Dangerous Drugs
A number of drugs have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Some of these dangerous drugs were revealed through alarming reports of injuries and death in users, while other harmful side effects were discovered by medical studies. Some dangerous drugs have been recalled by the FDA or voluntarily recalled by manufacturers, while others are still available over-the-counter or through prescriptions.
If you or your loved one has been injured by one of the following dangerous drugs please contact Kenneth R. Schuster & Associates about pursuing a claim.
Vioxx®
Accutane®
Bextra®
Zyprexa®
Paxil®
Celebrex®
Neurantin®
Crestor®
Celebrex®
Celebrex is a prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and pain from menstrual cramping. Celebrex is Pfizer’s brand name for celecoxib, one of a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) known as COX-2 Inhibitors. These new drugs are powerful relievers of pain and inflammation, yet are supposed to be gentler on the stomach than traditional NSAIDs like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Recent studies have revealed that some COX-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients. Vioxx was recently recalled by Merck due to concerns over reports that numerous patients had suffered severe cardiovascular problems. Following the recall of Vioxx, Celebrex has come under scrutiny. Some studies suggest that Celebrex is also linked to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
If you know someone who may have been injured by Celebrex, contact Kenneth R. Schuster & Associates to learn more about pursuing defective drug litigation.
Neurontin®
The drug manufacturer, Pfizer, had FDA approval to promote and sell the drug Neurontin, also known as Gabapentin, to be used only to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. Neurontin was known to have serious side effects associated with its use including: patients suffering from suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. In an effort to increase the sale of Neurontin to increase profits, despite the FDA’s strict regulation of its use, Pfizer claimed Neurontin could be used to treat medical conditions including: Bipolar Disorder, Pain Syndromes (Peripheral Neuropathy and Diabetic Neuropathy), Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Trigeminal Neuralgia, Post-Heatic Neuralgia (PHN), Essential Tremor Periodic Limb Movement, Migraine, and Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures. Pfizer promoted the use of Neurontin to treat these conditions without FDA approval.
If you or your loved one were prescribed Neurontin (gabapentin) for treatment of a medical condition other than to control seizures due to epilepsy, and he or she suffered the side effects of suicidal thoughts or suicide, please contact Kenneth R. Schuster & Associates to evaluate your potential claim.
Crestor®
Crestor is {a} prescription drug used to treat patients with high cholesterol. Crestor (generic name: rosuvastatin calcium) is manufactured by AstraZeneca. Crestor is a member of the class of drugs called statins, which lower bad cholesterol levels. Some of these statin drugs have been linked to serious side effects that can be life threatening.
Baycol, a popular cholesterol lowering drug produced by Bayer, was recently recalled due to harmful side effects. Some patients taking Baycol died from rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition that involves muscle deterioration and can cause liver failure. Bayer has settled a number of claims from patients who were injured by Baycol. Crestor is reported to have similar side effects, particularly when taken in combination with gemfibrozil. Patients who are taking Crestor should be carefully monitored for symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, which include unexplained muscle pain or weakness, especially if accompanied by jaundice, abdominal pain, dark colored urine or pale colored stools.
If you know someone who has had his or her health compromised by Crestor please contact Kenneth R. Schuster & Associates.