Types of Mesothelioma

Interaction between Birth Control Pills and Topamax

5/31/2011

Pregnancy and Topamax. The active ingredient in Topamax is called topiramate. Women should be aware of the fact that topiramate may alter the effectiveness of birth control pills. Women should also consider the risks of combining the use of Topamax and pregnancy. This side effect of Topamax should be made known to women of child-bearing age. The other side effects of Topamax such as oral cleft birth defects should be considered as well if a woman is taking this prescription medication while pregnant. Studies have suggested that women who use Topamax and birth control pills at the same time are at a higher rate of contraceptive failure. An increase in the metabolism of estrogen and progesterone has been indicated by these studies. This side effect of Topamax leads to the failure of the hormone-based birth control pills. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also considered the risks of using Topamax. Earlier this year, Topamax was moved from Pregnancy Category C to Pregnancy Category D. The Topamax warning changed after data from studies indicated a higher risk of babies being born with oral clefts when women took the drug during the early months of pregnancy. For this drug to be in the Pregnancy Category D, it means there is evidence from studies using human data that suggests a fetus is at risk for Topamax birth defects when women take the drug during pregnancy. It is important to consider the risks of having a child with a Topamax birth defect versus the benefits before committing to take this medication.

The North American Antiepileptic Drug (AED) Pregnancy Registry provided data that indicated infants who are exposed to Topamax during the first three months of pregnancy were born with a Topamax cleft lipat a significantly higher number when compared to the rate of birth defects experienced as a result of other antiepileptic drugs. If you or someone you know has given birth to a child with a side effect of Topamax, you should contact a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible for a consultation so they can advise you on filing a Topamax lawsuit.

Odor Associated with Topamax Bottles

5/17/2011

Topamax recall has been issued by the manufacturer of the medication, Johnson & Johnson. This recall is for 57,000 bottles of Topamax because of grievances that arose concerning an “uncharacteristic odor”. Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals New Jersey based Johnson & Johnson Company, issued the recall announcement. There has been much controversy surrounding this epilepsy and migraine medication, most of which occurred as a result of associated Topamax birth defects . The increased risk for Topamax side effects should be fully considered before using this epilepsy and migraine medication.

A Johnson & Johnson spokesman stated the recall involved two lots of 100mg tablets. It is believed there are still a number of bottles in the market place. The odor was thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA. TBA is a wood treatment chemical by-product used in some countries. The wood is used for the construction of pallets utilized for the moving and storage of products. TBA is not believed to be toxic, but it can generate an unpleasant odor. It is also believed that because of this side effect of Topamax, a small number of patients contaminated by TBA reported gastrointestinal problems. Patients who have experienced side effects of Topamax should speak to their physician immediately or speak to a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible because you may be able to file a Topamax lawsuit. The manufacturer took steps in January to try and minimize TBA contamination. The manufacturer has mandated that its suppliers must verify they do not use pallets made of chemically treated wood. It is recommended that those who have noticed an odor with their Topamax bottle return unused medication to their pharmacist and contact a healthcare professional.

Other topiramate side effects include children born with either a Topamax cleft lip or cleft palate. These oral clefts occur during the early stages of development when parts of the lip or palate do not completely fuse together. If your child has experienced an oral cleft, contact a Topamax birth defects lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to receive compensation for damages incurred.

Crestor Lawsuits

5/16/2011

Crestor and side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the distribution and prescription of the statin drug, Crestor, in August of 2003. Crestor medication is used specifically to reduce the levels of cholesterol. Like other prescriptions, this medication is used in conjunction with a low fat diet as well as an appropriate exercise program. The medication is not meant to be taken as a substitute for a healthy diet or increased exercise. The strengths in which the medication can be prescribed vary. It includes dosages in 5, 10, 20 and 40 milligrams. However, it is not highly recommended to take the 40mg dosage unless there are specific circumstances. Astra Zeneca is the manufacturer of Crestor. In addition to lowering triglycerides, the manufacturer claims the medication is designed to lower the total amount of cholesterol that is in the blood. It decreases the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increases the “good” cholesterol (HDL). It is cautioned however that Crestor should not be taken with certain other medications because it can lead to serious side effects. As with any drug though, there are some Crestor side effects to take into consideration before beginning the medication. Some reported adverse effects of Crestor include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, indigestion, nausea and sore throat. However, there are also some side effects for Crestor that, if experienced, a physician should be contacted. These side effects include dark urine, fever, muscle pain, muscle weakness, muscle tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and feeling a generalized fatigue while taking the medication. It should also be advised that patients who are pregnant or have a history of liver or kidney disease should not take the medication. Dosage adjustments should be considered in those with diabetes, thyroid disease and those individuals who have more than two alcoholic beverages a day.

A consumer advocacy group, Public Citizen, requested a Crestor recall because of life-threatening side effects. The group claims that the manufacturer failed to mention the dangerous side effects of Crestor such as kidney failure, muscle damage, or rhabdomyolysis. If you have suffered from any of these aforementioned side effects, you should contact a Crestor lawyer.

Topamax Birth Defects

5/17/2011

Topamax birth defects . More and more information has surfaced concerning the link between pregnancy and Topamax. This link has been scrutinized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It indicates that mothers who took Topamax during pregnancy are at an increased risk of having a child born with a Topamax cleft lip. Currently there are Topamax birth defects lawyers who examine cases brought by families of children born with a Topamax birth defect. If your child has suffered from a cleft lip or cleft palate, you should contact a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible. Topamax birth defects , in the form of cleft palates or cleft lips, are birth defects that affect the upper lip and roof of the mouth. These unfortunate birth defects occur when the tissue that forms the roof of the mouth and upper lip do not properly fuse together during the early stages of development. These side effects of Topamax can vary from mild to severe. If mild, there is a small notch in the lip, but if the problem is more severe there is a groove that runs into the roof of the mouth and nose. A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth and may extend the full length of the palate. The cleft lip can also be on one or both sides of the lip. This can also occur in the middle of the lip but is very rare. It is also possible that a child can have a cleft lip and a cleft palate. These birth defects can lead to problems with eating, talking and even to increased risks of ear infections. A Topamax side effect is most likely to occur during the first trimester of pregnancy.

If your child suffers from a Topamax cleft palate or cleft lip, you should contact a Topamax birth defects lawyer as soon as you can. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and steps to take in order to file a Topamax lawsuit.

Family Physicians Warned About Topamax Birth Defects

5/17/2011

Topamax warnings. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is a group that represents family physicians nationwide. The group is providing a Topamax warning to its members about the increased risks and dangers that are associated with the side effects of Topamax. The warning specifies the danger of giving the medication used to treat seizures in epileptic patients and migraine headaches to pregnant women. The AAFP is being encouraged to inform women of the potentially dangerous risks of having a child born with a side effect of Topamax in the form of a cleft lip or cleft palate when the drug is taken during pregnancy.

The FDA has examined the relationship between pregnancy and Topamax. In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that new Topamax FDA warnings about the risks for developing a Topamax cleft lip or cleft palate would be added to the medication’s label. The change in the warning label on the medication came as a result of data that indicated infants, when exposed to Topamax during the first trimester of pregnancy, often times are at an increased risk for Topamax side effects such as a cleft lip or cleft palate. The first trimester of pregnancy is often when women are not aware of the fact that they are pregnant placing their babies at increased risks. The FDA has further urged doctors and other healthcare professionals not to prescribe Topamax to pregnant women, women of child-bearing age, or those planning on becoming pregnant. These cleft palates or cleft lips occur when parts of the lip or palate do not completely fuse together. The severity of the Topamax birth defect can vary. Children may just have a small notched lip or could potentially have an open groove that goes from the roof of the mouth to the nose. These problems can sometimes cause issues with eating and talking and even increase the risk of ear infections.

Many who have given birth to children with a birth defect as a result of using the drug while pregnant have considered filing a Topamax lawsuit. If you feel that you were not adequately warned about the risks associated with the medication, contact a Topamax birth defects lawyer.

Topamax for Migraines Could Lead to Increased Heart Risks

5/17/2011

Topamax FDA warnings. A new study has suggested that when individuals use Topamax, otherwise known by its generic brand topiramate, to prevent or treat migraine headaches, it leads to the possibility of increased levels of uric acid in the blood. Some research has indicated that this Topamax side effectof high uric acid levels can increase the risk for different heart problems. Topamax is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson. Originally, the drug was approved to treat certain seizures in adults and children with epilepsy. Later, Topamax was further approved to be used as a prevention mechanism for migraine headaches. Studies have indicated different Topamax side effects that can potentially occur.

Some side effects of Topamax include decreases in body weight as well as the development of kidney stones. This study was the first to point out that an increased uric acid level is a side effect of Topamax. For this study, researchers from Duzce University in Turkey measured blood uric acid, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a little more than 50 patients who had migraines and were receiving Topamax, and then compared those to matched control subjects not treated with the drug. The results from the study concluded that average uric acid levels were significantly higher in the migraine patients who had received Topamax. In Topamax patients, average uric acid levels were significantly higher after beginning treatment when compared to pretreatment measurements. These side effects of Topamax can create oxidative stress which damages body cells and can be part of the cause of disease, including the buildup of artery-clogging plaque. When considering the potential link between abnormally high uric acid levels and cardiovascular complications, a Topamax warning should include the risk of high uric acid levels.

If you have suffered from any of the abovementioned side effects, you should contact a Topamax lawyer for a consultation. A Topamax recall attorneywill be able to provide you with more information on all your legal rights concerning the risks associated with Topamax. The Topamax lawyers will be able to advise you on whether or not you have all the necessary information to file a Topamax lawsuit.

Topamax Birth Defects Lawsuits

5/17/2011

Topamax class action lawsuits have been filed by many as a result of children being born with Topamax birth defects such as a cleft lip or a cleft palate because they were exposed to the drug during the early stages of pregnancy. Lawsuits against Topamax have also been filed because of other Topamax side effects that have affected children. Some of the side effects of Topamax include children born with heart, cranial and abdominal birth defects. At this time, there are no Topamax class action lawsuits that are being processed. In addition to the aforementioned side effects, the manufacturer of the drug, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, announced a Topamax recall because of an unusual odor found in some of the Topamax bottles. Topamax, also referred to by the generic name topiramate, is prescribed to treat epilepsy and increasingly has been reported to be linked with serious birth defects involving a Topamax cleft lip or cleft palate. Since the drug was first approved by the FDA for epilepsy treatment, and then later approved for treating migraine headaches, many women of childbearing age have taken this medication. This medication has obvious serious side effects for an unborn fetus. However, the exact degree of risk for Topamax birth defects is currently unknown. It is not advised for women to combine Topamax and pregnancy.

While a cleft palate or a cleft lip are some of the more known serious risks for using Topamax while pregnant, there are also other Topiramate side effects to be aware of. These side effects include persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), abdominal birth defects, heart birth defects and cranial birth defects. As a result of the negative side effects that are associated with taking this drug during pregnancy, a Topamax warning was issued to alert healthcare professionals and patients on the matter.

Many women who have children born with these side effects contacted a Topamax birth defects lawyerto inquire on what steps would need to be taken to file a Topamax class action lawsuit. If your child suffered from a negative side effect of Topamax, contact a Topamax lawyer as soon as possible.

Medical Budget to Include Birth Injury Funds Established in New York

A new birth injury neurological fund for 2011-2012 has been set up by the state of New York to cover birth injury lawsuits ; however, it is receiving much controversy as to who is truly benefiting from this endeavor. A large contributing factor to this initiative is the fact that hospitals will save an estimated $320 million in malpractice premiums, according to the Greater New York Hospital Association because over half of all medical malpractice lawsuits filed are birth-related.

According to Times Union, New York hospitals will no longer cover medical costs for children who have suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, instead, any birth injury lawsuit or birth injury settlement will be paid by the state. One of the conditions of having a brain or spinal cord related birth injury covered is that it has to be, “caused by the deprivation of oxygen or mechanical injury in the course of labor, delivery or resuscitation or by other medical services provided or not provided during delivery admission”. What has some patient advocates concerned is that they believe having the government pay for medical negligence cases will allow the responsible medical parties to go “unpunished” and free from criticism. The medical community, however, largely supports the initiative assuring the community that hospitals will be frequently monitored and as part of the health budget plan, a “state obstetrical patient safety workgroup” will be established to help ensure that medical professionals are following the standard medical practices expected of them while in the delivery room.

Sources report that New York will contribute to the birth injury fund as follows: $30 million will be put into to the fund in its first year before increasing to $70 million in its second and third years. By its fourth year, the state will be contributing $100 million to the fund. Now, families still must file lawsuits and prove medical negligence in court and if they win or settle the lawsuit, they would then be enrolled into the fund. The fund then pays for the child’s lifetime medical costs, however, the defendants are still responsible for attorneys’ fees and any punitive damages awarded by a jury. Contact a birth injury lawyer if you feel that your child may have suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice and want to know if you may be entitled to a settlement.

Birth Injury Studies Conducted in California Hospitals

(May 27, 2011)

The growing numbers of birth injuries in California hospitals have led to studies conducted to find out what is causing the increase. An example of one such study was commissioned by the California Hospital Association to find out what the percentage of birth injury lawsuits were being paid by medical malpractice insurances, however, even though the exact amount was unclear, what was discovered was that 1 out of 20 patients seeking medical attention from hospitals were injured due to medical negligence and 1 out of every 10 patients died as a direct result. With these astonishing results, it leaves little reassurance for expecting California mothers who have made arrangements to deliver in a California hospital.

There are many factors that can lead to a birth injury , some of them due to natural causes beyond anyone’s control while others are due to negligence on the medical facility’s part. Medical malpractice in birth injuries can be attributed to medical procedures that were not adhered to or as a lack of direct contribution from the attending doctors or staff. For example: failure to administer tests to detect abnormalities, signs of fetal or respiratory distress and not performing a Cesarean section within the required time frame. Two of the common birth injuries that can result from medical negligence are:

• cerebral palsy – This condition usually occurs by injuries or abnormalities of the brain that is caused either before or after birth which is characterized by motor dysfunction, e.g. spasms and lack of muscular coordination.

• erbs palsy (or brachial palsy) – A paralysis or weakness of the arm caused by stretching of the nerves around the shoulder during birth. This damage can be caused by excessive pulling on the arm during birth or by pressure on raised shoulders during a breech delivery.

Even though careful monitoring throughout all stages of pregnancy is important, following set hospital procedures and guidelines by all medical staff helps to ensure a successful delivery process for both the mother and the infant. If in the unfortunate event that your child received a birth injury due to medical negligence, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to contact a reputable birth injury law firm who has the experience and knowledge you need to need to determine if you have a case.

Birth Injury Legal Options in California

(May 25, 2011)

birth injuries such as cerebral palsy and erbs palsy can be devastating both physically and emotionally for all parties involved, not to mention the unexpected medical expenses that will be involved. It is especially difficult when the expecting mother has had no prior indications throughout her prenatal care that there will be any complications with her baby or her labor process. Words cannot even begin to express the heartache of finding out after delivery that the baby’s birth injury could have been prevented.

Medical negligence is defined in many states like California as, “the act or omission in treatment of a patient by a medical professional, which deviates from the accepted medical standard of care”. What this simply means is the doctor and/or medical staff didn’t follow standard medical procedures when treating and caring for a patient. There are many things that can cause birth injuries such as: fetal distress, a breech birth, shoulder dystocia (Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s head and shoulder get lodged in their mother’s pelvic bone), and oxygen deprivation. So, giving birth to an injured baby following an otherwise normal pregnancy can be a very confusing situation for California families and if they choose to pursue a birth injury lawsuit , there will be some questions that only an experienced birth injury attorney can answer. Some commonly asked questions are:

? What is the statute of limitations for bringing a birth injury claim in my state?

? In a lawsuit for birth injury, how does a jury determine if medical negligence was involved?

? Do all medical malpractice cases require expert testimony?

? If we prosecute a case on behalf of our child, how long will it take to reach resolution?

? Are there limits on the amount of recovery against a doctor or hospital?

So, if it is determined that your child has suffered a birth injury and you feel that medical negligence was involved, contacting a knowledgeable birth injury law firm can put you on the right track to possibly receiving monetary compensation that you and your family deserve.