PA Law Blogs » Consumer Protection

Why are Metal on Metal Hip Joints Dangerous?

Michael Monheit — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:17:37 +0000

Metal on metal hip replacements were designed to decrease the number of fractures suffered by hip replacement patients and to avoid other potential problems. However, in the past few years reports of potentially serious metal on metal hip replacement complaints have been reported.

The primary concern about metal on metal hip replacements is that tiny particles of metal may be released into the body as the metal parts of the replacement hip joint rub together when the patient moves. These metal particles can damage the bones and joints around the replacement which can then cause the replacement to fail and/or cause the patient pain. Additionally, it is possible that metal may be released into the bloodstream which may affect different parts of the body such as the heart.

So, are metal on metal hip joints dangerous? For some patients they may be and that is why you should talk to your orthopedic surgeon about your hip replacement options or about how to monitor the metal on metal hip replacement you already have implanted.

Shocking News: DePuy hip replacement problems

Deborah Forrister — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:52:12 +0000

According to a recent article in the New York Times, experts estimate that the cost of hip implant failures will likely cost insurers, employers, taxpayers and others billions of dollars in the years to come.

DePuy hip replacement problems are included in the cost of hip implant failures although the makers of other hip implants have problems too.

Metal on metal or MoM hip implants have high rates of failures. Meant to last 15 years or more, some are lasting a few years. Worse, the wear and tear of metal on metal causes metal debris to go into the bloodstream and body tissues. The wear and tear of metal causes excessive pain and cobalt poisoning.

What are some DePuy hip replacement problems?

Receiving a letter from your doctor that you have a DePuy hip that is being recalled and needs replacement is frightening.
Surgical procedures are always risky as far as doctor error or medical malpractice, anesthesia error, bacterial infections, nursing and pharmaceutical errors as for dosing the wrong medications. Being in a hospital is a risk in itself.
The initial surgery was bad enough. What makes you the patient feel assured that the second one or replacement surgery will be better?
Last time the hip rehabilitation was longer and more painful than you thought possible. What will happen after the replacement surgery?
Will your employer give you more time away from work? What if you are no longer employed and no longer have health insurance?
The first time you had a DePuy hip replacement, your family went through much sacrifice caring for you. Are they willing to do that again? Does your spouse have to take time off work again?
Who is going to pay for high cost of medical bills and prescription drugs? Health insurance companies are not exactly standing in line to dole out money for medical procedures.
If health insurance doesn’t pay and DePuy doesn’t pay all the bills or all the bills in their entirety or in a timely manner, will you have to declare bankruptcy or lose your house and belongings?

These are just some DePuy hip replacement problems facing people who must have an implant remove and replaced. Medical device makers of hip implants are negligent and you the patient (or your loved one) must be compensated accordingly.

Use of Anti-Depressants Can Cause Craniosynostosis

Michael Monheit — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:48:13 +0000

Craniosynostosis refers to the premature fusion of skull bones. The seven bones in a skull typically do not fuse until a baby reaches the age of 2. A baby suffering from Craniosynostosis may experience cranial sutures becoming rigid well before they are supposed to. This typically means that the brain will not be able to grow and develop normally. The skull often becomes misshapen and the head will stop growing at the same rate as the rest of the body.

Craniosynostosis is categorized in two ways: primary and secondary. Primary Craniosynostosis is when the brain’s ability to grow is restricted by the bones of the skull connecting too soon. Secondary Craniosynostosis is when the brain stops growing, which allows the skull to fuse too early.

It is common for this tragic birth defect to be a result of genetics, but it is also possible that it is caused by prescription drug use by the mother. Recent studies have linked anti-depressant drugs to birth defects such as Craniosynostosis. Examples of SSRI drugs that may result in Craniosynostosis include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Sarafem and Celexa. These potentially dangerous drugs have been advertised as safe to use by pregnant women. However, more and more recent research has linked use of these anti-depressants with an increased chance of serious birth defects, including Craniosynostosis.

If your child has been born with Craniosynostosis and certain medications were taken by the mother during pregnancy, you may be able to pursue financial compensation for the damages you and your baby have suffered. An experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorney can walk you through your legal options while ensuring that your rights are protected.

Depakote Linked to Undescended Testes in Male Babies

Michael Monheit — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:41:16 +0000

Undescended testicles occur in about 3 to 4 percent of all full-term infants. This birth defect involves a testicle being pulled back into the body. In many cases, this condition will rectify itself within the first nine months of a child’s life. If however, this condition continues, medical procedures may be needed to prevent permanent damage to the testicles.

One serious concern of undescended testes is an increased risk of cancer and infertility. This concern does not lessen if the testicle descends naturally on its own over time. Severe cases of undescended testes may result in a vanished testis in which no testicle can be found. This serious condition can occur while the baby is developing inside the mother.

A number of studies have linked prescription drug use by mothers with undescended testes in male babies. One drug in particular that has been connected to this birth defect is Depakote. This is a drug that was commonly used to treat manic depressive disorder. This drug had serious side effects including birth defects such as undescended testes, cleft palate, hand deformations and heart and lung issues. Babies may even experience growth retardation, spina bifida, and fetal death.

The manufacturers of defective and dangerous drugs may be held liable for the damages they cause. All drugs have some type of side effects. However, if the side effects are life-changing or catastrophic in nature, the maker of the defective drug should be held accountable.

The Link Between Anti-Depressants and Omphalocele

Michael Monheit — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:36:23 +0000

Omphalocele is a birth defect that results in a hole in the abdominal wall near the umbilical cord. The abdominal wall fails to fully develop when an infant has Omphalocele and organs may protrude from the abdomen. This serious condition can be repaired through reconstructive surgery but repairs to the abdominal wall are typically delayed because Omphalocele often occurs in addition to even more serious birth defects that may require immediate surgery.

There have been a number of recent studies that connect antidepressant drugs such as Zoloft and Celexa to Omphalocele. Mothers who take Zoloft during the early stages of pregnancy, for example, have an increased risk of their babies suffering from birth defects such as Omphalocele, and Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), which is a serious heart and lung condition. The 2006 New England Journal of Medicine report that listed Zoloft as a potentially dangerous drug for pregnant women also listed Celexa and other SSRI antidepressants. Additional birth defects related to Celexa are cleft palate and neural tube birth defects.

There have been a number of personal injury and class action lawsuits related to SSRI antidepressant use and Omphalocele. Any mother who has taken prescription anti-depressant medication whose baby is born with Omphalocele would be well advised to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Compensation may be available for the all medical care and treatment expenses relating to the birth defect.

Prenatal Exposure to Drugs and Additives Linked to Esophageal Atresia

Michael Monheit — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:33:56 +0000

Esophageal Atresia is a digestive disorder in which the esophagus does not form properly. It is a birth defect that occurs while the fetus is developing. In some cases, babies born with Esophageal Atresia have an upper esophagus that is not connected to the lower part of the esophagus. Those born with this condition may even have an upper esophagus that connects to their windpipe instead of their stomach. Esophageal Atresia may also cause the esophagus to be too narrow as it develops. Fortunately, this serious birth defect is sometimes treatable through surgery.

Babies born with this devastating birth defect cannot be fed by mouth. Early diagnosis is crucial and immediate action can be critical. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that one in 4,425 live births involves a closed esophagus. It is not clear exactly what causes Esophageal Atresia, but this developmental issue usually occurs during the first trimester.

Esophageal Atresia can also be caused by the types of drugs the mother takes during the pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that prenatal exposure to drugs that contain a teratogenic agent may cause this kind of serious birth defect. There is a wide range of drugs and additives that may contain dangerous levels of teratogenic agents. Examples include tobacco, caffeine, isotretinoin, temazepam, nimetazepam and lithium.

If your son or daughter was born with Esophageal Atresia there is a chance that compensation may be available for your medical bills as well as past and future suffering. The birth of a child is usually a joyous occasion for a family. But when a child is born with a serious disability or defect, it can cause much emotional and financial trauma for the family. It is important for families to contact an experienced pharmaceutical litigation lawyer who will help them pursue their legal rights. Contacting a support group can also be invaluable to parents who are looking for resources as well as moral support.

Fertility Drugs Present Risk of Penoscrotal Hypospadias

Michael Monheit — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 13:31:37 +0000

Hypospadias is a birth defect that affects the development of the urethral opening. In general terms, the urethral opening is located along the underside of the penis instead of in the tip. In severe cases of Penoscrotal Hypospadias, the urethra may actually open mid shaft or the urethra may be absent entirely. This serious congenital defect occurs during the first eight to 20 weeks of development. This condition occurs in approximately one in every 250 male births.

To repair this relatively common birth defect, the young victim will probably have to undergo surgery. Depending upon the severity of the defect, this surgical procedure could serve a cosmetic or functional purpose. In serious cases of Penoscrotal Hypospadias, surgery is absolutely necessary to prevent serious health issues.

Some studies have linked Penoscrotal Hypospadias to the drug Clomisphene. Clomiphene, or DES, is a drug used to induce ovulation. It is still under investigation, but there have been some links between grandmothers who have taken DES and second generation male babies born with Penoscrotal Hypospadias. The increased risk of Penoscrotal Hypospadias is not large enough for the study to be conclusive, but it does raise some serious questions.

Families who have a baby born with Penoscrotal Hypospadias may have it in their best interest to seek legal guidance from a skilled birth defect attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can review the medical history of a family to determine if prescription drug use contributed to the birth defect.

Paxil Could Pose Risk of Blindness in Newborns

Michael Monheit — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:25:49 +0000

Blindness is the loss of vision. This lack of visual perception may be caused by physiological or neurological factors. Blindness may result from genetic defects, poisoning or serious diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. Recent studies have also connected prescription drug use by mothers to babies born with blindness. One drug that has been specifically pointed out by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as having a link to such birth defects is Paxil.

Paxil’s active ingredient, Paroxetine, is used to treat depression, panic disorders and social anxiety disorder. It is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug that can increase the risk of birth defects. A number of families whose babies were born with defects such as blindness have filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical company that makes Paxil.

Blindness is not the only possible birth defect related to Paxil and other SSRI anti depressants. These powerful prescription drugs can affect a number of organs during the early stages of development. Babies whose mother took SSRI drugs may suffer developmental issues relating to the formation of the lungs, heart, gastrointestinal system and the skull. Paxil specifically has also been linked to atrial and ventricular septal defects, which are serious heart defects.

Birth defects can be devastating for a family, both emotionally and financially. If the mother took a prescription drug such as Paxil during pregnancy, it is possible that financial compensation may be available to help cover some of the damages suffered. An experienced personal injury attorney can help a family determine if they have a viable claim against a drug manufacturer.

Drug companies are obligated to provide safe products to their consumers. Drug manufactures are legally obligated to warn consumers of any potential side effects that their drugs can cause.

Opoid Painkillers Could Cause Gastroschisis in Newborns

Michael Monheit — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:25:05 +0000

Gastroschisis is a serious hernia that a baby is born with. This birth defect causes an infant’s intestines to stick out of the body at the umbilical cord. The intestine is exposed because of a hole in the abdominal wall. A quick physical examination is usually sufficient for a doctor to diagnose this serious birth defect. Surgery is the only way to treat this condition. Fortunately, infants born with this defect have a good chance at a recovery after a successful surgery.

Babies born with Gastroschisis often suffer breathing difficulties. In extreme cases, there is a risk of bowel death, which results from a severely restricted blood supply to part of the bowel. It is easy for a medical professional to diagnose this defect. In some cases it can be detected even before birth when the mother undergoes fetal ultrasound exams.

One potential cause of Gastroschisis is dangerous prescription drugs. Opoid painkillers such as codeine and oxycodone have been linked to a number of different birth defects including Gastroschisis. Women who are pregnant or who may soon become pregnant should speak with their doctor before continuing to take these powerful painkillers. Other possible birth defects connected to these types of drugs include spina bifida and congenital glaucoma.

Mothers whose babies suffer from a serious birth defect such as Gastroschisis would be well advised to seek legal guidance from a skilled unsafe drug attorney to better understand their legal rights and options. In some cases, a drug manufacturer may be held liable for damages like medical expenses. A reputed lawyer can help protect the rights of a family while holding an at-fault drug manufacturer responsible for putting a dangerous product on the market and failing to warn consumers about potential adverse side effects.

Fertility Drug Clomid Linked to Cloacal Extrophy

Michael Monheit — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:22:26 +0000

There are a number of potential serious symptoms of Cloacal Extrophy. This rare condition could result in a portion of the large intestine lying outside the body. Boys with Cloacal Extrophy have an exposed inner surface of the urethra on top of their penis. Girls may have two vaginal openings and a split clitoris. Cloacal Extrophy may also refer to bladder exstrophy involving defects to the bladder and the urethra. According to The National Birth Defect Registry, these serious birth defects are present in one out of every 250,000 births.

Medical professionals know that Cloacal Extrophy is caused by a ventral body wall defect. It is not clear, however, what causes a defective body wall. In some cases, it may be genetic. In other cases, this birth defect may be linked to abdominal wall birth defects. New research is underway to determine if prescription drugs taken by the mother during pregnancy can contribute to Cloacal Extrophy. One drug that is under investigation is Clomid, a female fertility drug.

Medical advancements have made it possible for this serious condition to be treated by a series of surgeries over a number of years. The medical expenses to treat this devastating birth defect can add up very quickly. Families struggling with expenses related to a serious birth defect such as Cloacal Extrophy may be able to pursue financial compensation through civil litigation against a drug maker if a medication is determined to have caused the defect. An experienced birth defect attorney can help a family in such a situation understand their legal rights and options. In some cases, compensation is available for damages including medical expenses and cost of continuing treatment and care.