Dangerous Drugs Medical Devices

DRUG AND DEVICE FOCUS:

Wallace and Graham lawyers are investigating a number of claims involving potential dangers and side effects from certain drugs and devices.  The medications involved may be over-the-counter medicines or doctor-prescribed.  The devices include things such as knee and hip implants and others.  These are the current claims we are investigating: 

Allergan Breast Implants 

Allergan Biocell implants are saline-filled and silicone-filled textured implants.  Claimants allege that Allergan Inc. and its subsidiaries did not properly warn women that their textured breast implants carry a risk of a type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL.  BIA-ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system).  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have received an Allergan textured breast implant and have been experiencing side effects of any kind. 

Belviq / Lorcaserin 

Belviq, or Lorcaserin, is a weight loss drug to treat obesity.  It was also prescribed to overweight people who had serious health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.  We are evaluating claims by clients who have been diagnosed with cancer after taking Belviq or Lorcaserin.  Types of cancer named in Belviq lawsuits include:  Pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer.    

Elmiron

Elmiron is a drug used to treat interstitial cystitis, also called “IC” or “painful bladder syndrome.”  This is especially a problem for women.  Claimants have alleged injuries from use of the drug including vision problems and blindness, macular (eye-related) degeneration, maculopathy, retinal injury.  Elmiron is also known as pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS). Women who have taken Elmiron for the pain and discomfort caused by IC have in some cases reported experiencing progressive eye disease that may result in permanent vision loss. 

Signs of Elmiron-associated eye damage may include: Difficulty reading, hard time adapting to dim lighting, blurred vision, dark spots in center of vision, lines in vision, loss of colors in your vision.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have complications after receiving Elmiron.

FLUOROQUINOLINE 

Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics. They used to treat and prevent diseases caused by bacteria, like lower respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, inflammation of the prostate, sinusitis, and gonorrhea.  Fluoroquinolones are sold as tablets, capsules, injectables, ear drops, eye drops and inhalers.  Brand names can include:  Avelox (moxifloxacin), Baxdela (delafloxacin), Cipro (ciprofloxacin), Factive (gemifloxacin), Floxin (ofloxacin), Levaquin (levofloxacin), Noroxin (norofloxacin).  The dangers associated with these drugs can include an aortic aneurysm.  That is a bulging or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, which is the major artery carrying blood from the heart to other parts of the body. If an aneurysm grows large, it can burst and cause bleeding or death. Also, there are reports of use of the drug causing an aortic dissection, meaning a tear in the wall of the aorta.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have suffered an aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm after taking a brand-name fluoriquinolone antibiotic.

Hip Replacements

Many people get hip replacements when their hip joints are damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other condition.  Hip replacements can use metal, plastic and ceramic parts.  Some patients have received “Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants” which use a metal cup liner.  But some patients report that their metal-on-metal hip implants fail prematurely.  Also, there are reports that metal-on-metal devices can release metal particles into the bloodstream, a condition called metallosis, which causes inflammation and bone erosion.  When hip implants fail prematurely, there also can be risks in having a second replacement surgery.  These risks can include blood clots, infections, and other problems.  Patients with metal-on-metal hip implants who experience hip/groin pain, noise, difficulty walking or a worsening of previous symptoms should see their orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation.  These implants are manufactured by various companies.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have been injured by a metal-on-metal hip replacement. 

HVC bone cement (in knee replacements) 

Total knee replacements are a common knee surgery to help patients regain quality of life.  The problem is that sometimes issues result from the bone cement that is used to attach the implant to the bone.  Patients who have a bone cement failure may have to get a new surgery to remove and replace the device.  Symptoms of bone cement failure can include: Instability, implant loosening, swelling at the joint site, loss of range of motion, and pain.  These problems can be associated with the use of “high-viscosity cement” or “HVC” which sometimes is used because it hardens faster during the replacement surgery.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have had problems after a knee replacement surgery as described.    

Incretin Mimetics (Januvia, Victoza, Janumet and Byetta) 

Many Type 2 diabetes patients take drugs called Incretin Mimetics.  The brand names include Januvia, Victoza, Janumet and Byetta.  Some patients taking these drugs have reported developing pancreatitis, and, pancreatic cancer.  Januvia is a prescription pill that helps adults with Type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar levels. It is generically known as sitagliptin. Victoza is a daily injection for Type 2 diabetes. It is generically known as liraglutide. Janumet is a medication in tablet form. It contains both sitagliptin and metformin.  Byetta is an injectable medicine for adults with Type 2 diabetes, generically known as exenatide.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have taken one of these drugs and developed pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

IVC BLOOD CLOT Filters 

IVC filters are tiny, metal cage-like devices that are implanted into the inferior vena cava.  That is a large vein in the body that delivers blood from the lower body to the heart. These implanted devices help to capture blood clots that can form in the legs, called deep vein thrombosis.  IVC filters can be implanted in patients who are at risk for pulmonary embolism or blood clots.  Such patients can include people recovering from accidents or surgeries, people who cannot use blood thinners, bariatric (weight loss), trauma and orthopedic patients.  There are many brands and manufacturers of these devices. Patients who receive an IVC filter implant can experience complications including device migrations (the device moves), embolizations (it moves and fragments), perforations (it moves and makes a cut or hole), and filter fractures.  These problems can result in stroke, heart attack, puncture of internal organs, puncture of blood vessel and death.  Lawsuits have been filed for victims who claim they received an IVC filter and had resulting injury or death.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have had an IVC filter installed and experienced these complications.

Juul Lawsuits

Many people think of “vapes” as good things because they can help people to stop smoking.  But there is a dark side to these devices.  Consumer health advocates say that the company that makes JUUL vape devices has targeted teens and children to become a new generation of nicotine addicts.  Vapes are not as safe as many people believe, especially for the young.  The liquid inside JUUL cartridges contains glycerol, propylene glycol, flavoring, benzoic acid, and nicotine.  Studies show that nicotine can be as addictive as cocaine and even more addictive than alcohol.  Worse, it can be toxic to fetuses and can impair brain and lung development if vapes are used by teenagers.  Our firm is investigating claims of young people using JUUL vapes and experiencing nicotine poisoning, seizures, strokes and other injuries. 

Knee Replacements

Our attorneys are investigating cases where clients have had a knee replacement surgery, but then they had to have a second replacement on the same knee because their first knee implant loosened or failed early.  Many people have received a knee replacement implant device using parts and cement.  But then, for some patients, their implant prematurely fails.  The symptoms include infection and loosening.  In some cases, the reason for the failure is that the first implant was defective or the cement failed.  Patients who have to get a second unnecessary replacement surgery on top of the first one can suffer complications like bone loss, muscle damage, nerve damage and infection.  Signs of knee implant failure include: that the knee feels unstable or like it is going to give out, there are popping, clicking or crunching sounds, and joint pain or swelling.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have had a first knee implant and have now had to have a second in the same place. 

Ocaliva

Ocaliva is a drug used to treat primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).  This is a liver disease that causes the bile ducts to become inflamed, leading to liver damage.  Unfortunately, individuals taking Ocaliva for their chronic liver disease may face an increased risk of serious liver injury and death.  These patients may have taken large doses of Ocaliva on a daily basis.  The kinds of symptoms that can show a liver injury include abdominal pain and swelling, bloody stools, changes in behavior, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, yellow eyes or skin and others. Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who experienced worsening symptoms after taking Ocaliva.

Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR

Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR are medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes.  Lawsuits have been filed that allege use of the drugs can cause heart failure and cardiac injuries. The drug makers include Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca.  These brand name drugs contain an ingredient called saxagliptin.  The claimants allege the medications can cause heart problems and death.  Claimants are patients who took Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR and who suffered heart failure or congestive heart failure.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have taken one of these drugs and reported heart failure afterwards. 

Physiomesh Hernia Mesh

Many patients have had hernia mesh implants to address their hernia issues.  However, there have been reports of hernia mesh failures that can lead to serious injuries.  When the hernia mesh fails, it can require people have additional surgeries.  Claimants in hernia mesh lawsuits have sued manufacturers including Bard, Ethicon and Atrium.  Some of the brand names include Ethicon Physiomesh, Proceed, PHS, and Prolene.  The kinds of injuries reported include that the hernia mesh adheres or sticks to internal tissue, that it causes bowel obstruction, problems with infection, mesh failure, mesh moving from where it was put in, and problems leading to a need for follow-up surgeries.  Our law firm is investigating claims of hernia mesh failure and injury.

NEXIUM, PRILOSEC, DRUGS FOR STOMACH ACID

There are strong prescription and over-the-counter medications available for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, ulcers, esophagitis and other conditions arising from too much stomach acid.  However, some of these medicines have been linked to serious injuries including acute interstitial nephritis, chronic kidney disease, kidney failure and other effects.  The brands that are involved include Nexium (esomeprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), Dexilant (dexlansoprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), and Protonix (pantoprazole).  These drugs are used to control stomach acid.  The claim is that they cause serious side effects that damage kidneys, causing kidney disease, kidney injury, kidney failure, and acute interstitial nephritis.  Signs of kidney disease and failure may include too much or not enough urine, swelling in legs, feet ankles and around the eyes, fatigue, shortness of breath, cramps, nausea and vomiting, and other problems. Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have taken such a medication to reduce stomach acid and suffered severe injuries including chronic kidney disease, an acute kidney injury, renal failure, or acute interstitial nephritis. 

Roundup (Monsanto)

Monsanto’s Roundup is a commonly used weed killer.  Unfortunately, reports have linked it to cancer. Some Roundup users allege that they developed a cancer known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma from the weed killer.  The Roundup herbicide is made with glyphosate, an agricultural chemical.  Studies indicate it can be cancer-causing.  Roundup has been linked to lymphatic cancers like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among farmers, agricultural laborers and gardeners.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have contracted non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup.  

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Associated Drugs

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a form of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).  This involves a severe adverse reaction of skin and mucous membranes following the use of some medications.  SJS can lead to flu-like symptoms followed by a spreading red and purple rash and blisters that eventually cause the top layer of skin to die and shed.  If this disorder is not treated it can lead to blindness, hearing loss, organ failure and death.  Some of the medications associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Allopurinol, Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Celebrex, Dilantin, Phenytoin, Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin).  Treatment for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can involve hospitalization in burn centers or surgical removal of damaged tissue.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have taken one of these drugs and been diagnosed with SJS/TEN.   

SURGICAL STAPLERS

Surgical staplers are used in many different kinds of surgeries.  Many of these surgical staplers used in our hospitals are manufactured by Ethicon or Covidien.  These devices are used to close wounds and surgical openings.  However, they can jam up, misfire, injure tissue, or fail to close the wound.  When this happens near sensitive tissues and organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract, heart, lungs, or kidneys, the consequences can be very bad.  The complications from a surgical stapler failure can include death, sepsis, internal bleeding, damage to organs or the need for more surgeries.  Claimants assert that the manufacturers of surgical staplers have known about these problems for years.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have been seriously injured by the use of a surgical stapler. 

Talcum Powder

Research has linked talcum powder use to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.  The talc raw ingredient can be contaminated with asbestos and other contaminants.  Products that contain talcum powder go beyond what you may think.  They can include:  Baby powder, body powders, Gold Bond, Summer’s Eve powder, Nivea talc, perfumed powders, Shower to Shower and Cashmere Bouquet body powders, pressed cosmetic powders, face powder, eye shadows and blush, and others.  Some of the brand names are Johnson’s Baby Powder, Cashmere Bouquet, Gold Bond, Summer’s Eve, and Nivea.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by individuals who have used talc products and developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma.

Taxotere

Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug used to treat breast cancer and other cancer.  It is also called docetaxel and is used in chemotherapy for breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, advanced stomach cancer, head and neck cancer, and metastatic prostate cancer.  Taxotere is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis.  The chemotherapy is administered intravenously.  However, for some patients, it has been linked to causing not just temporary but permanent hair loss, or alopecia.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by women who took the chemotherapy drug Taxotere and have suffered from permanent hair loss or alopecia.

TDF -- TENOFOVIR 

Gilead’s drug tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) belongs to a class of antiretroviral drugs known as nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors.  These drugs are prescribed to treat HIV and brand names include Truvada, Viread, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild. These drugs inhibit the activity of an enzyme involved in the progression of HIV.  They can slow the progression of HIV and keep individuals healthy.  Unfortunately, some individuals who have taken the drug were later diagnosed with kidney disease or bone density loss.  Wallace and Graham attorneys are investigating claims involving people who took one or more of Gilead’s TDF drugs and were later diagnosed by a physician with kidney issues or bone density loss.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy  

Millions of men have taken some form of testosterone therapy to help boost their energy levels.  Brand names can include AndroGel and Depo-Testosterone. But the use of testosterone therapy has been associated with serious conditions, including blood clots, stroke, heart attack and death.  Our lawyers are investigating cases involving patients who took testosterone replacement therapy, but then suffered from serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes, while taking testosterone replacement therapy.

TVA MESH

Thousands of women have received transvaginal mesh implants to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.  Sadly, for some there have been needless complications.  The mesh is used for support, but unfortunately it can cause significant medical complications and pain, necessitating further treatment and surgery.  Mesh complications can include erosion, nerve damage, pain, organ perforation, bleeding, infection, and autoimmune problems. Wallace and Graham is investigating claims of women who have received these TVA mesh implants and complain of severe pain, organ damage and other complications after receiving the devices. 

Uloric (febuxostat)

Uloric is a gout medication.  Gout is a form of arthritis.  Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often in the feet and toes. However, the Uloric drug used to treat it has been linked to severe complications in some patients, including an increased risk of heart failure or even death.  Wallace and Graham is investigating cases of individuals who have suffered or died from a heart attack, stroke, or another severe cardiac event after taking Uloric to treat gout.

VALSARTAN

Many individuals suffer from blood pressure issues.  Valsartan, Losartan, and Irbesartan products have been used by patients with blood pressure problems.  The adverse side effects of Valsartan may include cancer, kidney failure, liver failure, lowered white blood cell count, and angioedema (which means the swelling of certain tissues in the body).  Wallace and Graham is investigating cases of individuals who have taken Valsartan, Losartan, or Irebsartan, and then later have been diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions. 

Viagra and Cialis

Millions of men have taken Viagra, Cialis, Revatio or Adcirca.  However, it has been reported that these medications can be associated with an increased risk for developing skin cancer, specifically melanoma.  Our law firm is investigating people who were diagnosed with melanoma after taking Viagra, Revatio, Cialis or Adcirca.

VIBERZI 

Some patients who take Viberzi (also known as Eluxadoline) have had their gallbladder removed.  For patients like that, reports have stated there may be an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).  The issue came to light after reports of hospitalizations and deaths associated with patients who had taken Viberzi and who had a cholecystectomy, which is a procedure to remove the gallbladder.  The symptoms of pancreatitis can include abdominal pain, back pain, fast heart rate, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and weight loss.  Our law firm is investigating cases of individuals who suffered pancreatitis while on Viberzi in these situations.

Zantac Lawsuits

Zantac (ranitidine) is a drug taken to reduce the effects of chronic heartburn. It decreases the amount of stomach acid in the body.  However, claimants have asserted that it is linked to an increased occurrence of cancer.  The types of cancers that may be related to Zantac use include stomach, small intestine, colorectal, esophageal, liver and others.  Our attorneys are investigating cases of individuals who took over-the-counter Zantac or another ranitidine products and later were diagnosed with cancer.

Zinbryta (daclizumab)

Some patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have taken the medication known as Zinbryta (daclizumab).  However, claims have arisen involving patients who took Zinbryta and then developed serious inflammatory brain disorders and other debilitating, and sometimes fatal side effects.  Wallace and Graham is investigating cases involving individuals who suffer from MS, take Zinbryta and then develop a worsening, inflammatory brain disorder, such as encephalitis or meningoencephalitis.

Zofran

Women have been treated with Zofran during pregnancy for morning sickness.  However, it has been claimed that after taking the drug, some women delivered babies with birth defects.  Zofran is also known as Ondansetron.  It has been used to treat morning sickness and pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.  The types of birth defects asserted to be linked to taking Zofran include structural heart defects, cleft lip, cleft palate and cranial defects.  Wallace and Graham is investigating claims by women who took Zofran and then delivered children with birth defects.

ZOSTAVAX

The Zostavax medicine is a vaccine against shingles, also known as herpes zoster, which can afflict older people with a painful rash.  However, some patients who have received the drug have complained of developing the shingles illness and other problems.  The side effects from the drug may include shingles, chickenpox, headache, fever, hives, nerve damage and joint and muscle pain.  More serious complications can include stroke, congestive heart failure, autoimmune disorders, hearing loss, vision loss, spinal cord inflammation, and even death.  Our lawyers are investigating cases involving people who received the Zostavax vaccine, and later were diagnosed with one of the serious conditions noted above.