Crestor
Crestor (rosuvastatin), made by AstraZeneca, was approved in August 2003. It is known to lower bad cholesterol up to 52 percent. Global sales reached $6.6 billion in 2011.
Crestor belongs to a class of drugs known as statins. Crestor can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue damage), kidney (renal) failure and chronic or abnormal bleeding.
The FDA has written letters to AstraZeneca demanding it stop running commercials that exaggerate the drug’s benefits and downplay its dangers. In 2005, the FDA added a warning to the drug that all patients who use high doses of Crestor — 40 mg a day — are at an increased the risk of developing life-threatening muscle damage.
Sydney Wolfe from the Public Citizens Health Research Group — a nonprofit advocacy organization that represents consumer interests in Congress — said that in two years Crestor was linked to 117 cases of rhabdomyolysis and 41 cases of kidney failure, 11 of which resulted in death.
Crestor (rosuvastatin), made by AstraZeneca, was approved in August 2003. It is known to lower bad cholesterol up to 52 percent. Global sales reached $6.6 billion in 2011.
Crestor belongs to a class of drugs known as statins. Crestor can cause rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue damage), kidney (renal) failure and chronic or abnormal bleeding.
The FDA has written letters to AstraZeneca demanding it stop running commercials that exaggerate the drug’s benefits and downplay its dangers. In 2005, the FDA added a warning to the drug that all patients who use high doses of Crestor — 40 mg a day — are at an increased the risk of developing life-threatening muscle damage.
Sydney Wolfe from the Public Citizens Health Research Group — a nonprofit advocacy organization that represents consumer interests in Congress — said that in two years Crestor was linked to 117 cases of rhabdomyolysis and 41 cases of kidney failure, 11 of which resulted in death.
Blood Thinners
Pradaxa
Millions of Americans take blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke caused by atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). For decades, patients had limited options for blood thinners with most taking warfarin, a medication that requires diet changes and regular blood tests.
Millions of Americans take blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke caused by atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). For decades, patients had limited options for blood thinners with most taking warfarin, a medication that requires diet changes and regular blood tests.
All of that changed in October 2010, when the FDA approved Boehringer Ingelheim’s Pradaxa (dabigatran), a blood thinner that does not require the same maintenance as warfarin. Within two years, more than 3.7 million U.S. patients had filled Pradaxa prescriptions.
All blood thinners make patients more susceptible to bleeding accidents, however, with Pradaxa there is no antidote to stop bleeding, which can lead to disabling or fatal injuries. Hundreds of bleeding accidents associated with Pradaxa have been reported, and 542 deaths were reported in 2011.
Studies of Pradaxa also show an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease compared with warfarin. Nearly 200 people have filed Pradaxa lawsuits, most of which are consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois.
One of the newest blood thinners is Xarelto (rivaroxaban), approved by the FDA in July 2011. Xarelto is approved for use after knee and hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. In November 2011, the drug’s indications were expanded to include atrial fibrillation (AF).
There is no bleeding antidote for Xarelto, which means users of the drug can experience dangerous, uncontrollable bleeding events. Additionally, since the drug was fast-tracked, unknown side effects may also be putting patients at risk.
All blood thinners make patients more susceptible to bleeding accidents, however, with Pradaxa there is no antidote to stop bleeding, which can lead to disabling or fatal injuries. Hundreds of bleeding accidents associated with Pradaxa have been reported, and 542 deaths were reported in 2011.
Studies of Pradaxa also show an increased risk of heart attack and heart disease compared with warfarin. Nearly 200 people have filed Pradaxa lawsuits, most of which are consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Illinois.
Xarelto
One of the newest blood thinners is Xarelto (rivaroxaban), approved by the FDA in July 2011. Xarelto is approved for use after knee and hip replacement surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. In November 2011, the drug’s indications were expanded to include atrial fibrillation (AF).
There is no bleeding antidote for Xarelto, which means users of the drug can experience dangerous, uncontrollable bleeding events. Additionally, since the drug was fast-tracked, unknown side effects may also be putting patients at risk.
Osteoporosis Treatment
Fosamax
The FDA approved Fosamax (alendronate sodium), made by Merck, in 1995 to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is estimated that millions worldwide have used the drug for osteoporosis and other indications, including Paget’s disease.
Some people taking Fosamax have suffered from injuries such as ONJ, or jaw death, joint and muscle pain, atrial fibrillation, and inflammation and ulcers of the esophagus. Nearly 1,000 people have filed lawsuits against Merck after experiencing severe side effects.
The FDA approved Fosamax (alendronate sodium), made by Merck, in 1995 to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It is estimated that millions worldwide have used the drug for osteoporosis and other indications, including Paget’s disease.
Some people taking Fosamax have suffered from injuries such as ONJ, or jaw death, joint and muscle pain, atrial fibrillation, and inflammation and ulcers of the esophagus. Nearly 1,000 people have filed lawsuits against Merck after experiencing severe side effects.
Pain Medication
Vioxx
Initially approved for acute pain such as rheumatoid arthritis in adults or menstrual related symptoms, Vioxx (rofecoxib) was available from 1999 to 2004. Vioxx is a part of a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and functions like ibuprofen. Merck manufactured the drug which reached sales of $2.5 billion in 2003.
Multiple studies revealed that this drug meant to assist patients was actually increasing the risk of heart attack. September 2004 Merck voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market. Over 60,000 people have filed claims against Merck after Vioxx use led to heart attacks, strokes and other injuries.
The company set up a $4.85 billion dollar fund to assist in resolving consumer claims. Additionally, Merck pleaded guilty to charges based on illegal marketing and agreed to pay fines of $950 million.
Initially approved for acute pain such as rheumatoid arthritis in adults or menstrual related symptoms, Vioxx (rofecoxib) was available from 1999 to 2004. Vioxx is a part of a class of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, and functions like ibuprofen. Merck manufactured the drug which reached sales of $2.5 billion in 2003.
Multiple studies revealed that this drug meant to assist patients was actually increasing the risk of heart attack. September 2004 Merck voluntarily withdrew the drug from the market. Over 60,000 people have filed claims against Merck after Vioxx use led to heart attacks, strokes and other injuries.
The company set up a $4.85 billion dollar fund to assist in resolving consumer claims. Additionally, Merck pleaded guilty to charges based on illegal marketing and agreed to pay fines of $950 million.
Gastrointestinal Drugs
Reglan
Reglan (metoclopramide) was approved by the FDA in 1980 and is used to treat migraines, heart burn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting and gastroparesis, a digestive condition. In 2011, around 1 million people filled prescriptions of Reglan. That same year the Institute for Safe Medication Practices released a report that 1,180 cases of Tardive Dyskinesia resulted from Reglan use.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) occurs as a side effect of certain medications and is a neurological disorder causing uncontrollable rapid movements of the face and the body. Severe cases can inhibit talking, walking and eating. Because of this, over 5,000 people have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of metoclopramide.
Reglan (metoclopramide) was approved by the FDA in 1980 and is used to treat migraines, heart burn, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting and gastroparesis, a digestive condition. In 2011, around 1 million people filled prescriptions of Reglan. That same year the Institute for Safe Medication Practices released a report that 1,180 cases of Tardive Dyskinesia resulted from Reglan use.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) occurs as a side effect of certain medications and is a neurological disorder causing uncontrollable rapid movements of the face and the body. Severe cases can inhibit talking, walking and eating. Because of this, over 5,000 people have filed lawsuits against manufacturers of metoclopramide.
Dialysis Treatment
GranuFlo and NaturaLyte
Many people with acute or chronic kidney failure receive dialysis treatment with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), the world’s leading provider of kidney dialysis services and products, manufactures these two products. They were approved in 2003 to assist in dialysis treatment. The products are now used by around half of dialysis patients.
Because dialysis machines were not properly calibrated, patients have suffered from excessive amounts of acid in the blood, which can lead to organ damage, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, coma and death. In 2012, these two products briefly were recalled to clarify dosing instructions. FMC now faces mounting lawsuits, after more than 900 patients suffered cardiac arrest after using their products.
Many people with acute or chronic kidney failure receive dialysis treatment with GranuFlo and NaturaLyte. Fresenius Medical Care (FMC), the world’s leading provider of kidney dialysis services and products, manufactures these two products. They were approved in 2003 to assist in dialysis treatment. The products are now used by around half of dialysis patients.
Because dialysis machines were not properly calibrated, patients have suffered from excessive amounts of acid in the blood, which can lead to organ damage, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, coma and death. In 2012, these two products briefly were recalled to clarify dosing instructions. FMC now faces mounting lawsuits, after more than 900 patients suffered cardiac arrest after using their products.
Hair Loss Pill
Propecia and Proscar
Men struggling with male-pattern baldness or enlarged prostate may take Propecia or Proscar, which both include finasteride and are manufactured by Merck. The FDA approved Proscar in 1992 and Propecia in 1997.
The FDA’s adverse event database received hundreds of reports of erectile dysfunction associated with use of finasteride. Even after discontinuing use of the drug, patients may experience side effects. In April 2011, the FDA required updates to the drug label informing users that libido disorders, ejaculation disorders and orgasm disorders can occur during and after use of finasteride.
Men struggling with male-pattern baldness or enlarged prostate may take Propecia or Proscar, which both include finasteride and are manufactured by Merck. The FDA approved Proscar in 1992 and Propecia in 1997.
The FDA’s adverse event database received hundreds of reports of erectile dysfunction associated with use of finasteride. Even after discontinuing use of the drug, patients may experience side effects. In April 2011, the FDA required updates to the drug label informing users that libido disorders, ejaculation disorders and orgasm disorders can occur during and after use of finasteride.
The label also includes a warning concerning increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
The reckless behavior of the drug companies shows no signs of changing. Negative clinical trials are never reported or overlooked, and the FDA buys in.
Doctors write millions of prescriptions that may be damaging the health of innocent patients. Only by holding companies accountable in court for threatening their very lives, can patients help prevent others from suffering from the same faulty drugs.
References:
References:
- Mayo Clinic: High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- "The Lancet Oncology" Journal; Angiotensin-Receptor Blockade and Risk of Cancer: Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
- MedicationSense.com: Drugs, Liver Injury, and Cancer: Is there a Connection?
- Drug Watch
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If your pet has been diagnosed with Diabetes, and the Vet wants to give you Prednisone....just say no! This unfortunately happened to me - just two days after taking Prednisone my dog died!