Florida Injury Attorney Blog

According to the Florida Department of Health, at least three of the fungal meningitis deaths linked to the contaminated steroid that has caused a nationwide outbreak occurred in this state. These fatalities include a 78-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman. At least 13 people in Florida have fallen ill from the tainted drug, which is injected into the body as a painkiller.

The contaminated steroid, methylprednisolone acetate, originated from the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts, and it may have been used on about 14,000 people with the national death toll hitting 20. The number afflicted with this particular type of meningitis—specifically, aspergillus meningitis—has now exceeded 230 in 16 states.

The steroids were distributed in over two dozen states. Today, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that the fungus Exserohilum rostratum was found in unopened steroid vials that were part of the over 17,000 doses in the three lots that were sent out to clinics. All of the lots have since been recalled.

Already, drug injury lawsuits are being filed, including the Florida meningitis lawsuit on behalf of Godwin Mitchell, 87, whose family claims that he was paralyzed by the tainted steroid injection. Mitchell took the drug to alleviate the pain in his hip.

Even though the compound pharmacy being blamed is located out of state, Mitchell’s Florida personal injury case has been filed here because agents that the New England Compounding Center does business with are located in state. The compounding pharmacy has now shut down operation.

Fungal Meningitis
This type of condition can occur when a fungus enters through the membranes that are supposed to protect the spine and the brain. Initial symptoms may include dizziness, fever, headache, slurred speech, and nausea. If untreated, fungal meningitis can lead to strokes, permanent neurological damage, other health issues, and even death. Treatment, which usually includes intravenous antifungal medications, may require staying in a hospital for months.

If you or a loved one developed fungal meningitis after receiving a steroid injection please contact our Hollywood, Florida personal injury law firm right away. Trop and Ameen, PA, would be happy to provide you with a free case evaluation.

Compound Pharmacies
Compound pharmacies take medications and package them into different doses and strengths. Currently, the FDA has limited authority over these operations. Products that come from compound pharmacies don’t have to be FDA-approved.

Fungal meningitis outbreak claims 20 lives, Los Angeles TImes, October 18, 2012

Fungal meningitis lawsuit filed today in Orange County, Orlando Sentinel, October 18, 2012

More Blog Posts:
Avastin Injections Repackaged in Hollywood, Florida Pharmacy Linked to Serious Eye Infections, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, September 8, 2011

The US Drug Watchdog Warns all Fixodent and Super Poligrip Denture Cream Users of Possible Zinc Poisoning, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, October 14, 2009

Florida Defective Medical Device?: DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement System Also Reportedly Causing Problems for Some Patients, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, March 31, 2011

Continue reading "Three Florida Deaths Linked to Fungal Meningitis Outbreak From Tainted Steroid Injections" »

According to the Florida Department of Health, reports of streptococcal endophthalmitis infections linked to intravitreal injection of repackaged Avastin have surfaced at clinics in the Miami area. The tainted injections have been traced back to a Hollywood, Florida pharmacy that repackaged the Avastin into 1mL-single-use syringes for individual eye treatments. The pharmacy then sent the injections to the eye clinics. A single lot of Avastin was used in the repackaging of the drug.

If you or someone you loved developed a serious eye condition after getting an Avastin injection or taking any kind of medication, it is important that you speak with an experienced Miami products liability law firm right away.

Streptococcal Endophthalmitis Infections
This infection leads to the inflammation of the eye’s internal coats. This type of bacterial infection can cause severe eye damage and even blindess.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, at least 12 patients in three Florida clinics suffered eye infections after receiving an Avastin injection. While the patients did have vision problems prior to taking the drug, some of these patients became blind after they developed endophthalmitis.

The repackaging of sterile drugs must be done in a manner that does not compromise the sterility of the medication. That said, it is the responsibility of medical professionals and pharmacists to make sure that drugs that they sell, distribute, or prescribe comes from proper sources. It is also up to drug manufacturers to make sure that their drugs are packaged in a way that will keep them sterile so that consumers don’t develop infections.

Apparently, there have been other eye infections linked to the administration of repackaged Avastin injections. The FDA says there have been four reported cases in Tennessee and five in California that resulted in blindness. One man’s family has filed a $4 million dangerous drug claim asserting that the he lost his eyesight and suffered brain damage from taking Avandia.

While Roche Holding AG's (RHHBY) Genentech unit doesn’t endorse use of Avastin to treat eye conditions, some health providers have still opted to use the drug to treat eye diseases. Avastin is normally used to treat cancer.

Compounding Pharmacies
These pharmacies make small quantities of drugs. Compounding pharmacies are not subject to FDA regulation and they don’t have to comply with the regulations and statutes other prescription meds must satisfy in order to be considered acceptable and safe for use. Compounding pharmacies can commit pharmacy errors that can result in serious injuries and even death.

Our Miami personal injury law firm represents clients injured by dangerous medication, tainted drugs, and other meds that caused serious injury or wrongful death.

"Five More Reports of Avastin Injections Causing Blindness, The New York Times, September, 1, 2011

"Eye Infections Reported After Using Roche's Avastin In 3 States,The Wall Street Journal, September 2, 2011

Related Web Resources:
Florida Department of Health

Avastin

FDA

More Blog Posts:
The US Drug Watchdog Warns all Fixodent and Super Poligrip Denture Cream Users of Possible Zinc Poisoning, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, October 14, 2009

Florida Jury Awards Pensacola Man $7 Million In Products Liability Lawsuit Against Accutane Manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, October 22, 2007

Florida Defective Medical Device?: DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement System Also Reportedly Causing Problems for Some Patients, Florida Injury Attorney Blog, March 31, 2011

The US Drug Watchdog is directing its national consumer alert about Fixodent and Super Poligrip to all denture cream users because of concerns that both products may cause zinc poisoning. About 35 million people in the US use denture cream to keep their false teeth in place. Many of them may not be aware that some of the physical symptoms they are experiencing are signs of hypocupremia or neuropathy.

While the US Food and Drug Administration does not require Super Poligrip or Fixodent to come with the warning that excessive use can lead to neurological problems or zinc poisoning, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center revealed that Poligrip and Fixodent contained high levels of lead.

Our Miami denture cream lawyers represent clients throughout Florida who are suffering from zinc poisoning because they used a dental adhesive cream. Some of these conditions may become permanent if not treated as soon as possible. You have have grounds for filing a denture cream lawsuit.

Neuropathy symptoms:
• Movement difficulties
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness
• Balance problems
• Tingling, weakness, pain, or numbness in the extremities
• Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure
• Constipation
• Perspiration problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bladder dysfunction

Hypocupremia (caused by decreased copper levels) symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Copper deficiency
• Edema
• Hair loss
• Skin sores
• Decrease in growth
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia

Fixodent manufacturer Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing Corp and GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the maker of Super Poligrip, already face numerous products liability lawsuits from plaintiffs who sustained serious injuries because of denture cream poisoning.

While the recommended zinc allowance for women is 8 mg/day and for men is 11 mg/day—40 mg is the maximum that is considered safe—certain denture creams can expose users to up to 330 mg/daily.

Drug makers can be held liable for Florida products liability if their drug is dangerous enough to cause injury, illness or death or the manufacturer neglected to warn about potential side effects or adverse reactions that might occur when using the medical product.

The US Drug Watchdog Expands its National Consumer Alert on the Denture Creams Super Poligrip and Fixodent, PR Web, October 14, 2009

Fixodent and Super PoliGrip Lawsuits Mount Over Denture Cream Poisoning, About Lawsuits, October 1, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Fixodent, Proctor and Gamble

GlaxoSmithKline, PLC

US Drug Watchdog

Adam Mason, a 31-year-old Pensacola resident, was awarded $7 million by a Florida jury in his dangerous drugs lawsuit against Swiss drug manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche. The drug maker failed to warn Mason that using the acne drug Accutane could lead to a gastrointestinal disease called inflammatory bowel disease.

Mason had to have surgery to remove his colon after he developed the disease. Mason says that because of the surgery he can no longer work as a welder. Mason also was able to obtain settlements from his doctor and West Florida Medical Center after he filed medical malpractice lawsuits against them.

His case is 1 of over 400 inflammatory disease-Accutane-related cases against the Swiss drug maker. In another case, Andy McCarrell won $2.6 million for his lawsuit that cited similar side effects.

Accutane is a controversial acne drug that has been linked to depression, birth defects, suicidal tendencies, and psychological disorders. A USA Today news article from 2004 says that Hoffman-La Roche opted not to issue stronger warnings about potential side effects because they were worried the warnings would negatively affect sales.

Hoffman-La Roche now includes in its packaging that Accutane can lead to possible psychological side effects. The packaging also warns users that Accutane use can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (but not many details are provided). It also continues to insist that the connection between IBD and Accutane is not definite.

In 2004, an FDA researcher recommended to a US Senate panel that the acne drug be investigated in case a recall was warranted.

A drug manufacturer can be held liable for a dangerous or defective drug if a user becomes injured, sick, or dies from taking the medication. Sometimes, a drug maker will send a drug into the marketplace without conducting proper testing. A drug may also come with insufficient warnings about potential side effects and proper use.

In some instances, drug manufacturers may promote and manufacture a drug in a way that generates sales rather than ensures the users’ safety. These are negligent actions by pharmaceutical makers who can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death.

Jury awards local man $7 million, Pensacola News Journal, October 12, 2007

Accutane Victim Awarded $7 million in Florida Lawsuit, News Inferno, October 12, 2007

Related Web Resources:

Accutane, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

Accutane, Roche USA Pharmaceuticals

Continue reading "Florida Jury Awards Pensacola Man $7 Million In Products Liability Lawsuit Against Accutane Manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche" »