severe than they are in adults who take the medication. Reglan, a popular gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment, is meant to be used for the short term. The drug, which should not be used longer than 12 weeks, is often prescribed for much longer. The medication is often prescribed to children and toddlers who have not responded to other treatments of GERD. The major downside to taking Reglan is the many side effects.

One of the most severe side effects of the medication is tardive dyskinesia, which has no cure or known treatment. Tardive dyskinesia causes patients to have involuntary spasms of the lower limbs and facial ticks. These symptoms are hard to detect in young children because of their development stages. There are symptoms that parents should watch out for if his or her child is taking Reglan. These symptoms include:

  • Agitation
  • Diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Rigid muscles
  • Increased sweating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Tiredness

Because the symptoms of TD are unrecognized in children, many children are not diagnosed with the condition quickly enough; mostly due to the fact that parents do not know what to look for. Because of the onset of tardive dyskinesia in children, thousands have filed lawsuits against Reglan claiming they were not properly warned of the serious side effect that his or her child could be affected by. TD is a disorder that goes misdiagnosed just like Parkinson's Disease because the symptoms of the diseases are similar. It is advised by many product liability attorneys that if your child is diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease after taking Reglan to seek a second opinion.

The Food and drug administration regulates pharmaceutical companies to protect the public, but drug companies also have to answer to their customers when their drug is harmful. Patients that have been injured by a prescription medication that is falsely represented on the label can file a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. Our experienced Missouri product liability attorneys fight the drug companies for our clients because they should not have to suffer for the drug company's negligence. Call 888.956.2487 for a free consultation to discuss your Missouri product liability claim, and we will fight on your behalf to make sure the drug company is held responsible.

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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.



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Litigation Over Generic Effexor Reach Settlement in Patent Infringement

The makers of Effexor, Wyeth, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Intellipharmaceutics International, Inc. The case has reached a settlement. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in New York's Southern District and focused on Intellipharmaceutics' generic capsule version of Effexor XR. As stated in the terms of the settlement between the two drug companies, Intellipharmaceutics will be able to hold a non-exclusive license to Wyeth's patent so they can legally launch a generic version of Effexor XR in the United States. This agreement may only come to reality as long as Intellipharmaceutics' generic version is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

 

As of now, there is no assurance that any of the products produced by intellipharmaceutics will be approved by the FDA. However, with as successful as Effexor and its generic versions, it would be a viable risk for the drug company to take to manufacture it. Currently Effexor XR and its generic versions have grossed over $2 billion over the last 12 months in the United States. This record is amazing considering the lawsuits Wyeth has faced in light of the drug's adverse side effects. Despite the potential lawsuits against the drug, companies like Intellipharmaceutics stand to gain a major profit from the sale of the medication.

 

CEO of Intellipharmaceutics, Dr. Isa Odidi, explained why the company is excited when he stated, "We are very pleased with the settlement of the litigation relating to our generic version of Effexor XR, as this removes a significant barrier to the commercial launch of our generic product upon FDA approval. With five products awaiting FDA approval, we continue to work aggressively to both advance and expand the number of products in our portfolio." Even with the potential lawsuits for the adverse side effects of the drug, the drug companies stand to make much more than they will pay out for settlements in such lawsuits.

 

Manufacturers have a responsibility to make sure their products are safe for consumers. If a defective product injures you, the manufacturer of the product should be held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured by a recalled medication or product in Missouri, contact our experienced product liability attorneys at 800-956-2487. You and your family may be entitled to compensation as a result of the harmful product.

 

Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC.  Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.







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