Epilepsy Drug may Cause Birth Defects

Topiramate, sold under the brand name Topamax by Johnson & Johnson, makes up about 20% of prescriptions issued to treat epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder that is most associated with powerful seizures.

A study was done whereby 203 pregnant women were given topiramate and other epileptic drugs.
The results were as follows:

“18 ended in spontaneous abortions, two in stillbirths and five in induced abortions. Of the 178 babies born, 16 had major birth defects. In three of those cases, the mothers had taken only topiramate, and in the other 13, the mothers had taken it in combination with other drugs. Four of the babies had cleft palates or lips. Four male babies had genital birth defects”

Many experts were not surprised about these findings since it was known that topiramate had caused similar defects in animals. However, experts caution people that this study was performed on a very low number of women so it cannot be fully determined whether or not topiramate is so detrimental to a growing fetus. Dr. Kimford J. Meador of the University of Florida in Gainesville was not part of the study and commented that “You can’t make any definitive statements from the data.”

Even if there is this risk to the fetus, it is essential that a pregnant woman continue to take the drug while pregnant if they are taking it to treat seizures. This is because seizures may actually cause more adverse affects to the fetus than the topiramate.

If you or your baby has suffered any medical injuries after using Topiramate or Topamax, contact our office immediately.

Serrano & Jalepeno Peppers Recall – Salmonella

July 19, 2008 -

Grande Produce, LTD. CO of Hidalgo, Texas (hereinafter referred to as Grande Produce) is recalling Jalepeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers distributed between May 17th and July 17th, 2008; and Avocados, all sizes, with lot #HUE08160090889 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The Jalapeno Peppers, Serrano Peppers and Avocados were distributed to the following states: TX, DE, NC, GA, OK, IA, MN, IL, FL, IN, MD, NY, MS, AR, KS, and KY.

The avocados being recalled were shipped in boxes labeled “Frutas Finas de Tancitaro HASS Avocados, Produce of Mexico,” all sizes, with lot number HUE08160090889. The Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano peppers being recalled were shipped in 35lb. plastic crates with no brand name or label.

No illnesses associated with this recall have been reported to date.

The recall is a result of sampling by the Texas Department of State Health Services and The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which revealed that these products contained the bacteria. Distribution of these products has been suspended while FDA, the Texas Department of State Health Services, The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the company continue their investigation as to the source of the problem.

Consumers who purchased Avocados, Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers should contact their supplier to determine if their products are involved in the recall. Consumers with questions may contact the company at (956) 843-8575.

Toy Recall – Lead found in “Faded Glory” Bracelet

Lead is still being found in many popular children’s toys and items. It is thankful that this is being discovered since exposure to lead can be very harmful to a child’s health.

July 10th the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in agreement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. of Bentonville, Arkansas announced a voluntary recall on the “Faded Glory” Lip Gloss, Locket, and Bracelet Sets sold exclusively at Wal-Mart across the nation.

High levels of lead were found in the lobster claw clasp located on the charm bracelet included in this set. The lobster claw clasp is used to close the bracelet around the wrist. If the clasp is ingested, it can cause serious health injuries and/or illnesses. No injuries or incidents have been reported at this time.

This “Faded Glory” set was manufactured in China and sold in Wal-Mart from May 2008 through June 2008 selling for about $6 each. If you are in possession of this item, discontinue any use of this item immediately and return it to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

If you have experienced any adverse side effects after using this product, contact an attorney from our firm that has knowledge of product liability and personal injury.

Studies Show Some Drugs do not Work

It’s a top selling drug that may not work. Simvastatin, which is also sold under the name Zocor, is supposed to help children with neurofibromatosis 1. It has been said that the drug will help “correct the learning and attention deficits” that kids with this genetic disorder experience.

According to studies conducted by a medical center in The Netherlands, 62 children part of their experient showed no improvement while taking the drug. Of course a sampling of these 62 children was given either a placebo or simvastatin during the three month duration. The results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association this week, affirmed that this drug should no longer be recommended for improving the cognitive function of children with neurofibromatosis 1.

As with all medications there are side effects that may be unknown. If a drug like simvastatin was thought to be a drug that helps children with neurofibromatosis 1 and just recently has been proven that it has no affect, there is also no telling what drugs have been approved by the FDA but are actually harmful.

If you have had any adverse affects to a drug that you have been taking, it is important that you seek the medical attention you need, and secondly seek the proper legal consultation.

Carbatrol Lawsuit filed

Generic versus brand name drugs are always an issue for pharmaceutical companies. If there are drug companies producing generic versions of drugs illegally, then it should very well be an issue.

This is the case with Shire who has a track record of filing lawsuits against other drug companies. This time they are filing patent infringement lawsuits against Nostrum Pharmaceuticals and Apotex for attempting to apply to be able to market versions of its anti-seizure drug Carbatrol.

Carbatrol is used to treat patients who suffer seizures disorders and trigeminal neuralgia. Trigeminal neuralgia is described as episodes of “sudden, brief, recurrent, stabbing facial pain.”

There are rules and regulations that must be followed when producing generic drugs some of which are in place to protect consumers. If a company is not following these rules they can be detrimental to the public health.

This is the cause of some pharmaceutical drug recalls. Consumers use the recalled drug ignorant of its recall status and consequently suffer extreme adverse effects and sometimes death.

If you have taken a drug and have experienced any adverse side effects consult with one of our attorneys as well as visit our website at www.kerrysteigerwalt.com. (Always seek the medical attention you need first.)

Cipro Side Effects draw Black Box Warning by FDA

The (FDA) anounced to the makers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs that a Boxed Warning in the product labeling concerning the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon rupture is necessary.

Through its new authority under the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), the agency also determined that it is necessary for manufacturers of the drugs to provide a Medication Guide to patients about possible side effects.

Many people agree that the FDA is simply not doing enough about drugs like this.

Fluoroquinolones are drugs approved for the treatment or prevention of certain bacterial infections. Like other antibacterial drugs, fluoroquinolones do not treat viral infections such as colds or flu.

“Fluoroquinolones are effective in treating certain bacterial infections, but health care professionals and patients need to be aware of the increased risk associated with the use of these drugs of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture, particularly for certain patient populations,” said Edward Cox, M.D., director, Office of Antimicrobial Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

“The FDA believes it is important to highlight and strengthen information regarding possible side effects of fluoroquinolones because it may affect decisions about the relative risks and benefits associated with these products.”

Gardasil HPV Prevention Drug Linked to Side Effects

Gardasil, a vaccine made for HPV Prevention for young women and teens is reported to have links to dangerous side effects.

Over 7,000  complaints have been made ranging from blood clots, nausea loss of movement and death.

Out of the 10 deaths none were confirmed by the CDC.

Two girls allege in court that the vaccine made them sick.

One — Jesalee Parsons of Broken Bow, Oklahoma — got the shot at age 13.

Jesalee’s lawyer, Michael McLaren, said she got the shot on February 27, 2007 and soon developed a fever and felt pain. The next day, he said, Jesalee felt pain in her chest and abdomen.

The maker of the drug, Merk, claims their product is safe.

We will provide updates as they become available.