As the horror builds with the increasing number of meningitis casualties from contaminated steroid medication provided by a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy, a disturbing report was published last week in the New York Times that details how such problems aren’t limited to that niche of the drug-manufacturing sector. Weevils in vials of heparin; morphine containing as….
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Safety Alert for Muscle and Joint Pain Relievers
Anyone who’s ever had an owie after cleaning out the garage or trying to match Paul Ryan’s P90X regimen is probably familiar with names like Bengay, Flexall and Icy Hot. They are topical analgesics you apply to sore, complaining muscles and joints. As of last month, the FDA has issued a warning about such creams,….
Continue ReadingWhen a Medical Device Warning Was Ignored, the Patient Died
Last month, we wrote about the danger of drug and medical device warnings and recalls that go unnoticed by hospitals and doctors, much less patients. A recent story reported by CNN demonstrates the tragic consequences of such ignorance. When Florinda Gotcher entered the hospital to donate one of her kidneys to her brother, recalled her….
Continue ReadingSunscreen Labels Get a Pass for Accuracy
Just in time for summer the FDA has granted manufacturers of sunscreen an extension for complying with new rules for labeling. The decision to delay for six months imposition of rules that would have compelled manufacturers to be more truthful about the capabilities of their products reflects a concern that products will bear misinformation and….
Continue ReadingCosmetics Can Help You Look Good But Feel Bad
Beauty’s only skin deep, they say, but ugly cuts to the bone. And by “ugly” we’re talking about the potential for cosmetics to have unattractive consequences. At least that’s the thinking behind the push for more accurate product labeling on makeup, sunscreen, bath and other personal products. As explained in a story by the Detroit….
Continue ReadingWho Cares If It Works, I Have a Coupon!
Who doesn’t like a good deal? The popularity of Groupon, the online deal-of-the-hour/day/week service has spawned a whole family of mimics. Unfortunately, suggests Gary Schwitzer on Health News Review, it’s a dysfunctional family when it comes to dubious medical treatments. In the space of mere days, irresistible deals were available for: laser toenail fungus treatment;….
Continue ReadingFDA Fires a Warning to Aeroshot
A few weeks ago we wrote about the unknowable contents of energy drinks, particularly caffeine, and their potential to cause problems. Now, the feds are homing in on Aeroshot Breathable Energy, a dietary supplement that promotes its “unique blend of caffeine and B vitamins in a fine powder that dissolves quickly in your mouth.” The….
Continue ReadingElectric Heaters, Floor Lamps Recalled
A couple of home furnishing products recalled this month affect thousands of consumers, as reported on AboutLawsuits.com. Here’s a heads-up if you own either a Honeywell portable electric heater or a Big Lots floor lamp. The Honeywell recall affects about 19,000 Surround Select portable electric heaters. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),….
Continue ReadingTried and True Beats the New in Medical Devices, Yet Again
If you’re facing a hip or knee replacement, today’s story in the New York Times is a fresh reminder of something we patient safety mavens see over and over with new drugs and devices: the new ones often work no better, and sometimes worse, than older versions on the market for a long time. But….
Continue ReadingContact Lens Recall Spurs Lawsuit
In two recent decisions, the FDA determined that the eyes have it. And that’s not a positive outcome. In November, the agency issued a class I recall of Avaira Toric Soft Contact Lenses, manufactured by CooperVision. (Class I is the most serious of the FDA’s graduated scale; see below for a description.) Last week, the….
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