Drug and Medical Device Cases To Look for in Your Practice

Published May 15, 2012 on InjuryBoard

It is hard to keep track of all of the information we get daily about various drugs and devices. Which ones are potential cases? Who can review them for me?

Here is a list of cases that we are reviewing, and can assist you on. It is not exhaustive.

Depuy Hip Replacements: These hips were installed in thousands of patients without adequate testing. It turns out that the metal components degrade and leave dangerous levels of metal in the blood stream. They also are often ill fitting. In almost every case the replacement needs to be redone.

Actos: This is a diabetes medication that was known to cause bladder cancer.

Zicam: This is a nasal inhaler for colds that causes loss of taste and smell.

Flouroquinolones (Cipro, Levaquin, Avelox): These drugs are known to cause tendon ruptures. The manufacturers have warned since 2009 that they should be used sparingly and only when necessary, yet some doctors continue to overprescribe the drugs. These are now brought by us as medical malpractice claims.

Medtronic Pacemaker Leads: The leads on some of these pacemakers are defective, and can cause death and even when discovered in time can be very difficult to replace.

SSRIs and Birth Defects: Some SSRI medications have been linked to birth defects, and may be actionable.