News tagged with 'Dangerous and Defective Drugs'

When Vioxx was pulled from the market in 2004, due to concerns that it increased the risk of heart attack, stroke and death – many assumed that discontinuing use would end the associated health risks. But, now, a new study suggests that the risks increased nearly twofold, and persisted for a year or more after stopping use.

Manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) pediatric cough and cold medicines are voluntarily transitioning the labeling to state “do not use in children four years of age and under." Medications baring new warning labels will begin appearing in pharmacies and stores immediately, although, experts are still debating at what age they may be safe and effective.

Eight states including Florida are suing drugmaker Merck & Co alleging deceptive marketing of the recalled painkiller Vioxx. The state wants to recover $80 million it reimbursed consumers under federal health plans. Olympians Dorothy Hamill and Bruce Jenner once fronted ads for Merck, though there is no indication they knew about the downside of the drug.

The FDA held hearings today on whether children's medications for colds and cough should remain over-the-counter, and at what doseage. Physicians remain divided with many saying they should be recalled and made available by prescription only because they are untested.  

A JAMA study reports that artificial blood has led to a 30 percent increase in the risk of death and in a three-fold risk of heart attacks. Still, participants are being enrolled in drug trials without informed consent and the FDA allows manufacturers to withhold negative trial results, the study concludes. 

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Upjohn have been ordered to pay an Arkansas woman more than $27 million dollars after a jury linked her breast cancer to hormone replacement therapy. Some of the HRT drugs are made from a pregnant mare's urine.