California Injury Attorney Blog

Reuters is reporting that an email from an FDA reviewer and known whistleblower appears to confirm findings that the diabetes drug Avandia carries a risk of serious cardiovascular problems. The findings have not yet been published, but as the California Injury Attorney Blog noted recently, the FDA is about to host its public meeting scheduled in July to report on the safety risks associated with Avandia.

The latest study apparently shows increased risks in the following percentages: risk of stroke 27%; risk of heart attack 25%; and, risk of death 17%. The research was based on data from about 230,000 patients, mainly over 65 years of age.

These findings, as well as the FDA's review of another major study, will be presented at the July advisory panel meeting. Avandia sales have dropped since a 2007 Cleveland Clinic study. It is widely thought the drug may be taken off the market after the July meeting.

The California trial lawyers at Hersh & Hersh represent patients harmed by Avandia across the nation. Please contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

The story of Fen-Phen is long and arduous. The drug Fen-Phen caused serious injury and death and although it has been off the market for over ten years now, many patients were not diagnosed with the serious medical conditions that it caused until after they had stopped taking the diet pill.

The lawyers of Hersh & Hersh, who bring you the California Injury Lawyer Blog, were the first firm to take action against the drug manufacturer who made Fen-Phen. The firm was the first to file and settle a lawsuit making the connection between Fen-Phen diet pills and the progressive and potentially fatal disease, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).

The impact of the drug was of historic proportions, but not in a good way. Many people were harmed as these pills caused such serious injury in some cases the only way to survive was lung transplantation. The symptoms for many Fen-Phen users did not appear immediately. And when they did, they were serious or fatal.

Sadly, this is not the end for the impact that diet drugs and supplements can have on the unsuspecting public. The long term adverse health effects of taking some of these quick-fix drugs and supplements can be very dangerous indeed.

Diet drugs, supplements and other substances are sold to the public by the millions. We want our readers to be aware that there can be not only adverse medical consequences for taking diet drugs and herbal substances, but it is possible for these substances to interfere with other prescription medications a person is taking at the same time.

It is important to be knowledgeable about what you are taking and in what combinations. There are many resources available for this information. For example, the Mayo Clinic website has an entire section devoted to the importance of knowing what you are taking and how it will interact with your other medications.

The story of Fen-Phen is tragic. Arm yourself with information before taking herbal or other supplements that claim to be helpful or good for you.

Continue reading "Lessons Learned? Fen-Phen and Beyond." »