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HeartWare Ventricular Assist System Approved

HeartWare Ventricular Assist System Approved


On November 20, the Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of the HeartWare Assist System that helps support heart function and blood flow for patients who are at the end-stage of heart failure and currently await a transplant.  


The newly approved Assist System is a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—the most common ventricular assist devices—but the newly approved LVAD is unlike other assist devices in the past.  Former LVADs come with components that need to be planted in the patient’s abdomen, but the new HeartWare System is small enough to fit in the chest cavity near the heart.  The new system provides specific advantages to smaller patients who cannot receive the abdomen implantation.  


The HeartWare LVAD was approved after a clinical trial called the ADVANCE trial.  137 patients with advanced heart failure were analyzed and compared to other patients in the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS).  The advantages of the HeartWare LVAD showed more benefits than complications.  


There are serious possible complications associated with the new LVAD though.  Serious infections and strokes can occur when using the new HeartWave LVAD.  


The approval of the new LVAD is the first time the FDA has approved an LVAD with the INTERMACS system as a control.  The system is managed by the University of Alabama and represents a joint effort of the FDA, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as scientists and surgeons.  


Christy Foreman with the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, stated: “Well-designed registries in targeted product areas can enhance the public health and provide a cost-effective approach to clinical research for industry innovators.  For HeartWare, registry data directly facilitated the development and availability of this new device.”


Source: Food and Drug Administration
 

Adderall Intake Instructions

Adderall Intake Instructions

Guide to Adderall intake instructions

The medication Adderall is prescribed by doctors to patients who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as adults who are narcoleptic. Because of its potentially harmful and addictive side effects, Adderall's usage by patients should be closely monitored by physicians. To ensure that the drug does not become counter-productive, users should follow their doctors' guidelines at all times.

Adderall can be taken in the form of a once-a-day extended release tablet or multiple tablets to be taken two to three times a day. Regardless of the form, Adderall prescription strength can range anywhere from 2.5 milligrams (mg) to 60 milligrams. In any strength, the drug should only be taken in the form of an orally ingested tablet.

Adderall intake instructions for Children

Children who begin taking Adderall will start treatment with a 2.5 mg tablet, while adults will generally begin with a 5 mg dosage. Doctors will then monitor the drug's effects and increase the dosage as appropriate until an effective intake level is achieved. To prevent patients from abusing the medication, a prescription cannot be automatically refilled. Regularly scheduled appointments must be necessary to receive renewals to allow doctors to question patients concerning the presence of any side effects.

Adderall intake instructions: Addiction

The drug's amphetamine component makes it potentially addictive. Before prescribing Adderall, a doctor will inquire whether you or family members have a history of drug or alcohol abuse. If so, they are unlikely to prescribe the drug. However, even those without a history of substance abuse should be cautious and observe any indication they are developing a dependency.

Warning : Adderall intake instructions

There are no special conditions that must be observed when taking the drug. It is irrelevant whether the drug is consumed with or without food. For those taking tablets multiple times a day, it is recommended that doses are separated by four to six hours apiece. Patients who forget to take a dose are recommended to take it as soon as they remember, although it is not advisable to take two pills at once to catch up.

It is important not to abuse the drug; never take more of it or use it more frequently than as prescribed by your doctor.  Some people may abuse Adderall by crushing and snorting it for recreational purposes. This is a dangerous act which can lead to many serious consequences, such as stroke or heart attack. Even when following a physician's instructions, it is important to be alert to any side effects which are observed.

Taking legal action: Adderall intake instructions

Patients who experience severe adverse effects may choose to pursue litigation to obtain damages for related medical expenses. Keep in mind that you will not be able to file a lawsuit if serious side effects occur due to abuse or overuse of the drug. If you have followed a doctor's directions and still experienced debilitating side effects, you will be potentially eligible to file a successful lawsuit. Consult a lawyer experienced in such cases rather than attempting to represent yourself in this complicated legal action.

 

Accutane Effects

Accutane Effects

What Is Accutane?
 
 
Accutane is the product name for Isotreinoin. Accutane is a medication developed by Hoffman-La Roche for acne treatment. Isotreinoin is a naturally occuring derivative of vitamin A but the drug, Accutane, involves heavy doses of isotreinoin and is used to treat severe and scarring types of acne. Other uses for Accutane include treatment for some forms of cancer and for some severe skin conditions.
 
 
What Are The Side Effects?
 
 
The common side effects of Accutane use include lips, dry skin, nosebleeding, joint and muscle pains and temporary hair thinning. Although these are considered to be the most common of the side effects attributable to Accutane, the most dangerous side effects attributable to the drug are inflammatory bowel disease, depression and birth defects. Although these cases are rare, they have proven to have long-term, disastrous results.
 
 
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
 
 
Inflammatory bowel disease is the name for a common group of ailments that cause reddening and swelling of the intestines. Inflammatory bowel disease comes in two major forms, Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn's disease usually causes open sores along the length of the small and large intestines. Ulcerative colitis causes ulcers in the lower part of the large intestine. Both Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis can damage the rectum and in some cases cause rectal cancer.
 
 
The symptoms of ulcerative colitis is a loosening of the stool which will be bloody and associated with severe abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis is also characterized by skin lesions and pain in joints. The symptoms of Crohn's disease are very similar and about 10% of all cases are unable to be distinguished as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
 
 
BIRTH DEFECTS
 
 
Within months of Accutane being released onto the market there were signs of birth defects resulting from exposure. Exposure to the drug by pregnant women has resulted in birth defects similar to those seen in Thalidomide. Even minor amounts of Accutane that reach a fetus can result in numerous abnormalities. Excessive spontaneous abortions have been attributed to the drug as well as numerous birth defects including skull and ear abnormalities, faial dysmorphia, cleft palate, cerebral abnormalities and cardiovascular abnormalities.
 
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
 
 
Over concern for the great risk of deformaties associated with the use of Accutane amongst pregnant women the government has been fully involved with attempting to regulate Accutane exposure. In 1988 the government attempted to regulate Accutane after it was discovered that physicians were overprescribing Accutane and in some cases prescribing the drug to pregnant women. The idea behind the regulation was to have physicians more informed about the drug and possibly only allow certain physicians to prescribe the drug. This regulation did not pass but as a result of government intervention the warning labels for the drug were required to be twice the normal size and have a picture of a fetus. In 2002 the government finally created an initiative called iPLEDGE that requires physicians to get extensive training on the administration of the drug. In 2009, due to extensive lawsuits Hoffman-La Roche discontinued the production of Accutane.
 
 
LAWSUITS
 
 
Lawsuits involving Accutane have become commonplace in recent years. As of 2011 there are 4,000 plaintiffs awaiting trial to sue Hoffman La-Roche for various conditions resulting from the use of the drug. Recent cases have resulted in a $2.6 million dollar verdict for a New Jersey resident who had to have his colon removed due to Accutane induced irritable bowel disease. A $2.2 million dollar verdict for a woman whose baby was born with severe heart and brain disease. A case involving actor James Marshal, which began in February, contends that his acting career was destroyed due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome caused by the drug.
 
 
What to do if I have illness due to Accutane exposure
 
 
If you or someone you know has been exposed to Accutane and have developed any conditions associated with the drug or have had a child born with birth defects after taking the drug Accutane you should immediately consult a physician. If the diagnosis involves Irritable Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Depression, Birth Defects or any other conditions associated with Accutane you should consult a personal injury attorney familiar with Accutane class actions lawsuits. The timeliness of a claim for this stems from a number of factors including jurisdiction, when you started Accutane and when your symptoms began. For this reason it is important to get the appropriate legal advice.
 

What is Celebrex Used For

What is Celebrex Used For


A brief guide to Celebrex uses

The prescription medication Celebrex is primarily designed to provide pain relief. When researching what is Celebrex used for, you will find that it’s most common applications include treatment of pain in menstruating women, people with arthritis and those with colon polyps. Celebrex uses can be helpful in controlling pain but also carry many side effect risks. When asking a physician what is Celebrex used for, it is important to receive a thorough briefing about all adverse effects that may occur before committing to a course of treatment.

Celebrex uses control pain in arthritic patients, including making movement easier. For women who experience severe cramps during menstruation, they should be told that controlling this pain is among the potential answers to the question "What is Celebrex used for?" These forms of relief, however, can lead to more severe conditions. Physicians who prescribe the drug must make sure that serious adverse effects do not dilute Celebrex uses.

When asking "What is Celebrex used for?" you should provide doctors with a thorough description of your medical history. Patients who have had cardiac trouble are at increased risk for heart attack and stroke despite Celebrex uses that are otherwise beneficial. A doctor should be ready to explain in response to "What is Celebrex used for?" that the medication also can create ulcers or internal bleeding in patients.

It is important to monitor yourself for any signs that Celebrex uses will cause you more harm than good. During your first ingestion of the drug, be alert to any indication that you have an allergic reaction to the medication. During their explanation concerning what is Celebrex used for, a doctor will explain that difficulty breathing, developing skin rashes and facial swelling all indicate a need for immediate medical attention.

Never take the drug without a physician's supervision. Even if you conclude that Celebrex uses can alleviate your condition, do not attempt to order the medication from an online pharmacy without a prescription. Though you may independently decide that you have satisfactorily researched what is Celebrex used for, you are not capable of creating a suitable dosage for yourself. Attempting to take advantage of Celebrex uses with an illegal drug purchase also places you at legal risk of being prosecuted for such a transaction.

After receiving a physician's explanation of what is Celebrex used for, conduct further research by reading the prescription information. This has been provided by the manufacturer outline and goes into extensive detail about potential side effects. By offering this documentation concerning the potential adverse reactions that go along with Celebrex uses, the manufacturer protects itself against litigation alleging they have misled consumers, resulting in serious health damage.

If you follow a doctor's intake order but still experience a reaction not cautioned against by the manufacturer, you may be able to sue them for damages. Find a lawyer in your area who is knowledgeable about how to handle cases of this sort.

 

Lexapro

Lexapro

What is Lexapro?
 
 
Lexapro, generically known as Escitalopram, is an prescription based antidepressant manufactured by Forest Laboratories.  It is directed for the acute and maintanence treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents from ages 12 -17 years old.  It is also often prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
 
 
What is major depressive disorder?
 
 
Major depressive disorder (MDD) entails the prominent and steady continuation of depression.  In this context "steady" means every day for at least 2 weeks.  Symptoms of MDD include depressed mood, loss of interest in activities, change in weight or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia. 
 
 
What are the side effects associated with Lexapro?
 
 
Side effects from the use of Lexapro include: dizziness and drowsiness; sleep problems; mild nausea; weight changes; decreased sex drive and/or impotence; and dry mouth, yawning, and ringing in your ears.  More serious side effects include:  very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and loss of coordination; headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure and shallow breathing.  If you have any of these major symptoms it is important that you go call your doctor immediately.
 
 
One of the most serious side effects of Lexapro use is the creation of birth defects in children born to women who used Lexapro during pregnancy.  One of the major birth defects is known as Truncus Arteriosis.  This is a condition that develops in the fetus where the major arteries that lead out of the ventricles of the heart combine together.  This causes the mixing of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood resulting in shortness of breath and a relatively low oxygen level in the blood.  If it is not treated within a year of birth the results are often fatal.
 
 
Government Regulations
 
 
In 2004 the FDA, after reviewing newly available information, declared that a warning to physician's about prescribing Lexapro to women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy.  The warning went so far as to state that physician's who are prescribing Lexapro to their patients should ween them off the drug.
 
 
In 2006 the FDA issued a safety alert for Lexapro and other drugs categorized as SSRI's, including Paxil and Prozac.  The safety alert warned of evidence that exposure to Lexapro during pregnancy can increase the risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in children after birth.
 
 
Lawsuits
 
 
As of September 2011 there are no pending or settled class action lawsuits involving Lexapro.  However, due to a number of birth defects that have been attributed to the use of Lexapro by pregnant women the possibility of class action lawsuits being filed is very predictable. 
 
 
What to do if exposed to Lexapro?
 
 
If you were exposed to Lexapro and subsequently had a child with birth defects, especially Truncus Arteriosis, it is important that you contact an attorney who specializes in class actions of this type.  Cases are beginning to take form and you may have a case, especially if you were not warned about possible side effects.

Advair 250 50 Side Effects

Advair 250 50 Side Effects

A brief guide to Advair Diskus 250 50 side Effects

All prescription medications carry the risk of mild or severe side effects, and Advair Diskus is no exception. Potential Advair 250 50 side effects must be elucidated by a physician before assigning a course of treatment to patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders (COPD).

The presences of Advair Diskus 250 50 side effects are rare. If you experience any adverse reactions as a result of Advair use, you must immediately contact your medical provider and/or doctor. Depending on the severity of the reaction, your doctor may advise you to discontinue use.
Children who are prescribed this medication are at greater risk of Advair 250 50 side effects, particularly ear and throat infections.

Allergic reactions to Advair may occur shortly after the onset of treatment. Advair 250 50 side effects including rashes, hives and inflammations around the mouth should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Trouble breathing is one of the most serious Advair Diskus 250 50 side effects. If experienced, you must immediately use your emergency respirator. If this does not resolve the Advair 250 50 side effects, seek emergency treatment.

As stated above, it is necessary to report all Advair side effects to your medical professional. Only a qualified doctor is permitted to evaluate whether your adverse effects are severe enough to justify a cessation of treatment. If a physician fails to take adequate measures to ensure the health of patients, they may be guilty of negligence. Should serious Advair 250 50 side effects ensue after beginning treatment, you may decide to consult with a lawyer to see whether your doctor can be successfully sued for malpractice. Before filing a case, be sure to assemble all prescriptions and medical records to provide suitable information for a case.

 

Advair Diskus

Advair Diskus

A Brief Overview of Advair Diskus

For patients (ages four and up) who suffer from asthma, the prescription medication Advair Diskus can be issued if their current medication is not sufficient to control their condition. While there is no maximum period for how long its use can be continued, this drug is not intended for indefinite long-term use–continued use of Advair Diskus can endanger patient health in significant ways, up to and including potential death. To avoid adverse effects, physician guidelines must be followed and any adverse effects must be immediately reported.

Advair Diskus is an inhalant drug whose dosage varies with the age of the patient and the severity of their condition. Dosage can take the form of 100 micrograms, 250 micrograms or 500 micrograms a day. Regardless of age, patients begin taking the drug in the form of 100 micrograms taken twice daily. After observing how the patient's symptoms respond to Advair Diskus, a physician may increase the regimen as they deem appropriate.

The drug is meant to be taken in combination with a long-term asthma condition. Once symptoms have been contained or alleviated, the dosage of Advair Diskus is steadily decreased and discontinued. Patients should then be able to continue to use less potentially harmful asthma control medication.

Some of the potential side effects, such as headaches and nausea, of Advair Diskus are commonly observed in prescription medications. Be alert to any sign of an immediate allergic reaction, especially rashes or other skin problems. Advair Diskus should take effect 30 minutes after inhalation, though it may take up to a week of use before this will be noticeable. However, if the drug seems to increase breathing problems or produce an irregular heartbeat, notify your physician immediately. In such cases, usage of Advair Diskus may have to be discontinued. Moreover, children under four should not be prescribed Advair; child use can impair or inhibit growth.

 In no case should the drug be used more often than prescribed by a physician for the purposes of immediate relief. Overuse and abuse of Advair Diskus creates the risk of potentially fatal consequences.

Litigation cannot be advanced by patients who disregard intake instructions. However, patients experiencing serious adverse effects despite following a physician's guidelines may have grounds for litigation against the manufacturing company. Those without legal training will not be able to successfully represent themselves, since proving a direct link between usage of Advair Diskus and adverse effects is a complicated area of the law.

If you wish to explore litigation, schedule a consultation with a lawyer in your area who specializes in this type of lawsuit. Make sure you assemble all medical records and prescription information prior to arriving to your first meeting with a lawyer.

 

Advair Diskus Inhaler

Advair Diskus Inhaler

How to use an Advair Diskus inhaler

 

 

Asthmatic patients prescribed the drug Advair Diskus must carefully follow their physician's guidelines to prevent the formation of side effects. Advair, which is administered through an inhaler, is similar in design to emergency inhalers.

 

 

When prescribing the drug, a physician will explain how to properly use an Advair disk inhaler. Intake will occur twice a day. It is recommended that you allow twelve hours to pass between the use of the Advair Diskus inhaler. Whether you have consumed food prior to intake is irrelevant.

 

 

It is important to understand that when using Advair disk inhaler, you will be receiving the drug in the form of a powder. Because of its fine texture, you may not feel any grains when you inhale from the Advair Diskus inhaler. However, this does not mean that you should use an Advair disk inhaler to take another dose, for extra doses will significantly increase the risk of adverse effects.

 

 

Following the use of an Advair Diskus inhaler, you should rinse your mouth out with water. After gargling for several seconds, spit the water out.

 

Make sure that you keep track of the counter located on the Advair Diskus inhaler. When you are down to five doses, the Advair disk inhaler will display the remaining number of doses in red. This is an indication that you must refill your prescription. Make sure to maintain your Advair Diskus inhaler in a clean and safe location where it cannot be tampered with.

 

 

While an Advair disk inhaler is similar in appearance to an emergency inhaler, it is not designed for similar use. If you experience severe symptoms, do not take an extra dose of the medication through your Advair Diskus inhaler. The drug is not intended for the immediate relief of severe symptoms. 

 

 

Some people may not be able to use an Advair disk inhaler to take the drug in a dry powder form. For patients whose breathing problems are so severe that they are unable to effectively use an Advair Diskus inhaler, a doctor may consider prescribing HFA. This is an aerosol-based form of the medication.

 

If you receive a defective or faulty Advair Diskus inhaler which leads to adverse effects, the retailer who may be held responsible in the court of law. Only a lawyer experienced product liability, drugs or personal injury will be able to determine who the appropriate defendant is and whether a lawsuit is likely to obtain compensation. If you are involved in a similar situation, you should maintain copies of all receipts of sale and all medical documents to affirm your case.

 

 

 

 

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen

What is Acetaminophen?
 
 
Acetominophen is a commonly used over the counter pain reliever and fever reducer used most often for treatment of headaches and minor aches and pain. Acetaminophen is a relatively mild ingrediant found in numerous over the counter medicines including Tylenol, Triaminic and Pediacare products. In the prescribed dosage it is relatively harmless but there have been complications including stomach bleeding, Kidney and Liver damage. Side Effects?
 
 
Studies have shown that in the United States, overdosing on acetaminophen is the greatest contributor for acute liver failure. Symptoms of overdose are often non-existent initially. However, if left untreated for a number of days an over ingestion of acetaminophen can result in lever failure and possibly death.  A liver transplant is a common result from excessive and abusive intake of acetaminophen. Common symptoms include nausea, vomitin, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach pain, light bleeding and/or bruising, yellowing of the skin or eyes, flu like symptoms and extreme tiredness.
 
 
Government Regulation
 
 
Because Acetaminophen is considered an over-the-counter drug it is not strictly regulated. In 2009, however, the FDA began hearings, due to the level of overdose cases, to reduce the amount of the drug found in products. This involved limiting the amount of a recommended maximum dosage from 1000 mg to 650 mg. In January of 2011 the FDA implemented a plan to curb overdoses and gave manufacturers of Acetamenaphen products 3 years to reduce the amount of drugs in their tablets, down to 325 mg. The FDA is also requiring manufacturers to update their labels to warn consumers of the drug's potential risks
 
 
Lawsuits
 
 
With the current FDA regulations now in effect there is more and more information coming in that is making the case for extensive liver damage from abuse of acetaminophen more and more likely. Due to information showing that the warning labels on acetaminophen products displayed a recommended dosage that was somewhat dangerous there are currently a number of lawsuits based on liver damage in the preparatory stages of litigation.
 
 
What to do if you have been adversely been affected by Acetaminophen?
 
 
There are many cases in the preparatory stages of litigation; if you or someone you love has suffered liver damage, liver failure or death it is imperative that you consult a class action attorney who specializes in these matters. As with any personal injury action, the statute of limitations is enforced. Because of the procedural rules and time constraints, it is important to understand your jurisdictional rules and the complications that go along with any action involving pharmaceuticals. For this reason it is important to have an experienced attorney.