Dangerous Drugs Lawyer in NH & ME

New Hampshire & Maine Personal Injury Attorneys

Despite the numerous benefits afforded by medications, unsafe and dangerous drugs commonly plague the pharmaceutical industry and consumers. When dangerous drugs are made available to the public, consumers who experience injuries or illnesses a result using these products can file personal injury claims on the basis of product liability law. Dangerous drugs can include:

• Prescription medications
• Over the counter drugs
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamins

Pharmaceutical companies can be held liable for compensating victims for their damages. This can include compensation for medical bills, emotional injuries and financial damages. The United States Food and Drug Administration also issues a number of drug recalls. Our attorneys can help you determine if you have a viable claim for unsafe medications or recalled drugs.

You can also visit the official FDA recall website to learn more about your medication.

Manufacturers' Drug Recalls

Propulsid
A drug known as Propulsid caused death and heart damage and was forced off the market in July of 2000. If you took Propulsid and have heart palpitations, rapid heartbeat, hyperventilating or fluttering / thumping in chest or if a family member died while taking Propulsid, further investigation is warranted. Propulsid was also heavily promoted to infants and babies although never approved by the FDA for this use. We believe it is one cause of SIDS. If your child was prescribed Propulsid further investigation is warranted.

Rezulin
A drug known as Rezulin given to diabetics caused liver damage and death and was forced off the market in March of 2000. If you took Rezulin and have abnormal liver / blood tests, dark or bad smelling urine, jaundice, hepatitis, chills, sweats, nausea, stomach pain or sleeplessness or if a family member died while taking Rezulin, further investigation is warranted.

We have filed both class actions and individual cases on behalf of individuals who have taken Rezulin and Propulsid.

If you have or a loved one has taken these drugs or others and experienced injuries, illness or death, you may have a claim for a cash settlement or medical expenses.

Baycol
In August 2001 Bayer A.G., a German drug manufacturer, pulled the drug Baycol from the market. Bayer withdrew Baycol from the market because it had been linked to 31 deaths in the United States from a muscle-related side effect, according to the United States Food & Drug Administration. Baycol is one of a frequently prescribed family of cholesterol lowing drugs called "Statins." Baycol was first approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 1997.

Prior to its withdrawal from the market in August 2001, the FDA had received reports of Baycol patients experiencing severe Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious disorder which involves injury to the kidney caused by toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells. Myoglobin is an iron containing pigment found in the skeletal muscle. When the skeletal muscle becomes damaged, the myoglobin gets released into the bloodstream. It is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. Myoglobin may occlude or block the structures of the kidney causing damage such as acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure. Myoglobin breaks down into potentially toxic compounds which will also cause kidney failure.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes muscle cell breakdown (atrophy) and causes muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. In a Reuter's article, the FDA stated that in some cases Rhabdomyolysis can become so severe that patients develop kidney failure, or failure of other organs which can be fatal. The FDA has stated that it has received reports of 31 deaths associated with Baycol. It is expected that this number will increase as more information about Baycol's side effects comes to light. In addition to Rhabdomyolysis, Baycol has also been linked to other serious side effects including:

• Peripheral Neuropathy - a condition that involves loss of sensation in the hands and feet. It is another rare side effect linked to Statin use
• Gastrointestinal side effects are common with Baycol use and they can be severe enough so that 5 - 10% of patients stop taking Baycol as a result of these symptoms
• Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions are common and in some patients created Lupus-like symptoms when patients used Baycol for more than 6 months
• Liver enzymes - Baycol has been linked to a rise in liver enzymes which can cause Hepatitis-like conditions

If you or a family member took Baycol and experienced abnormal urine color, muscle tenderness, weakness of the effected muscles, generalized weakness, muscle stiffness or aching, or have received a diagnosis of Rhabdomyolysis, further investigation of your legal rights is warranted.

PPA (Phenylpropanolamine)
Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) has been widely used in popular cold remedies and appetite suppressants. Since at least as early as 1979, there have been reports that PPA use by young women in particular increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. In May 2000, the Yale University School of Medicine issued a report which definitively associates PPA use by young women with an increased risk of stroke. In November 2000, based in large part by the Yale report, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health warning about PPA and began the process of banning PPA from all drug products. Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is currently reviewing potential PPA claims. If you believe that you or a loved one might have suffered a stroke as a result of taking a drug that contained PPA, our firm is prepared to evaluate your case.

Dangerous Pharmaceuticals Legal Representation

If you or a family member has experienced injuries, illnesses or wrongful death as the result of taking an unsafe drug or recalled drug, you may have legal recourse available. Intent on holding negligent pharmaceutical companies liable, our dangerous drugs legal team is prepared to evaluate your case to determine if you have a viable claim.

You will also pay nothing until the case is resolved and damages awarded Dangerous medication cases are time sensitive matters and we strongly urge you to contact Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., as soon as possible.