Zicam Defective Drug Recall Begins
By injuheis on July 23, 2009
Matrixx Initiatives is issuing a product recall of several Zicam intranasal cold remedies a week after federal regulators told the company to stop selling its products that were apparently causing consumers to lose their sense of smell. According to a Reuters news report, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to consumers that several Matrixx Zicam cold remedies, such as sprays and gels, were not safe to use because they contained zinc, which has the potential to damage a nerve that affects the sense of smell.
On June 16, 2009, the FDA warned Matrixx to stop selling these defective drugs after more than 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell after using the products. The FDA also urged consumers to stop taking the over-the-counter products.
There are a variety of state and federal laws, which govern the manufacture, production, labeling and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Drug makers are expected to exercise a certain standard of care that includes safe labeling, appropriate manufacturing conditions, and informing doctors about the risks of their drugs. However, brief testing periods and unsafe manufacturing conditions can lead to massive drug recalls, which can affect a drug company’s reputation and endanger the lives of innocent victims who can experience lasting and even deadly side effects. State statutes of limitations for filing pharmaceutical claims can be limited, so it’s a good idea to consider your legal options as soon as possible after sustaining injury due to an unsafe drug product.
If you have sustained injury due to a drug, it is best to contact an experienced Maryland pharmaceutical litigation attorney who can help you pursue your legal rights. The law offices of Steven H. Heisler specifically serve personal injury victims and can help you if you or a loved one has been injured by unsafe drugs including Zicam. If you’re interested in finding out more about how your pharmaceutical litigation can result in compensation, settlements and damages for your injuries, you need to speak with Steven H. Heisler. Each case consultation is free, confidential, and carries absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for more information on pharmaceutical litigation and your pharmaceutical injury.
Maryland Patients Can Sue Drug Makers: Supreme Court Ruling
By injuheis on March 5, 2009
The Baltimore Sun reports in a story that a Supreme Court ruling upholds the right for patients to sue drug manufacturers.
According to the Sun, the Bush administration made a push in its final days to shield drug manufacturers from personal injury claims. The pro-manufacturer strategy claimed that FDA approval of a given drug removed the ability of juries to decide whether that drug had dangerous effects.
In its 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court disagreed with this argument and sent a clear message to consumers and drug manufacturers that product liability lawsuits and dangerous drug lawsuits are legitimate means of protecting the interests of consumers.
The case that brought this matter to the attention of the Supreme Court involved a Vermont musician, Diane Levine, who developed gangrene in one of her arms after an injection of an anti-nausea drug. Her case against pharmaceutical giant Wyeth resulted in a jury award of $6.7 million, which the drug manufacturer appealed on the grounds that the drug carried an FDA warning.
An experienced Maryland defective products and drugs attorney like Steven H. Heisler will protect your rights, work hard on your behalf, and help you navigate the legal course to justice. Mr. Heisler has been helping Maryland personal injury victims for many years and has the experience and resources to help you seek justice after a drug or defective product has caused you harm. For a free consultation with skilled Maryland pharmaceutical litigation lawyer Steven H. Heisler, call him today at 877-228-4878 to get the monetary compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss.