Digitek

Digitalis Toxicity • Bradycardia • Low Blood Pressure

Digitek (digoxin tablets) is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure to improve the strength and efficiency of the heart. In April 2008, Actavis Totowa LLC notified healthcare professionals of a Class I nationwide recall of all strengths of Digitek due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may contain twice the approved level of active ingredient.

Read more on our Digitek Information Page >>

Zetia and Vytorin

Drug-Induced Hepatitis • Liver Damage • Liver Failure

Zetia (ezetimibe) and Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin) are cholesterol-lowering drugs that selectively inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. A 2005 Dear Doctor Letter warning of adverse side effects associated with ezetimibe such as liver failure, drug-induced hepatitis, and acute pancreatitis was issued in Canada but not in the US.

Read more on our Zetia and Vytorin Information Page >>

NuvaRing

Heart Attack • Stroke • Blood Clots

NuvaRing is a birth control product in the form of a vaginal ring containing hormones similar to those in oral contraceptives. NuvaRing has been associated with increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

Read more on our NuvaRing Information Page >>

Ortho Evra Patch

Stroke • Blood Clots • Heart Attack

Ortho Evra is a skin adhesive patch used for birth control that can expose women to higher levels of estrogen than regular birth control pills; this can cause serious side effects including heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and blood clots.

Read more on our Ortho Evra Information Page >>

Avandia

Heart Attacks • Strokes

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is in the thiazolidinedione class of drug and is used to treat Type 2 diabetes patients with insulin resistance. In May 2007, it was found that taking Avandia puts patients at a 43% higher risk of heart attacks.

Read more on our Avandia Information Page >>

Permax and Dostinex

Heart Valve Problems • Valvular Heart Disease

Permax (pergolide) and Dostinex (cabergoline) are in the same drug class and used to treat Parkinson's Disease, restless leg syndrome, and migraine headaches. Both Permax and Dostonex have similar warnings for potentially interacting with receptors in the heart valve, causing it to overgrow.

Read more on our Permax and Dostinex Information Page >>

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US Supreme Court Might Prohibit Drug Injury Lawsuits

Fosamax

Osteonecrosis of Jaw (ONJ) • Osteomyelitis

Fosamax (alendronate) is used to treat osteoporosis but has been associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw, or jaw bone death. Merck resisted the FDA's request to include a warning label concerning the link for almost a year.

Read more on our Fosamax Information Page >>

Ketek

Liver Failure • Liver Transplant

Ketek (telithromycin) is an antibiotic that has been associated with serious liver problems such as drug-induced hepatitis and liver failure, which can necessitate having a liver transplant.

Read more on our Ketek Information Page >>

Tequin

Coma • Blood Sugar Problems

Tequin (gatifloxacin) is a broad spectrum antibiotic medication used to treat respiratory and lung infections. Tequin carries risks of adverse side effects altering blood glucose levels, such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Both conditions can lead to coma or seizure and are are potentially fatal.

Read more on our Tequin Information Page >>

Zelnorm

Heart Attack • Stroke

Zelnorm is a serotonin agonist used for short term treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation. It was withdrawn from the market in April 2007 at FDA request because clinical trial data showed a link to heart attacks and strokes.

Read more on our Zelnorm Information Page >>

Bextra

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome • Heart Attack • Stroke

Bextra (valdecoxib) is a pain pill that is very similar to Vioxx; both are in the COX-2 inhibitor class of drugs. In addition to causing heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular health problems, Bextra use has been linked to the potentially fatal skin conditions Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). Bextra was withdrawn from the market in April 2005.

Read more on our Bextra Information Page >>

Medtronic Sprint Fidelis Heart Lead Wire

Unit Failure • Electrical Shock • Beep Alert

Sprint Fidelis leads are thin wires that connect an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) directly to the heart. Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads are being recalled because the electronic wires are prone to fracture in some patients, causing shock or malfunction.

Read more on our Sprint Fidelis Information Page >>

Natrecor

Kidney Damage • Renal Failure

Natrecor (nesiritide) is an intravenous treatment given after heart failure to lessen the symptoms of shortness of breath (dyspnea). Reports of death due to kidney failure following Natrecor treatment have raised safety issues.

Read more on our Natrecor Information Page >>

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