A recent study reveals that 14 percent of pregnant women in the U.S. are prescribed powerful painkillers by their doctors. The statistic is particularly unsettling because there is little research about the effects of narcotics on unborn children.
Pregnant Moms Receive Painkiller Meds Despite Safety Concerns
Why Are Drug Side Effects Disclosed Only After The Harm Is Done?
Ever wonder how millions of people can be exposed to the deadly side effects of a medication before they receive warning?
Infant Vaccine Causes 'Significant Increase' In Intussusception
Many parents struggle with decisions concerning the vaccination of their baby. Over the past decade, studies have emerged showing that some infant vaccinations carry the risk of serious side effects. The new data puts parents in a difficult situation when deciding whether their child should receive a particular vaccination.
Unnecessary Intrusion? Colonoscopies Bring Risks To Seniors
People will find any excuse to avoid their doctor-recommended colonoscopy, but some elderly patients are making the right choice when they refuse one. A new study by JAMA Internal Medicine found that 24 percent of colonoscopies are unnecessary, and the side effects may extend far beyond discomfort.
Girl Receives $63M Jury Award For Necrosis Caused By Motrin
In 2003, a girl's parents gave her ibuprofen to help battle a fever. The medication, manufactured by Motrin, caused a life-threatening side effect known as toxic epidermal necrosis (TEN). The reaction caused the 7-year-old to suffer brain damage and irreparable damage to her respiratory system. Unfortunately, that wasn't all that happened: TEN caused her to lose more than 90 percent of her skin and go blind.
Illegal Marketing Of Avandia And Paxil Costs Drug Firm $3 Billion
The drug firm industry is so lucrative that major pharmaceutical firms often illegally market their medications to rake in extra profits. GlaxoSmithKline is the latest manufacturer to suffer severe sanctions for such behavior when it agreed to a $3 billion settlement, the largest healthcare fraud payout ever in the U.S.
Reports Link Chantix To Stevens Johnson Syndrome And Suicide
The anti-smoking drug Chantix continues to be scrutinized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and consumer watchdogs. The concerns about Pfizer's smoking cessation drug began when consumers began to report that it caused them to suffer depression and suicidal behavior.
Tylenol Liver Damage Lawsuit To Proceed In Federal Court
The connection between acetaminophen, an active ingredient in Tylenol, and liver damage has become quite apparent in recent years. Multiple medical studies have revealed a troubling link between acetaminophen and liver failure, resulting in numerous product liability lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol.
Antibiotic Zithromax Linked To Increased Risk Of Heart Problems
A new medical study revealed a disturbing connection between Zithromax (azithromycin) and fatal heart problems. Research revealed that patients taking Zithromax, or Z-Pak, were 2.5 times more likely to die from a heart problem than those taking another antibiotic, amoxicillin.