Lovaza's Labeling is Incomplete--Side Effects Not Accurate

Lovaza, a prescription medicine made with omega 3 fatty acids  has recently been associated with a higher risk of  bleeding complications including subdural hematomas.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in Lovaza are the same type found in fish oil. Research for dozens of years has pointed to a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease that can cause premature death.

Research has also shown that omega-3 fatty acids have a number of other positive effects, such as decreasing triglyceride levels, slowing the growth of atherosclerotic plague, and slightly lowering blood pressure.

However, recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit the function of platelets. Platelets are part of the process that causes proper and healthy blood clotting.

When the platelets are inhibited, bleeding time can be prolonged and therefore more dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including Lovaza, inhibit the function of platelets in blood clotting, which puts patients at risk of extended Lovaza bleeding complications such as subdural hematomas.

For those suffering from a subdural hematoma, excess blood collects between the layers of tissue surrounding the brain. The outermost layer of this tissue around the brain is called the dura, and the layer beneath it is called the arachnoid.

Subdural hematoma causes bleeding between the dura and the arachnoid. While subdural hematoma bleeding is not inside the brain itself, it can still negatively affect the brain.

Bleeding accumulates and pressure builds, which puts an increasing amount of pressure on the brain from outside. This pressure, if allowed to reach a very high level, can cause unconsciousness and in some cases, death.

Treatment of subdural hematomas can range from simply monitoring the condition and waiting to brain surgery. In cases where there is too much pressure on the brain, surgeons may have to perform serious operations to relieve the dangerous pressure.

Lovaza’s label, approved by the FDA, includes a warning about increased Lovaza bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids.

According to the American Heart Association, patients who wish to treat coronary artery disease or high triglycerides with omega-3 fatty acids may not be able to intake as much as they need in a regular diet. Therefore, the AHA recommends at least one gram of fish oil per day for coronary artery disease patients, and at least two grams per day for hypertriglyceridemia patients.

People who took Lovaza or a similar omega-3 fatty acid supplement or fish oil and have since suffered a subdural hematoma may be able to file a Lovaza lawsuit. Drug manufacturers such as GlaxoSmithKline have a legal responsibility to adequately warn consumers about the potential side effects of using their drugs.

Actos Causing Heart Attacks and Bladder Cancer!

The Actos class action lawsuit investigation does not dispute the claims by Takeda Pharmaceuticals that Actos can help treat type-2 diabetes. Actos lawyers and Actos bladder cancer attorneys are investigating claims that long-term treatment with Actos may cause cancerous tumors in the bladder as a side effect of using Actos.

A 10-year study showed that diabetics who took Actos (pioglitazone) for more than a year had not just a slightly elevated risk of cancerous bladder tumors, but, increased their risk of bladder cancer by 40%. Recently a lawsuit was filed by an Actos user who only used the type 2 diabetes treatment for four months before developing bladder tumors and being diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Actos Heart Attacks, Heart Failure

Clinical trials and studies show a link between Actos and congestive heart failure. This risk of Actos heart failure is so significant that the medication now carries a black-box warning, as mandated by the FDA in 2007. The warning states that Actos may cause or exacerbate congestive heart failure in some patients. Patients taking Actos should be monitored “carefully” for signs and symptoms of heart failure, including excessive, rapid weight gain, dyspnea, and/or edema.
One Actos heart failure study published in August 2010 in the American Heart Association journal found that patients taking Actos and Avandia were 4% more likely to experience heart attacks, heart failure, and die. Both medications belong to a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones, which are designed to lower blood sugar levels by making tissues more sensitive to insulin. Thiazolidinediones have also been known to cause heart problems.
After the study concluded, researchers found that 602 patients who took Avandia and 599 patients who took Actos suffered either a heart attack, heart failure, or both, or died. There were 217 deaths in each group.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Litigation



On June 6, 2014, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation established MDL No. 2545.

Lawyers for Plaintiffs, representing folks injured by Testosterone drugs, favored consolidation of all testosterone manufacturers into one MDL proceeding. The Defendants’ positions varied, with several Defendants, including AbbVie Inc. and Abbott Laboratories Inc. , Eli Lilly and Co. and Lilly USA LLC, and Endo Pharmaceuticals, supporting the establishment of an all-testosterone replacement therapy MDL in the Northern District of Illinois. Defendants Actavis, Inc., Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pfizer, Inc. and Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. all generally opposed the creation of an MDL consolidating all testosterone products and argued alternatively that the MDL should only include testosterone gel products.
” The Panel quoted the January 31, 2014, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement that it is currently investigating the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death in men taking testosterone drugs approved by the FDA.