The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Blair LLC, based in Warren, Pa., on Thursday said they were issuing the second recall notice in two months after receiving reports of six deaths due to the robes catching on fire. In five of the six cases, the victims were women who were cooking at the time; three of the victims were in their 80s. The recall applied to 162,000 robes.

“CPSC urges all consumers to report any incidents or injuries involving consumer products, even after a recall has been announced,” said acting CPSC Chairman Thomas Moore. “Contact the CPSC so that we may help prevent tragic deaths or injuries like those that might be related to the Blair robes.”
CPSC and Blair initially announced their voluntary recall in April, citing three reports of the robes catching on fire, including one report of second-degree burns.

The robes, made in Pakistan, have the following item numbers: 3093111, 3093112, 3093113, 3093114, 3093115, and 3093116. They are a one-piece garment made of plush sculpted chenille, a shaped stand collar, and horizontal chenille front and back yolks and cuffs. The robes have a full-button front with seven matching button closures.

The robes were sold in Blair catalogs and on the company Web site, as well as Blair stores in Warren, Pa., Grove City, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., from January 2003 through March 2009. Consumers may return the robe to Blair and receive a refund or a $50 gift card by contacting the company at (877) 392-7095 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, via the firm’s Web site at Blair.com/recall, or by e-mail at blairproductrecall(at)blair.com.

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

Users of Hydroxycut should be aware of symptoms of possible liver damage from hydroxycut, including, jaundice, brown urine, nausea, vomiting, light-colored stools, excessive fatigue, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, itching, and loss of appetite.

As millions of people in the United States attempt to lose weight for a plethora of reasons, many are turning to different products to help them do so. As a result, companies are beginning to research, develop and market these products as a way to accomplish the weight loss they desire in a fast and safe manner.

Unfortunately, some of these weight loss aids are proving to be dangerous, and that appears to be the case with one of the most popular product lines on the market – Hydroxycut products by Iovate Health Sciences, Inc. Below is a brief overview of the burgeoning issue with these products:

The Products

The products at issue are the line of Hydroxycut weight loss aids that are marketed to help consumers weight-loss, as fat burners, as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and for water loss, all of which are meant to promote better health because of less weight. These products sold in huge numbers since hitting the market, and they are seen as cost-effective and efficient.

The Problems

The problems that have arisen in response to using them have been not only numerous, but serious in nature.

Specifically, these problems include:

• Seizures
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Rhabdomyolysis – A type of muscle damage that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney failure.

Perhaps most serious is the trend that points towards different forms of liver damage. These different forms of damage include jaundice and elevated liver enzymes, which can lead to the immediate need for a liver transplant.

At this point, at least 23 reports of serious side effects developing as a result of using these products and one death has been reported. Given the small sample pool and the relatively short amount of time in which they have been generated, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to act now.

FDA’s Response

The FDA has recently issued a public warning to all consumers that they should immediately stop using any of these products until additional investigations can be completed regarding Hydroxycut weight loss products. This investigation centers on the ingredients present in the products and other factors included with their usage.

If you or someone you love has been harmed as a result of using Hydroxycut weight loss products, contact a defective drugs lawyer as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.

Worldwide, 0.3% of patients have developed pre-tibial soft tissue swelling, which can mimic the
appearance of an infection between 2 and 36 weeks after implantation. The manufacturer is
currently investigating the cause of this problem.

Most cases resolved without intervention. A small number of cases needed local debridement and
removal of any remaining screw fragments, or replacement with an alternative screw or bone graft.
The manufacturer estimates that about 2,550 devices have been used in the UK since 2006.
The manufacturer is aware of seven reported cases of inflammation in the UK of which two
required implant revision.

The manufacturer wrote to chief executive officers of trusts, theatre managers, and surgeons who
were known to use CALAXO about this product recall in August 2007 (see MHRA website). This
notice is to facilitate the recall.

The tablets are being recalled because they may differ in size and therefore could have more or less of the active ingredient, digoxin, a drug product used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The drug has a narrow therapeutic index and the existence of higher than labeled dose may pose a risk of digoxin toxicity in patients with renal failure.

Digoxin toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability, and bradycardia. Death can also result from excessive digoxin intake. A lower than labeled dose may pose a risk of lack of efficacy potentially resulting in cardiac instability.

Consumers with the recalled product should return these products to their pharmacy or place of purchase.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the California Dept. of Public Health are investigating the matter. Thus far, several illnesses have been reported by consumers that may be associated with the pistachios, the FDA said.

The recalled nuts were shipped on or after Sept. 1, 2008 by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc.

Propafenone HCL Tablets 225 mg Recall

Recalled lot number: 112680A, expiration date July 31, 2010
Product Name: Propafenone HCL tablets
Shipped: Between October 15, 2008 and November 26, 2008.

The lot is being recalled because some tablets may contain slightly higher levels of the active ingredient than specified. The recalled tablets were manufactured by Watson Laboratories, Inc.

Because it has a narrow therapeutic index, some patients who are particularly sensitive to small variations in dose may experience potentially , including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or low blood pressure.

Propafenone is a drug product used to treat cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). It has a narrow therapeutic index, so some patients who are particularly sensitive to small variations in dose may experience potentially serious side effects, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or low blood pressure. Consequently, as a precautionary measure, Watson is recalling this one lot to the consumer level to minimize any potential risk to patients.

Anyone who has 225 mg Propafenone HCL tablets should check the bottle for the lot number and expiration date to see if they have tablets being recalled. Anyone with 225 mg Propafenone HCL tablets being recalled should call (888) 352-9616, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. EDT, for instructions on how to return affected product.

Patients using 225 mg Propafenone HCL tablets who have medical questions should contact their health-care provider.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch Web site at www.fda.gov/medwatch

Colleague Single and Triple Channel Volumetric Infusion Pumps by Baxter
The Model numbers are:

• Mono 2M8151 and 2M8153

• CX 2M8161 and 2M8163

• CXE 2M9161 and 2M9163

The defective Pumps were manufactured and distributed from February, 1997 through December, 2008.

The company identified software and battery usage failures that result in a delay in or interruption of infusion that may cause serious injury and/or death. Baxter sent a letter to all of its customers, which included advice and instructions to institutions using the infusion pumps.

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.

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.

No report of unexpected side effects or injury has been received. However, opioids such as morphine have life-threatening consequences if overdosed. Those consequences can include respiratory depression (difficulty or lack of breathing), and low blood pressure. Many patients for whom this product is prescribed are likely to be highly debilitated with reduced strength or energy as a result of illness. As such, they may be less likely to be able to determine that a tablet is overweight or oversized than an unimpaired individual.

Any customer inquiries related to this action should be addressed to ETHEX Customer Service at 1-800-321-1705, or fax to ETHEX Customer Service at 314-646-3751 or sent via email to: customer-service@ethex.com with representatives available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm CST.

ETHEX Corporation previously initiated the recall notification to wholesalers and retailers who have received any inventory of the recalled lot of this product with instructions for returning the recalled product and, if they have not already done so, they are urged to contact the number above regarding procedures for returning the recalled product. If consumers have any questions about the recall, they should call the number above, their physician, their pharmacist or other health care provider.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product, and/or quality problems may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by Fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.