Drug Injury and Defective Medical Devices

Abilify® (aripiprazole), a prescription drug used to treat patients suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome, has been linked with pathological behavior, including compulsive gambling and hypersexual activity far beyond a patient’s typical lifestyle choices or moral code. These compulsions can cause irreparable financial and emotional damage that tears apart families, destroy careers, and permanently damage reputations.

If you took Abilify and developed a gambling problem resulting in serious financial losses or bankruptcy, or you suffered from hypersexuality causing domestic, professional, or even criminal consequences, you may be entitled to compensation. At Norris Injury Lawyers, our drug injury attorneys are ready to review your case and help you take action now. Give our drug injury lawyers a call at (800) 477-7510 or fill out our free initial consultation form to get started.

Abilify^® and Compulsive Behavior Risks

Abilify works by balancing levels of serotonin and dopamine in patients’ brains. But Abilify may over-stimulate the reward system in the brain causing patients to develop an impulse control disorder.

Research published by the British Journal of Psychology links taking Abilify to an increased risk of compulsive gambling–regardless of a patient’s prior history of gambling.

Additionally, a report published by the National Institutes of Health suggests that patients taking Abilify may experience more frequent and extreme sexual desires far beyond their normal lifestyle choices. These reports are from patients with no prior history of hypersexual activity.

Compulsive behaviors associated with Abilify can have severe, life-altering consequences for patients and their loved ones, such as:

• Bankruptcy
• Divorce
• Damaged reputation
• Severe debt
• Unemployment
• Home foreclosure
• Emotional trauma

FDA Orders Abilify^® Compulsive Behavior Drug Warning

According to a May 2016 drug safety communication released by the FDA, Abilify drug packaging will now warn doctors and patients of the potential risk of experiencing compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex while taking the drug. FDA officials state these impulse control problems usually subside soon after patients stop taking Abilify or reduce its dosage.

You May Have an Abilify^® Claim

If you or a loved one took Abilify and suffered life-altering financial losses or bankruptcy due to compulsive gambling, or you experienced domestic, professional, or even criminal consequences due to extreme sexual behavior, we want to help. With more than 40 years of experience helping injury victims, we have the knowledge and resources to take on large pharmaceutical companies.

Our No Fee Guarantee^® means we’ll evaluate your claim at no cost to you, and we won’t charge any legal fees unless we get compensation for you. Give our Alabama personal injury lawyers a call at (800) 477-7510 or fill out our free initial consultation form to get help now.

Abilify^® is a registered trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; The British Journal of Psychology; The National Institutes of Health; Otsuka America Pharmaceutical; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter painkillers on the market and is used in more than 100 different nonprescription products, including DayQuil^® and Tylenol^®. It is also used in combination with prescription drugs such as Darvocet^® and Percocet^®.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen may be linked to liver damage, liver failure, or death from liver disease. Over the years, it has become a commonly used drug, and because it is found in such a wide range of products, the risk for accidental overdose is high.

In fact, more than 500 deaths and 50,000 emergency room visits a year are attributed to acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen overdose is the most common form of acute liver failure in the United States today.

If you or a loved one were injured by Acetaminophen, contact our drug injury lawyers right away.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ACETAMINOPHEN OVERDOSE?

The symptoms of overdose include:

• Abdominal pain
• Appetite loss
• Coma
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting

ARE THERE WARNINGS ON ACETAMINOPHEN PRODUCTS?

A warning has been added to all prescription products containing acetaminophen that highlights the risk of severe liver injury and allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, mouth, and throat, difficulty breathing, itching, or rash.

HAS ANYTHING BEEN DONE TO PROTECT CONSUMERS?

The FDA has asked drug manufacturers to limit the amount of acetaminophen in their products to 325 mg per tablet, capsule, or dosage unit, to help prevent the chance of accidental overdose and subsequent liver damage.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUFFERED LIVER PROBLEMS?

Always consult with your physician for medical advice, but if you or a loved one took Tylenol^® or other drugs containing acetaminophen and were diagnosed with liver damage or liver failure, received a liver transplant, or a loved one died from liver disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our personal injury lawyers today to learn how we may be able to help.

Darvocet® is a registered trademark of Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DayQuil^® is a registered trademark of Procter & Gamble. Percocet^® is a registered trademark of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. Tylenol^® is a registered trademark of McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals, a Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. All registered trademarks are used only to identify the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; the Food and Drug Administration; McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals; Procter & Gamble; the U.S. National Library of Medicine; or Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Any questions concerning taking or discontinuing an over-the-counter medication or supplement should be directed to your healthcare professional.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia. Recently, the use of SSRIs during pregnancy has been linked to babies born with birth defects that can be severe and even life-threatening.

If you or a loved one were injured by an anti-depressant, contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers today.

WHAT SSRI DRUGS ARE IN QUESTION?

Due to the similar way SSRIs interact with our brains, the entire class of drugs has been linked to instances of birth defects. Specific products include:

• Celexa^® (citalopram)
• Lexapro^® (escitalopram)
• Luvox^® (fluvoxamine)
• Paxil^® (paroxetine)
• Prozac^® (fluoxetine)
• Symbyax^® (olanzapine/fluoxetine)
• Zoloft^® (sertraline)

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE LINK BETWEEN THESE DRUGS AND BIRTH DEFECTS?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that one study showed infants born to mothers who took SSRIs after the 20th week of pregnancy were six times more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) than infants born to mothers who did not take antidepressants during pregnancy.

WHAT IS PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION OF THE NEWBORN (PPHN)?

A mother who takes an SSRI drug may have a child born with this serious condition, which occurs when a newborn is unable to adapt to breathing outside the womb. This results in the child suffering from abnormal blood flow through the heart and lungs, leading to a lack of oxygen supplied to the rest of the body. Babies with PPHN can become very sick and may die.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I TOOK AN SSRI AND HAD A CHILD WITH A BIRTH DEFECT OR PPHN?

If you or someone you care about has suffered the anguish of having a child born with birth defects after taking prescription drugs, you may need a drug injury lawyer. Your initial consultation is free, and we will handle your inquiry with the utmost level of care and professionalism.

Celexa^® and Lexapro^® are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Luvox^® is a registered trademark of Solvay Pharmaceuticals. Paxil^® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline. Prozac^® and Symbyax^® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Zoloft^® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc. All trademarks are used to identify the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Solvay Pharmaceuticals; GlaxoSmithKline; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer Inc.; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

A popular angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug used to treat high blood pressure, Benicar^® (olmesartan medoxomil) has been prescribed to millions of patients. But Benicar’s manufacturer, Daiichi Sankyo, is facing increased scrutiny from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following reports of severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects—often referred to by doctors as sprue-like enteropathy—from patients who took the drug.

If you took Benicar and experienced GI symptoms requiring a doctor’s care or were diagnosed with sprue-like enteropathy or celiac disease, our drug injury lawyers want to help protect your rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait. Call or contact us online to get the legal representation you deserve.

GI Side Effects Linked to Benicar^®

Olmesartan medoxomil—marketed under the brand names Benicar, Benicar HCT^®, Azor^®, and Tribenzor^®—is the only drug of its type linked to sprue-like enteropathy. Sprue-like enteropathy is a GI condition identified by a collection of symptoms including severe, chronic diarrhea and rapid weight loss.

Sprue-like enteropathy shares similar symptoms with celiac disease (a condition in which food containing gluten causes damage to the small intestine) and irritable bowel syndrome, and is often misdiagnosed due to these similarities. Screening is recommended for patients exhibiting severe gastrointestinal distress after using Benicar, Azor, or Tribenzor, as one of the hallmarks of sprue-like enteropathy is GI symptoms that persist even after eliminating gluten intake entirely.

Other gastrointestinal side effects that may be caused by Benicar include:

• Anemia
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic fatigue
• Electrolyte abnormalities
• Intestinal inflammation
• Mouth ulcers
• Rapid weight loss
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Vomiting

FDA Warnings Lead to Benicar^® Label Updates

The FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication linking Benicar, Benicar HCT^®, Azor^®, and Tribenzor^® to the development of sprue-like enteropathy. Labels for the drugs were updated to include this warning. Additionally, FDA officials recommended that patients who develop symptoms of sprue-like enteropathy talk to their doctors about switching to alternative ARB blood pressure treatments.

Contact Our Benicar^® Lawyers Today

You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket if you took Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, or Tribenzor and suffered gastrointestinal side effects requiring medical treatment or hospitalization. Our drug injury lawyers will do everything we can to help you get the maximum possible results for your claim, so you can focus on getting better. Take action now—call or contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers online for a free case consultation today.

Benicar^®, Benicar HCT^®, Azor^®, and Tribenzor^®are registered trademarks of Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, and are used here only for the purpose of identifying the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Benzene is used in the manufacture of rubber, plastics, and synthetic fibers including nylon, lubricants, drugs, dyes, detergents, and pesticides. The chemical is also found in many fuels and solvents and is usually colorless and light yellow in appearance.

Despite being one of the most commonly used chemicals in the United States, benzene exposure has been linked to acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—a rapid-spreading cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

If you or someone you love developed acute myeloid leukemia, you may be entitled to compensation. Our benzene attorneys can investigate your case and work to determine if you were exposed to benzene and who may be responsible for your illness. Your time to file a claim is limited—call or contact our defective product lawyers now to help protect your rights.

BENZENE EXPOSURE LINKED TO ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA (AML)

According to the American Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has classified benzene as carcinogenic to humans based on evidence linking it to the development of AML. Studies have also shown that rates of AML are higher among workers regularly exposed to benzene than other parts of the population.

Several government agencies have acknowledged the health risks of Benzene. The chemical is recognized as a:

• cancer-causing agent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• hazardous material by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• hazardous air pollutant by the U.S. Clean Air Act.
• toxic pollutant under the U.S. Clean Water Act.

WORKERS AT RISK OF BENZENE AML

Workers are exposed to benzene through inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and skin and/or eye contact. Workers using solvents can absorb benzene through the skin (primarily the hands) by handling rags or splashing solvents on their skin or by breathing in vapors.

Workers at risk include:

• chemical workers
• firefighters
• gasoline workers
• lab technicians
• newspaper press workers
• painters
• printers
• refinery workers
• shoe or leather workers
• steel workers

Factory workers involved in manufacturing of benzene-derived products—such as clothing, plywood, compact discs, paints, packaging, and adhesives—may also face an increased risk of AML.

AML SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of adult AML include:

• fatigue
• fever
• shortness of breath
• easy bruising or bleeding
• petechaie (flat, pinpoint spots under the skin caused by bleeding)
• weight loss

Doctors can perform blood and bone marrow tests that detect and diagnose AML, and treatment options may be available depending on prognosis.

GET HELP WITH YOUR BENZENE LEUKEMIA LAWSUIT

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with AML, contact us now. You don’t have to know when or how you were exposed to benzene to have potential rights to compensation. Our law firm has experience with benzene leukemia cases, and we’re here to investigate who may be responsible for your illness.

There are strict deadlines to file benzene lawsuits. Don’t wait. Call or contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers for a free initial consultation today. We’re here to help.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with the American Cancer Society; Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; the Occupational Health and Safety Administration; the U.S. Department of Transportation; or the World Health Organization. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Prescribed to improve blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients, a variety of popular Type 2 diabetes drugs have been linked to serious health problems in some patients, including pancreatic cancer.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one developed pancreatic cancer after taking:

• Onglyza^®
• Byetta^®
• Januvia^®
• Janumet^®
• Tradjenta^®
• Victoza^®

Our drug injury lawyers aren’t afraid to take on big pharmaceutical companies, and we’re here to help protect your rights. Don’t wait—there are strict deadlines to take legal action. Call or contact us online today to get started now.

We Want to Help

Pancreatic cancer is an extremely serious condition, and the medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that result can leave you wondering how you’ll support yourself and your family. Our law firm wants to help if you or a loved one suffered after taking a Type 2 diabetes drug.

We have been handling drug injury cases for years, and our attorneys want to put our knowledge and resources to work for you. Call us or fill out a free online consultation form, and a member of our Alabama personal injury lawyer team will contact you to discuss your case.

Byetta^® and Onglyza^® are registered trademarks of AstraZeneca. Januvia^®and Janumet^® are registered trademarks of Merck & Co., Inc. Tradjenta^® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH & Co. Victoza^® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with AstraZeneca; Merck & Co., Inc.; Boeringer Ingelheim GmbH & Co.; or Novo Nordisk A/S.

E-cigarettes, also called e-cigs or vapes, turn liquefied nicotine solutions into inhalable vapor using high-powered lithium ion batteries. Vape devices and accessories have turned into a huge industry producing $7 billion in annual sales.

What many of the 2.5 million American e-cig users don’t know is that the batteries attached to the devices can explode, causing serious and permanent injury. If you or someone you love were injured or disfigured by a vape explosion or fire, you may be entitled to compensation. Our product liability lawyers have experience helping injury victims take on big corporations, and we’re ready to help you get started today.

VAPE BATTERY FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS

Vape manufacturers aren’t required to add consumer warnings to product packaging, and e-cigarettes and accessories aren’t required to undergo safety testing before being made available for purchase.

This may put people who vape in danger, as the lithium ion polymer batteries that power the devices may be prone to failure. The batteries have a cylindrical shape, like the barrel of a gun. The ends of the battery—the weakest point of the structure—can rupture, releasing pressure strong enough to shoot fragments across a room.

Battery failures and explosions can happen at any time, including while devices are unattended or charging, which can increase the risk of a house fire.

E-CIGARETTE FIRE AND EXPLOSION INJURIES

Injuries that may be caused by e-cigarette fires and explosions include:

• Facial and limb scarring
• Loss of fingers
• Severe burns
• Vision damage or blindness

Our attorneys can review your case for free and help fight for the compensation you’re owed for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

GET HELP FROM OUR E-CIGARETTE INJURY LAWYERS

You’re not alone if you or a loved one were injured by a defective e-cigarette or vape device. There are strict deadlines to file an injury claim, so don’t wait to get the help you need. Our Alabama personal injury lawyers are ready to talk to you about your case. Contact our legal staff now, we want to help you protect your rights.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Doctors use endoscopes to look inside patients’ bodies to screen for diseases and, in some cases, treat existing conditions. The device consists of a light and video camera attached to a long, thin plastic tube. But a certain type of endoscope has come under scrutiny for potentially spreading carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)—a potentially deadly antibiotic-resistant infection—even when proper disinfection procedures are followed.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), duodenoscopes, a type of endoscope used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures to examine the pancreatic and bile ducts, are designed in a way that may prevent full cleaning and disinfection.

Our lawyers want to help if you or someone you love developed a serious, unexplained illness after an endoscopic procedure. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re here to help protect your legal rights—call or contact our defective product lawyers for a free case review today.

ERCP ENDOSCOPES MAY SPREAD SUPERBUG INFECTIONS

Sterilizing duodenoscopes between uses requires hospital personnel to follow a detailed, multistep process. But this may only reduce, rather than eliminate, the risk of transmitting serious infections such as CRE. According to lawsuits filed by hospital superbug victims, certain endoscope designs prevent total disinfection between uses, resulting in life-threatening infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported this potential link between multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, like CRE, and patients who have undergone ERCP with reprocessed duodenoscopes.

POPULAR ENDOSCOPE CLEANING SYSTEM RECALLED

An estimated 2,800 Custom Ultrasonics AER devices, used to clean endoscopes between uses, were recalled by the FDA in November 2015. The recall was initiated after the manufacturers failed to meet demands set by the FDA after a number of safety violations.

GET HELP FROM ENDOSCOPE INFECTION LAWYERS

Medical devices are supposed to improve your care, not put you at risk of potentially fatal infection. If you or someone you love contracted a serious infection after an ERCP duodenoscope procedure, our lawyers want to hear your story. Call or contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers online to get the experienced help you deserve today.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Custom Ultrasonics, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

More than half a million American women have chosen the Essure^® birth control device over traditional tubal ligation surgeries since its introduction in 2002. Marketed as a convenient, permanent form of birth control, the way Essure works is simple. After a non-invasive procedure to place the device, scar tissue forms in the fallopian tubes to block sperm and prevent fertilization.

However, as the device’s popularity has grown, reports of painful side effects, unintended pregnancies, complications requiring surgery to correct, and even death have also increased. Norris Injury Lawyers is now helping Essure injury victims take legal action.

If you or someone you love used Essure and experienced severe pain, unintended pregnancy, or device breakage, call or contact us online for a free case review. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but your time to file a lawsuit is limited. Our Alabama personal injury lawyer team is standing by to help you get started now.

Essure^® Birth Control Side Effects

Side effects reported by women who have used Essure include:

• Implant breakage inside the body
• Migration of the device within the body
• Perforation (puncture) of internal organs
• Constant pelvic/abdominal pain
• Unintended pregnancy with injury to baby
• Stillbirth
• Late-term miscarriage
• Persistent bleeding
• Extreme bloating
• Cramping
• Migraines

Removal of the Essure implant requires surgery, and many women harmed by the device must also undergo painful hysterectomies, partial hysterectomies, and other abdominal surgeries to get better. Our attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial damage caused by Essure injuries, and we’re here to fight for you.

Bayer Halts Essure^® Sales in U.S. Market

Bayer, Essure’s manufacturer, announced in July 2018 that it would remove Essure from the U.S. market and discontinue sales of the device by the end of the year. While Bayer attributes their decision to a significant decline in Essure sales, The New York Times reports that, by mid-April 2018, about 16,800 plaintiffs had filed injury lawsuits against Bayer for complications resulting from Essure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says they will continue to monitor reports of Essure-related complications and subsequent removal surgeries.

FDA Issued Essure^® Black Box Warning Before Bayer Halted Sales

In 2016, the FDA ordered Bayer to conduct a new clinical study to evaluate Essure’s risk to patients. In addition, Essure packaging was required to feature a black box warning—the strictest warning prescription drugs and medical devices can carry—to alert patients of potentially harmful or fatal side effects.

Even with Essure’s black box warning, many women remained uninformed of the device’s significant risks. In April 2018, the FDA announced the restriction of Essure sales exclusively to healthcare providers who agreed to review the FDA-approved Patient-Doctor Checklist with their patients. The document, which must be signed by patients, states that both Essure’s risks and benefits have been discussed.

Essure^® Injury Victims Deserve Experienced Help

Our attorneys are ready to help if you or a loved one were harmed by Essure. Don’t let your rights go unprotected. Call or contact our drug injury lawyers 24/7 for a free initial consultation. There’s no obligation, and it takes just a few minutes to get started.

Essure^® is a registered trademark of Bayer and is used here only to identify the product in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Bayer or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Whether due to traumatic injury or arthritis, thousands of patients undergo total knee replacement surgeries each year. Exactech®, one of several medical device manufacturers that produces knee implants for surgeons, has produced the Optetrak® knee in various forms for more than 20 years. But some versions of the device produced in 2011 and later have been linked to early failure, requiring surgery to correct.

If you or someone you love had knee replacement surgery in 2011 or later and underwent, or are scheduled to undergo revision surgery due to implant failure, contact Norris Injury Lawyers. Our lawyers have experience handling defective medical device cases, and we’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 477-7510 or complete our free online form to get started now.

Optetrak® Knee Component May Cause Early Failure

Exactech has produced knee implant devices for more than 30 years, and the Optetrak line of devices have been offered by the company since 1994. However, the 2011 and 2012 versions of the Optetrak knee were different than other versions in one important way. The devices featured a “finned” tibial tray, which some believe may not promote adequate adherence to surgical cement.

In 2013, the company switched to a “fit” tibial tray on its Optetrak knee implant, which may achieve better long term results than the 2011 and 2012 versions of the device. Since 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has received multiple reports of early Exactech Optetrak knee implant failure. In most cases, early device failure requires a revision surgery to replace the failed device.

Knee Implant Failure Symptoms

Common symptoms of a failed knee implant include:

• Knee pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Swelling
• Loss of mobility
• Instability or trouble balancing

Get Help With Your Defective Knee Implant Lawsuit

If you or a loved one required revision surgery after a knee replacement in 2011 or later or are scheduled for one, contact Norris Injury Lawyers now. With more than 40 years of experience fighting for injury victims, you can trust our lawyers to handle your defective knee implant claim. We serve injury victims nationwide, and we’re available 24/7 to help protect your rights.

Call (800) 477-7510 or complete our free online form to get experienced legal help now.

Exactech® and Optetrak® are registered trademarks of Exactech, Inc., and are used here only to identify the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Exactech, Inc. or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a class of drugs used to relieve heartburn and acid reflux by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. PPIs are marketed under a variety of brand names and relied upon by more than 15 million Americans. However, data shows that patients taking PPIs may face an increased risk of developing severe health issues, including chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and stomach cancer.

You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one developed chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or stomach cancer after taking a PPI drug, such as:

• Nexium^®
• Prevacid^®
• Prilosec^®
• Losec^®
• Protonix^®
• Zegerid^®

If you’ve suffered serious complications after taking a proton pump inhibitor for heartburn or acid reflux, our drug injury attorneys want to help protect your rights. Don’t wait to take action—call or contact our drug injury lawyers online to get started now.

Heartburn Drugs Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine showed patients who took PPIs once per day have a 15 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease. In the same study, patients who took PPIs twice per day were 46 percent more likely to develop chronic kidney disease.

The study also showed that patients who took PPIs faced a 39 percent increased risk of chronic kidney disease over patients of similar health who took H2 blockers, another type of drug used to control symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Risk of Stomach Cancer

Researchers discovered a link between frequent, long-term use of PPIs and an increased risk of developing stomach cancer in a seven-year study of more than 63,000 patients who took PPI drugs. The study also showed that use of PPIs over a span of several years was linked to an up-to-eight-times greater risk of stomach cancer among the patients studied.

The same study concluded that patients who took H2 blockers did not face an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Get Help With Your Heartburn Drug Side Effects Lawsuit

If you or someone you love developed chronic kidney disease, experienced kidney failure, or were diagnosed with stomach cancer after taking Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Losec, Protonix, or Zegerid, you may be entitled to compensation. Our team of attorneys is committed to providing the legal representation you deserve for your injuries. Call or contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers online to get the legal help you need, today.

Prilosec^®, Losec^®, and Nexium^® are registered trademarks of AstroZeneca plc. Prevacid^® is a registered trademark of Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. Protonix^® is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Zegerid^® is a registered trademark of Santarus, Inc. All trademarks are used to identify the products in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the American Medical Association; AstroZeneca plc; Gut; JAMA Internal Medicine; Pfizer, Inc.; Santarus, Inc.; Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc; or WebMD, LLC.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Hernia Mesh Resources

• Side Effects of Hernia Mesh
• Risk of Hernia Mesh Products
• Help from Hernia Mesh Lawyers

Surgeons use medical-grade mesh to complete a variety of procedures, including hernia repair, chest wall reconstruction, and wound treatment. The mesh products, produced by major medical device manufacturers, are used every day in hospitals across the United States. But certain models of hernia mesh have been linked to serious complications, and unsuspecting patients may be left facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with these defective medical products.

If you or a loved one suffered infection, an allergic reaction, surgical mesh failure, or internal organ damage after undergoing hernia repair surgery, contact Norris Injury Lawyers. We have experience handling defective product lawsuits nationwide, and our hernia mesh attorneys are here to protect your rights to compensation. Dial (800) 477-7510 or complete our free online form to get help now.

Side Effects Linked to Hernia Mesh

Patients who received certain models of hernia mesh may face an increased risk of complications.

These may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Allergic reactions
• Bowel obstruction
• Infections
• Intestinal fistulas
• Mesh erosion or failure
• Organ perforation
• Renal failure
• Ulcers

At Norris Injury Lawyers, our attorneys help victims across the United States take on corporations that produce defective medical devices, and we’re here to help you too. Contact us today for a free case review.

Hernia Mesh Products May Put Patients at Risk

Surgeons use a variety of mesh products to repair hernias, but patient data indicates certain types of hernia mesh may pose an increased risk of injury to patients.

These models include:

• Atrium C-Qur™
  In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an injunction stopping Atrium Medical Group from manufacturing their C-Qur hernia mesh.
• Bard Ventralex™ ST
  Patients who have received C.R. Bard Inc.’s plastic polyproprylene Ventralex ST hernia mesh may face an increased risk of severe allergic reactions and side effects.
• Ethicon Physiomesh®
  Physiomesh hernia mesh was voluntarily recalled by Ethicon, its manufacturer, after data suggested patients who received it faced a higher-than-normal risk of hernia recurrence.

Get Help From Our Hernia Mesh Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or a loved one suffered side effects due to defective hernia mesh, hernia mesh surgery or a hernia mesh implant, you deserve experienced legal help. At Norris Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for victims in Alabama and nationwide. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work for you. There are no upfront fees or hidden costs to get help from our lawyers concerning your hernia mesh complications, and our No Fee Guarantee® means you won’t pay us unless we get you money.

“My experience at Norris Injury Lawyers was AMAZING! The attorney and his staff had continuous communication with me during the duration of my case and everybody was really helpful! I would definitely recommend Norris Injury Lawyers!!!” -James R

We’re ready to help.

Dial (800) 477-7510 or contact us online to get started.

C-Qur™ is a trademark of Atrium Medical Corporation and is used here only to identify the product in question. Ventralex™ is a registered trademark of C.R. Bard, Inc., and is used here only to identify the product in question. Physiomesh® is a registered trademark of Ethicon, Inc., and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Atrium Medical Corporation; C.R. Bard, Inc.; Ethicon, Inc.; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The prescription drugs Invokana^® (canagliflozin) and Invokamet^® (canagliflozin and metformin) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. However, they have been linked to an increased risk of serious complications, including Fournier’s gangrene, bladder cancer, and renal cancer.

If you or your loved one took Invokana or Invokamet and developed gangrene, bladder cancer, or renal cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our drug injury lawyers now to see how we may be able to help.

Side Effects of Invokana^® and Invokamet^®

An increased risk of the following dangerous conditions and side effects has been linked to Invokana and Invokamet:

• Fournier’s gangrene
• Bladder cancer
• Renal cancer

If you or a loved one took Invokana or Invokamet and experienced any of these side effects, contact us immediately. Our drug injury lawyers may be able to help you recover compensation.

Invokana^® and Invokamet^® Linked to Fournier’s Gangrene

Invokana and Invokamet belong to a class of drugs prescribed to treat patients with Type 2 diabetes called SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors help patients lower their blood sugar by preventing the buildup of glucose in the kidneys.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a Drug Safety Communication in September 2018 stating that patients have developed Fournier’s gangrene as a result of taking Invokana and Invokamet. Fournier’s gangrene causes infection of the genitals and their surrounding areas, including muscles, nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. Although rare, the infection can become life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Patients who exhibit the following symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene should seek medical attention as soon as possible:

• Swelling, redness, or tenderness of the genitals
• Fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• General malaise

If you or your loved one developed Fournier’s gangrene while taking an SGLT2 inhibitor such as Invokana, Invokamet, or Invokamet XR, our drug injury lawyers want to fight for you. Contact us today to find out how we may be able to help you pursue compensation.

Invokana^® May Increase Risk of Bladder and Renal Cancers

According to an FDA Drug Safety Communication released in June 2016, patients taking Invokana and Invokamet may also be more likely to develop acute kidney injury, or kidney failure. While no official warnings have been added to patient medication information, recent research also shows a link between Invokana or Invokamet and bladder and renal cancers.

Symptoms of bladder cancer include:

• Blood in the urine
• Frequent or painful urination
• Pelvic pain

Symptoms of renal cancer include:

• Blood in the urine
• Lower back pain isolated to one side
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abdominal pain or swelling

Patients who have symptoms of bladder or renal cancers should seek immediate medical attention. If you or a loved one developed bladder or renal cancer during or after taking Invokana or Invokamet, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys are here to help—contact us today.

Our Invokana^® Lawyers Want to Help

If you or someone you love took Invokana or Invokamet and developed Fournier’s gangrene, bladder cancer, or kidney cancer, our lawyers want to help. There are strict deadlines for filing drug injury lawsuits, so contact us immediately. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are standing by to answer your questions.

Invokana^® and Invokamet^® are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Corporation and are used here only to identify the products in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Johnson & Johnson Corporation or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium) is prescribed to patients for cholesterol management. Pfizer, Inc., the drug’s manufacturer, markets Lipitor as a medication that can lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain types of heart surgery, and chest pains in patients who have, or are at risk for, heart disease. But women taking the drug can also experience increased blood glucose levels and may face increased risks of developing Type 2 diabetes.

If you or someone you love took Lipitor and developed Type 2 diabetes, contact our law firm today. Our bad drug lawyers will help you fight to get you compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

LIPITOR^® SIDE EFFECTS

Lipitor is part of a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a drug safety communication reporting serious health risks for patients using statins, such as Lipitor, including worsening glycemic control and the development of diabetes in women. As a result, statin drug packaging was updated with additional information concerning these risks.

Before the 2012 labeling change, Lipitor’s label information failed to warn patients of any potential relation between changes in blood sugar levels and taking Lipitor. Despite data suggesting that Lipitor was linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes in women, the drug was marketed as safe and effective.

GET THE REPRESENTATION YOU DESERVE

You shouldn’t have to pay when a drug company puts profits over safety. Our Lipitor drug injury lawyers are here to help if you or your loved one was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes after taking Lipitor. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need, pick up the phone and give our Alabama personal injury lawyers a call, today.

Never stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Lipitor® is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Pfizer, Inc. or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Low testosterone, sometimes referred to as “Low T”, is a medical condition that can affect men’s sex drive, mood, energy levels, muscle mass, and bone strength. A variety of patches, injections, gels—including the prescription drug AndroGel^®— and pills are marketed to men as ways to increase testosterone levels. But testosterone therapy has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular injuries in some male patients. These injuries can include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Pulmonary embolism
• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
• Death

If you or someone you love suffered a clotting injury or developed a cardiovascular illness after using a testosterone replacement therapy product, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact our drug injury lawyers today, and let us protect your legal rights.

TESTOSTERONE THERAPY HEART RISKS

Low T drugs come in several different forms and are marketed under many different brand names, including:

• AndroGel^®
• Androderm^®
• Axiron^®
• Delatestryl^®
• Fortesta^®
• Striant^®
• Testim^®

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association reports a 30 percent increase in the risk of heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, DVT, and even death in men who take these drugs. Another study of more than 55,000 male patients reveals that men over age 65 are twice as likely to have a heart attack after taking ”Low T” drugs for as little as three months. The risk of heart attack also doubles for men under age 65 if they have a history of heart disease.

The same study also concludes that, compared to “Low T” drugs, erectile dysfunction drugs—also marketed as methods to increase male sexual performance—are much less likely to increase the risk of heart attack in men under age 65 who have a history of heart disease.

These risks have led to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into the link between “Low T” treatments and cardiovascular problems.

TESTOSTERONE LAWSUITS: YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION

Never stop taking any prescribed medication without first asking your doctor. But if you or your husband, son, father, or other loved one suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other clotting injury after taking testosterone-boosting products, the drug’s manufacturer may be to blame. Our personal injury lawyers can help you get the money you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t wait. Give us a call today and get a free, confidential consultation.

AndroGel^®is a registered trademark of AbbVie Inc. Androderm^® is a registered trademark of Watson Laboratories. Axiron^® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Delatestryl^® and Fortesta^® are registered trademarks of Endo Pharmaceuticals. Testim^® and Striant^® are registered trademarks of Auxilium Pharmaceuticals. Trademarked names are used only for identification purposes.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with AbbVie Inc., Watson Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Forbes, The Journal of the American Medical Association, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm. 

Risperdal^® is an antipsychotic drug prescribed to treat certain mental and mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Research has shown that Risperdal can cause gynecomastia—the development of abnormally large male breasts—in young boys and adolescents, which often requires surgery to correct.

If you or your child took Risperdal before its U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pediatric approvals in 2007 and developed gynecomastia, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other injury-related expenses. Contact our drug injury lawyers today—we want to help.

RISPERDAL^® AND GYNECOMASTIA

In January 2012, Bloomberg reported that Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Risperdal, was marketing the drug to doctors working with troubled children for uses not approved by the FDA in 2004.

Research has shown the risks Risperdal can pose to children. The largest study on the side effects of the drug in adolescents and children showed hormonal changes in male patients that led to the development of gynecomastia. Researchers concluded that Risperdal should be administered to children and adolescents with caution.

$2.5 MILLION VERDICT IN RISPERDAL^® GYNECOMASTIA TRIAL

In February 2015, Johnson & Johnson lost the first Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit to go to trial. Previous Risperdal side effect cases had settled out of court, including a $2.2 billion settlement in 2013. The lawsuit, brought by the family of an autistic boy who took the drug in 2002 and later developed large breasts, alleged that Johnson & Johnson improperly marketed the drug and did not warn patients of potential side effects, including gynecomastia.

A Philadelphia jury returned a guilty verdict, ordering Johnson & Johnson to pay $2.5 million in damages to the boy and his family.

PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS

Our drug injury lawyers are here to help if you or your child took Risperdal before 2007 and developed gynecomastia. Give our Alabama personal injury lawyers a call today, and let us help protect your rights to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Risperdal^® is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson, and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Bloomberg L.P.; Johnson & Johnson; the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology; the National Center for Biotechnology Information; the Wall Street Journal; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a condition that results in severe skin reactions, including rashes and blisters that can progress to third degree burn-like intensity. SJS may result from many causes, though adverse drug reactions are often reported in conjunction with the condition. SJS is also known and sometimes referred to as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in severe cases. SJS/TEN were once thought to be rare, but that may have been the result of a general lack of awareness. Understanding has increased, but misdiagnosis and overlooked symptoms are still prevalent and only serve to exacerbate this serious and sometimes fatal condition.

SJS occurs almost twice as often in males as females and more often in the young than in seniors, though rarely in infants.

SJS may also be referred to by the following technical terms, which indicate levels of severity:

• erythema multiforme minor
• erythema multiforme major
• toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)

WHAT CAUSES SJS?

SJS has been documented as a side effect of, or reaction to:

• antibiotics
• anti-convulsants (such as Dilantin^®)
• barbiturates
• malignant diseases
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both prescription and over-the-counter
• sulfa or sulfa-containing drugs
• viral or bacterial infections

Between 25 percent and 50 percent of all cases of SJS are reportedly idiopathic, that is, arising spontaneously with no apparent origin or cause.

If you were exposed to known SJS causes, contact our Alabama injury lawyers.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SJS?

If left untreated, symptoms of SJS often progress in severity, resulting in:

• blisters or rashes on the skin
• flu-like symptoms, including fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea, etc.
• blisters or lesions on the mucous membranes (thin moist tissues that line body cavities) of the mouth, nose, eyes, genitals, urinary tract, GI tract, or respiratory tract
• ulceration of blisters leading to shedding of the skin

Anyone at risk for SJS, especially people exposed to known SJS causes, should seek immediate medical attention at the first appearance of rash, blisters on the mucous membranes, or signs of hypersensitivity, including allergic reactions that involve breathing problems. Early diagnosis by a medical professional could result in a better chance of focused, effective treatment.

HOW IS SJS TREATED?

The first step after diagnosis of SJS is to determine the underlying cause. If it is a drug reaction, as is often the case, the offending agent should be stopped immediately in hopes of preventing further reaction. If the cause is an infection, then the appropriate treatment should be immediately pursued in addition to the treatment of SJS symptoms. Oral and topical corticosteroids are often used to reduce the rash and swelling symptoms in less severe cases or to prevent the progression of worsening symptoms.

More severe SJS cases are often referred to various experts depending on the body systems involved. For those with blisters involving the eyes and eyelids, examination by an ophthalmologist is recommended so precautions can be taken to avoid permanent eye damage. Those who experience severe burn-like effects of the skin are often referred to burn treatment centers, where their damaged skin and compromised body systems are treated like that of a burn victim. These severe cases need fluid replacement, scrupulously sterile environments for infection prevention, and skin graft consultation that burn centers and their resident professionals can provide.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF SJS?

In severe cases, because of the deep-tissue involvement of the body’s mucous membranes, long-term and far-reaching effects of SJS are likely, if not inevitable:

• blindness or other vision problems
• body temperature regulation problems
• scarring of the skin, GI tract, respiratory tract and other organ systems, and resulting complications
• death

Those who have suffered a drug reaction-related case of SJS should avoid the drug and other related drugs. Immediate relatives of the victim should also avoid the drugs, as hypersensitivity issues can be genetically linked. Furthermore, previous sufferers of SJS should be aware that they are generally more susceptible to future recurrences of SJS.

ARE CERTAIN PEOPLE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO SJS?

A recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that people of Asian descent are more susceptible to SJS reactions when treated with a certain epilepsy drug known as carbamazepine. The study found that a gene variant known as HLA-B*1502, which is present in about 10 percent of people of Han Chinese descent, is associated with increased incidences of SJS/TEN. The FDA recommends that people of Asian descent undergo genetic screening for this gene before taking carbamazepine-containing drugs.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY SJS?

SJS cases can be extremely complex, often resulting in large medical bills for extensive treatment and long-term effects that can be permanently disabling. Consequently, you may need an experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer on your side to help meet your legal needs. At our law firm, we believe that people who have experienced SJS need a drug injury attorney who understands what they are going through, and is prepared to advocate on their behalf. If you or someone you know has suffered from this debilitating skin condition, we would like to help. For more information, visit the Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Foundation here.

Never discontinue taking any medication without first consulting with your physician. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice and should not be viewed as such.

Dilantin^® is a registered trademark of Warner-Lambert Company, LLC.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with Pfizer, Inc., Warner-Lambert Company, LLC, or the FDA.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

The Stöckert 3T heater-cooler system is facing increased scrutiny after federal regulators reported the possibility of device contamination. Designed to control a patient’s blood temperature during cardiac surgery, the Stöckert 3T heater-cooler system is used in nearly 150,000 bypass surgeries in the U.S. each year. Contamination of the device could result in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in some patients, potentially leading to severe or fatal health complications.

If you or someone you love suffered from an NTM infection or bacterial contamination after any type of cardiac surgery, the defective medical device attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers want to talk to you. We have years of experience dealing with defective medical device cases, and we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling (800) 477-7510 or by filling out our free initial consultation form.

NTM Infections Linked to 3T Heater-Cooler

The 3T heater-cooler has been linked to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, which puts patients at risk of life-threatening medical complications. NTM infections may lie dormant for between two weeks to four years before presenting symptoms. These infections, which can appear as pulmonary disease, may also affect skin, soft tissues, and the lymphatic system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60% of the 250,000 heart bypass surgeries performed in the U.S. each year use affected 3T heater-cooler systems. At hospitals where one or more 3T-related infections were reported, the CDC indicates patients face a risk of infection between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 patients.

FDA Warns of 3T Heater-Cooler Infections

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication indicating over 30 reports of 3T-related infections in heart surgery patients between 2010 and 2015. In 2016, federal regulators determined these infections were linked to water contamination in the tanks of 3T heater-cooler systems. Contaminated water within the system can be released into the air, which puts cardiac surgery patients at serious risk of NTM infection.

The FDA has suggested hospitals with reported infections stop using 3T heater-cooler devices.

Our Stöckert 3T Heater-Cooler Attorneys Want to Help

If you or someone you love suffered from an NTM infection or bacterial contamination after open heart surgery, valve replacement, or other cardiac surgery, contact us today. At Norris Injury Lawyers, we have more than 40 years of experience helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Let us help you with your case. Give our Alabama personal injury lawyers a call at (800) 477-7510 or fill out or free initial consultation form to get started now.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the Centers for Disease Control; Livanova PLC; Sorin Group; Stöckert; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

After a breast cancer diagnosis, your first priority is your health. For many, that means undergoing chemotherapy treatment to attack the disease. Chemotherapy drugs are hard on the body, and most of their physical effects are well-documented. But some female cancer survivors who underwent treatment with the popular chemo drug Taxotere^® are suffering a side effect they weren’t warned about—permanent alopecia, or hair loss.

If you or a loved one are suffering from permanent significant hair loss after undergoing chemotherapy, contact the Alabama drug injury attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers. We serve clients nationwide, and we’re ready to help you take action now. Call (800) 477-7510 or complete our free initial consultation form to speak with our legal staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Study Links Taxotere^® to Incurable Alopecia

In most cases, hair loss caused by chemotherapy regrows within 3-6 months after treatment is complete. But throughout the last ten years, female breast cancer survivors have been reporting incurable hair loss in greater numbers.

A study published by Annals of Oncology suggests that taxane chemotherapy drugs, a class of drugs that includes Taxotere, “seem to be responsible for [severe and permanent female hair loss].” Mineral deficiencies and excessive androgen were ruled out as potential causes among the 20 female breast cancer patients who participated in the research pool.

In December 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated Taxotere’s safety information to include permanent alopecia as a potential adverse drug reaction.

Get Help With Your Taxotere^® Lawsuit

If you survived breast cancer, you’ve been through enough—you shouldn’t have to suffer from a permanent side effect you weren’t warned about. At Norris Injury Lawyers, we know hair loss caused by Taxotere can have a lasting psychological impact, and we want to help you get justice.

Our personal injury lawyers have more than 40 years of experience fighting for victims, and we have the knowledge and resources to help you take on big drug companies. Contact us anytime at (800) 477-7510 or fill out our free initial consultation form to find out how we can help.

Taxotere^® is a registered trademark of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC and is used here only to identify the product in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Annals of Oncology, sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Viagra^® (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription erectile dysfunction drug that has been used by more than 25 million men in the United States. But a recent study has linked sildenafil–the main ingredient in both Viagra and the hypertension drug Revatio^®—to an increased risk of developing melanoma, an aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer.

If you or a family member took Viagra or Revatio and developed melanoma, our drug injury lawyers want to speak with you. We hold drug companies responsible for their negligence, and we’ll fight to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. So don’t wait. Contact our Alabama personal injury attorneys today, and let us help you get started with your claim.

Study Finds Viagra^® Melanoma Dangers

A study of nearly 26,000 male patients conducted by the Department of Dermatology at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University linked drugs containing sildenafil to the development of melanoma. Researchers concluded that men who take drugs containing sildenafil–even once–are 84 percent more likely to develop melanoma regardless of their family histories of cancer, medical histories, or sun exposure where they lived.

The study’s co–author suggests that Viagra and Revatio may lead to melanoma (as opposed to less invasive forms of skin cancer) because sildenafil affects the same genetic pathways that allow skin cancers to become more aggressive.

Get Help With Your Viagra^® or Revatio^® Skin Cancer Lawsuit

You shouldn’t have to pay for a drug manufacturer’s negligence. Our drug injury lawyers can help protect your rights if you or a loved one developed melanoma after taking Viagra or Revatio. Don’t wait to get the experienced legal representation you need–contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Viagra^® and Revatio^® are registered trademarks of Pfizer, Inc., and are used here only to identify the products in question. This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with The Journal of the American Medical Association; Brown University; NBC News; Pfizer, Inc.; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Zofran® (ondansetron) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat nausea and vomiting caused by cancer treatments and surgery. But the drug is also prescribed to treat patients suffering from a variety of off-label—or unapproved—uses, including severe morning sickness in pregnant women. But FDA data indicates that babies born to mothers who take Zofran while pregnant may be at risk of severe birth defects.

If you took Zofran to treat morning sickness and your child was born with birth defects, you may be entitled to compensation. Our drug injury lawyers want to help stop the harm caused by pharmaceutical company negligence, and we’re here to fight for your family’s rights. Contact our legal team now, and let us help you get started with your claim today.

Zofran® Birth Injury Risks

Developing fetuses are most vulnerable during the first trimester of pregnancy—when morning sickness is most common among expectant mothers. But data in the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System, a database of drug side effects and medication errors, indicates that using Zofran while pregnant may lead to certain birth defects, such as:

Cleft lip
Cleft palate
Heart defects
Kidney issues

GlaxoSmithKline, the drug company that produces Zofran, has stated that the fetal injury risks posed by ondansetron are not yet known. However, the company paid a $3 billion settlement in 2012 after the U.S. Department of Justice determined it was promoting Zofran, along with several other drugs, for off-label uses.

Get Started With Your Zofran® Lawsuit

Our law firm has experience helping injury victims and their families get through some of the most difficult times of their lives, and we’re here to help you too. Our legal team has the knowledge and resources to investigate your claim and fight for the compensation you need for your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and future care.

Your time to file a Zofran birth injury claim is limited—so don’t wait. Call or contact us online to get started now.

Zofran® is a registered trademark of Glaxo Group Limited Corporation and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with Glaxo Group Limited Corporation; the U.S. Department of Justice; or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay nearly $2.5 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits related to two recalled hip replacement products manufactured by its artificial joint replacement company, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The settlement also allows patients whose hip replacements fail in the future to seek compensation, which means billions of dollars may still be available for injured victims who require additional hip surgeries.

If you received a DePuy Metal-on-Metal hip replacement and it failed, contact our injury lawyers today.

DePuy recalled the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System after data showed that 1-in-8 patients needed revision surgeries within five years. Serious pain and difficulty walking can result from a faulty hip replacement, and revision surgeries can be painful and expensive.

The hip implant recall affects an estimated 93,000 replacement systems and more than 29 different models of hip replacement implants.

What Hip Replacement Products Were Recalled?

DePuy recalled the following hip replacement products:

• ASR Hip Resurfacing System
• ASR XL Acetabular System

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are medical devices implanted into patients who are at risk of suffering a sudden blockage of an artery in the lung or a pulmonary embolism (PE). The devices catch fragments of blood clots that form in the legs or pelvis before they reach the heart or lungs where blockages can cause severe health complications.

IVC filters are under increased scrutiny due to risks of fracture or failure. Malfunctions may result in death or serious injuries requiring corrective surgeries.

If you or a loved one were injured by an IVC filter, contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers today.

WHO IS AT RISK?

IVC filters are implanted into patients who have a history or risk of developing blood clots in the legs or pelvis, including patients who are:

• diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis,
• immobile,
• recent trauma victims,
• recovering from surgery,
• suffering from a pulmonary embolism,
• or otherwise determined to be at risk for a PE.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?

When IVC filters fail, the device or its pieces may migrate to a patient’s heart and lungs, resulting in serious injury or death. The devices also can shift within a patient’s body, eventually reaching areas in the body that aren’t reachable by surgery.

In some cases, IVC filters are implanted into patients on a short-term basis. These devices, called retrievable IVC filters, are intended to be removed as soon as the risk of a PE decreases. In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert suggesting a possible link between long term use of retrievable filters with an increased risk of fracture or failure.

WE CAN FIGHT FOR YOU

If you or someone you love has received an IVC filter and suffered severe health complications or death, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact our drug injury lawyers to get the legal help you need, today.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

A deadly cancer caused by exposure to loose asbestos fibers, mesothelioma often takes 20-40 years to develop. Workers in a variety of industries and their families face an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma, and billions in compensation have been set aside for victims and their loved ones. If you or a loved one suffer from Mesothelioma, our Mesothelioma Lawyers can help.

The Mirena^® intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped birth control product meant to be inserted into the uterus for up to five years at a time. The product prevents pregnancy by slowly releasing a hormone that helps prevent egg fertilization by thickening cervical mucus while also thinning the uterine lining and partially suppressing ovulation. Mirena also is approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding.

Mirena is linked to severe health issues related to pseudotumors—or false brain tumors—and uterine perforation, where the IUD perforates the wall of the uterus. These perforations can occur when the device erodes the wall of the uterus or shifts location spontaneously.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with a pseudotumor or suffered from uterine perforation after using Mirena®, our defective product lawyers want to help protect your rights to compensation. Call or contact us online anytime to get started.

WHAT IS MIRENA^® UTERINE PERFORATION?

According to an abstract provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, severe lower abdominal pain and abnormal bleeding may be warning signs of a perforation. Other perforation injuries are often discovered during check-up visits.

While perforation may be detected at the time of insertion, some perforations lack symptoms and may not be detected for a long period of time. Delayed detection of a uterine perforation can result in Mirena migrating to other parts of the body, which can cause internal damage and other severe injuries. In some cases, surgery is needed to retrieve the IUD from a patient.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR MIRENA^® UTERINE PERFORATION?

Bayer, the drug’s manufacturer, reports the risk of a uterine perforation is between 1/1,000 and 1/10,000 insertions.

However, some women may be at higher risk than others. Bayer advises that placement of Mirena should be performed with care in postpartum women because uterine walls can be softer than usual. Additionally, the risk of perforation has been found to be higher in women who are lactating. Women with fixed retroverted uteruses also may be at higher risk of perforation.

WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN ARISE FROM MIRENA^® UTERINE PERFORATION?

Side effects that can result from a Mirena uterine perforation can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Damage to internal organs
• Infection
• Infertility
• Scarring

Bayer states that perforation of the uterus also may cause the device to be ineffective in preventing pregnancy. Surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy or laparoscopic surgery, may be necessary to remove the IUD after a perforation injury.

MIRENA^® LINKED TO PSEUDOTUMORS

A study published by Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety reports that patients who used Mirena faced an increased risk of pseudotumors, a condition in which pressure around the brain increases. Symptoms of pseudotumors caused by Mirena can be similar to those of brain tumors, including:

• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Back, neck, or shoulder pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In some cases, pseudotumors caused by Mirena may require surgery or spinal tap procedures to correct.

GET HELP WITH YOUR MIRENA^® INJURY LAWSUIT

If you or someone you love used Mirena and suffered a pseudotumor or underwent a surgical procedure due to uterine perforation, our law firm would like to speak with you about your injury. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses. Contact our Alabama personal injury lawyers today for a free case review.

Do not discontinue taking any medications without first consulting your physician.

Mirena^® is a registered trademark of the Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and is used here only to identify the product in question.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety, or the U.S. Center for Biotechnology Information.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Each year, surgeons use power morcellators to perform approximately 50,000 hysterectomies and myomectomies, which involve removing a woman’s uterus or uterine fibroids. The morcellator—essentially a powered device with sharp edges and cutting jaws—creates a small incision that, in theory, allows patients to heal more quickly than with traditional surgery. However, according to recent studies, power morcellators can leave behind cancerous cells that migrate to tissues in other parts of the body.

If you or someone you love developed uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), abdominal cancer, or uterine cancer after undergoing a laparoscopic uterine fibroid surgery, myomectomy, or hysterectomy using a power morcellator device, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and more. Contact our defective product attorneys today for a free initial consultation.

Morcellator Hysterectomy Dangers

While a traditional hysterectomy surgery removes the uterus in one piece with incisions that may be 3 to 7 inches long, the power morcellator’s small blades allow for minimally invasive hysterectomies by removing the uterus in pieces.

When surgeons use morcellators in uterine surgery, previously undetected cancerous uterine fibroid tissue may be liquefied, allowing cancer to spread throughout a patient’s abdominal cavity. This can result in metastization and new, life-threatening tumors.

Research shows that uterine surgeries performed using morcellators may significantly reduce the odds of long-term survival in women with undetected uterine sarcoma, a type of cancer that includes ULMS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 1 in 350 women who undergo hysterectomies and myomectomies have an undetected uterine sarcoma.

FDA Discourages Morcellator Use

The FDA issued a safety communication discouraging surgeons from using power morcellator devices in hysterectomies and myomectomies. Even when specimen bags are used to prevent cancerous uterine tissue from spreading throughout the body, FDA officials recommend doctors discuss the cancer risks associated with morcellator surgeries with patients prior to operating.

Get the Legal Help You Need

Medical device manufacturers have powerful legal teams dedicated to protecting their profits. We’re not afraid to stand up to big corporations to get you the money you deserve. If you or your loved one were diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) after a laparoscopic hysterectomy, myomectomy, or fibroid removal surgery, our injury lawyers are here help you get the compensation you need. Don’t pay for a corporation’s negligence. Contact us today.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Research suggests that patients who take Onglyza^® (saxagliptin) for Type 2 diabetes may face an increased risk of heart failure.

If you or someone you love suffered severe or fatal heart problems after taking Onglyza, you may be eligible for compensation. We fight pharmaceutical companies when their negligence harms innocent people, and we’re here to protect your rights. Call or fill out our free online form to get help from our drug injury lawyers now.

Onglyza^® Increases Risk of Heart Failure

Onglyza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 to lower blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Belonging to a class of diabetes drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors, the drug is designed to help manage diabetes with no increased risk of hypoglycemia—or dangerously low blood sugar. Kombiglyze^® XR, a combination of Onglyza and an older Type 2 diabetes drug, was approved one year later in 2010.

In October 2013, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure after taking saxagliptin.

The study prompted the FDA to issue a safety communication on February 11, 2014, stating it was investigating the link between Onglyza and the risk of heart failure.

In April 2015, an FDA advisory panel concluded that patients who take Onglyza face an increased risk of heart failure—a fatal condition in which the heart is weakened and can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

According to FDA documents, one study showed a 27 percent increase in the rate of heart failure when taking Onglyza. As a result, members of the FDA advisory panel stated that the drug’s labeling should be updated to warn of the heart failure risk.

Get Help With Your Onglyza^® Lawsuit

You’re not alone if you or someone you love suffered heart failure after taking Onglyza. Our Alabama personal injury lawyers have the experience it takes to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Your time to take legal action is limited. Don’t wait—call or contact us immediately to get started with your claim.

Onglyza^® and Kombiglyze^® XR are registered trademarks of AstraZeneca PLC and are used here only to identify the products in question

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with AstraZeneca PLC, Investor’s Business Daily, The New England Journal of Medicine, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

Many women who suffer pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or stress urinary incontinence (SUI), medical conditions that occur when the internal support structure of the vagina fails, undergo a surgical procedure in which a transvaginal mesh (TVM) is inserted to help hold the woman’s internal organs in place. Rather than simply stitching tissue of the vaginal wall together, the transvaginal mesh is used to keep the organs—namely the urethra, cervix, and rectum—from falling out of place and “sagging” inside the body cavity.

Despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings about the risk of complications from surgical mesh in the transvaginal repair of POP, many thousands of women continue to have the surgery every year.

If you or a loved one were injured by transvaginal mesh, contact our defective product lawyers today.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON ORDERED TO PAY $344 MILLION FOR DECEPTIVE MARKETING

In January 2020, a judge ordered Johnson & Johnson, a manufacturer of vaginal mesh implants, to pay $344 million in damages for falsely marketing their products as safe. “Johnson & Johnson knew the danger of its mesh products but put profits ahead of the health of millions of women,” said the attorney general, Xavier Becerra.

The total payouts from implicated mesh manufacturers to injured women is now around $8 billion.

FDA ORDERS MANUFACTURERS TO STOP SELLING AND DISTRIBUTING TVM PRODUCTS

In April 2019, the FDA issued an order to TVM manufacturers to stop selling their products effective immediately in the U.S. The FDA reached that decision after determining that two manufacturers of TVM products failed to demonstrate “a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness” for their devices. Meeting that criteria became a requirement for TVM manufacturers after the products were reclassified to Class III (high risk) devices in 2016.

TRANSVAGINAL MESH COMPLICATIONS

A study regarding vaginal meshes published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed troubling results with these procedures: Women who had a transvaginal mesh inserted suffered higher rates of serious complications, including bladder perforation and pelvic hemorrhage and an increased number of adverse events after the surgery, such as urinary incontinence and pain during intercourse.

The FDA warns, “The most frequent complications included erosion through vaginal epithelium, infection, pain, urinary problems, and recurrence of prolapse and/or incontinence. There were also reports of bowel, bladder, and blood vessel perforation during insertion. In some cases, vaginal scarring and mesh erosion led to a significant decrease in patient quality of life due to discomfort and pain.”

Furthermore, these problems can result in additional complications, such as the need for a second, “revision surgery,” IV therapy, blood transfusions, and the treatment of hematomas or abscesses.

TVM ASSOCIATED WITH THOUSANDS OF INJURIES

In 2011, the FDA issued an urgent safety communication advising patients and their healthcare providers to consider alternatives to transvaginal mesh. FDA officials met to discuss a potential ban on the mesh, after receiving more than 3,875 injury reports associated with the mesh, three of which involved fatalities, from 2005 to 2010.

TVM RECLASSIFIED AS HIGH-RISK MEDICAL DEVICE

In 2016, the FDA reclassified TVM as a class III device—a classification that generally includes high-risk medical devices. TVM manufacturers were also ordered to submit documentation demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh for transvaginal repair of POP.

IS PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE COMMON?

Some estimates suggest that nearly half of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some degree of prolapse. The risk that a woman will need a surgical procedure to correct prolapse is about 11%, and about 33% of these women will need a second surgery to correct problems stemming from the condition or initial surgery.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a result of predisposition, race, and injury. Caucasian women are more likely to suffer the condition than African American women, and injury, childbirth, heavy lifting, and even smoking are also contributing factors.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAD A PROBLEM WITH TRANSVAGINAL MESH?

If you or someone you care about has a transvaginal mesh used to correct pelvic organ prolapse and suffered any of the above symptoms, our personal injury law firm may be able to help. Contact us today to learn how.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the New England Journal of Medicine or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.

In March 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Zimmer Persona^® Trabecular Metal™ tibial plate knee implants because the devices can loosen within the knee. Since 2012, more than 11,000 patients around the world have received the component in total knee replacement surgeries.

If you’re suffering pain or other side effects after receiving a total knee replacement between March 2012 and March 2015, you may need surgery to repair or replace your implant. You could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Norris Injury Lawyers wants to help. Our team of defective medical device lawyers is ready to review your surgical records and protect your rights. There’s no cost or obligation to find out if you have a case, and with our No Fee Guarantee^®, you won’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we get money for you. Call us 24/7 at (800) 477-7510 or complete our free online consultation form to take action now.

How to Tell If You Have a Defective Knee Implant

Many people who undergo total knee replacement don’t know the exact model of components used in their surgery. Call us if you received a total knee replacement between March 2012 – March 2015 and:

• You’re experiencing side effects from your knee implant.
• You require, or already underwent, a second knee surgery to correct a defective Zimmer implant.

It’s okay if you’re not sure which components were used. Our legal team can review your medical records to help determine your rights to compensation.

Defective Zimmer Knee Implant Symptoms and Side Effects

Patients suffering from defective Zimmer Persona components may experience a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Knee pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Joint popping
• Instability or difficulty balancing

These side effects often require expensive revision surgeries to correct, which can leave patients unable to move or work while they recover.

FDA Recalls Zimmer Persona^® Trabecular Metal™ Tibial Plates

Originally approved by the FDA in March 2012, the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate was used in thousands of total knee replacement surgeries for more than three years. The part was used in surgeries throughout the U.S. and at several regional VA Medical Centers.

Zimmer began to receive complaints of loosening and radiolucent lines—a type of X-ray evidence that indicates loosening. The company voluntarily requested a recall of the components.

On March 12, 2015, the FDA issued a Class 2 recall of the devices for all lots and sizes used in both left and right knees. In February 16, 2015, distributors, hospitals, and surgeons were notified of the recall by mail.

Get Help With Your Zimmer Knee Lawsuit

You have a limited amount of time to take action if you received a recalled Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate implant. Don’t pay for a corporation’s negligence—put Norris Injury Lawyers to work for you today. There’s no cost or obligation to contact our 24/7 personal injury attorney team, and you won’t pay us anything unless you win or settle your case. Contact us now to get started.

Persona^® is a registered trademark of Zimmer, Inc., and is used here only to identify the product in question. Trabecular Metal™ is a trademark of Zimmer, Inc., and is used here only to identify the product in question. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with Zimmer, Inc. or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.