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Attorneys across the country have been kept busy for some time with personal injury lawsuits concerning damage to shoulder joints blamed on the use of post-surgical pain medication pumps. Similar complaints are now surfacing from patients using pain pumps after knee surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally approved the use of pain pumps for recovery from abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy. A catheter is implanted at the surgical site, with a tube connected to the pump for delivery of a steady stream of pain killers for the first few days after surgery. The treatment has also been used on the muscle tissue surrounding shoulder and knee surgeries.

Pump Makers Accused of Promoting Unapproved Use

According to reports received by the FDA, problems arose when pain pump manufactures allegedly encouraged the use of the systems directly on shoulder joints, something for which they had not been approved. The result, according to lawsuits filed against makers of pain pumps and the pain killers they deliver, was chondrolysis, the erosion of the cartilage that provides a cushion between the bones of shoulder, knee, and other joints.

The FDA acknowledged that single injections of pain killers into joints after surgery have been used successfully for years, but said there was no research into the effect on joint cartilage of a steady stream of medication.

Loss of Cartilage Results in Extreme Pain

Without protective cartilage, the bones of the joints grind against each other, causing extreme pain. Cases reported to the FDA include some in which joint replacement surgery was required.

While all joints need cartilage, the knee is particularly vulnerable, since it bears so much weight. Damage to one knee can make walking extremely difficult; damage to both can result in confinement to a wheelchair.

If you or someone you know has suffered from chondrolysis after using a pain pump as part of your recovery from knee or shoulder surgery, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

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According to insurance carriers, if you've been in an auto accident, you should call them right away, so they can settle your claim quickly. But when you make that call, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. There are several reasons why an insurer may deny your claim.

Insurance is a business and insurance companies are out to make a profit. The less they pay out in claims, the bigger their profits. Many claims are denied because of mistakes by the policy holder, but don't expect your insurer to help you avoid them.

Inadequate coverage is a common cause of denied claims. Many people try to save on premiums by paying only for liability coverage, which does not cover repairs to the policy holder's car.

Late Payments May Cancel Coverage

If coverage has expired for lack of payment, a claim will be denied. Most companies have a grace period for late payments; after that, there is no coverage.

If someone else is driving your car when an accident happens and your policy doesn't cover that situation, your claim may be denied.

Excessive damage is that which exceeds the limits of your policy. Beyond that, you are responsible for repair costs. If your vehicle requires special repairs, take that into consideration when setting the repair limit of your policy.

New Car Requires New Coverage

If you buy a new car, be sure you know how long you have to add it to your policy. If you wait beyond the specified time and have an accident, you will have no coverage.

Never falsify information on a claim. You may think a little falsehood will save you some time and trouble, but it may only get you a denial, and the trouble of shopping for a new insurer.

If you've been in a traffic accident, call an experienced attorney before you call your insurance carrier. Having an attorney on your side from the start may help you get the settlement you deserve, especially if you have to go to court. Your attorney will also be glad to help you evaluate your needs when choosing your insurance coverage.

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Although promotional materials for the dietary supplement Hydroxycut® proclaim its formula includes all natural ingredients, the fine print lists one that is also a drug. That drug is caffeine, and it is subject to potentially significant interactions with other drugs.

Iovate Health Sciences, Inc., and subsidiary MuscleTech Research and Development, Inc., market Hydroxycut® as a weight loss aid. Two important factors in their weight loss are increased energy and decreased appetite. Both are achieved primarily through caffeine.

Interactions Not Listed on Product Label

Because Hydroxycut® is not a prescription drug, possible drug interactions are not listed in Iovate's promotional materials, though adverse side effects are a possibility.

Many drugs concentrate caffeine in the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of issues caused by a caffeine overdose, such as high blood pressure, an elevated heart rate or irregular heart rhythm, seizures, nervousness, insomnia, muscle twitches, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, and dizziness. Drugs in this category include the antacid Tagamet®, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Cipro® and Levaquin®.

Since antidepressants have stimulant properties, taking them in combination with Hydroxycut®, while it won't increase caffeine levels, can result in overstimulation, leading to some of the same symptoms as a caffeine overdose. An example is theophylline, sold under several brand names.

Hydroxycut® Products Recalled in 2009

Although not because of a clear connection to caffeine content, in May of 2009, Iovate recalled Hydroxycut® products, after hearing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that the agency had received reports of liver damage alleged to have been caused by the supplement A reformulated version was soon on the market, but it still relies exclusively on caffeine as the primary active ingredient.

If you or someone you know has taken Hydroxycut® and suffered liver damage or medical issues caused by drug interactions, contact an attorney experienced in product liability/personal injury cases. Your attorney will fight for your right to the compensation needed to put your life back on track.

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Patients who use the prescription gastrointestinal drug Reglan® (metoclopramide) for longer than 12 weeks are at risk of developing the neurological movement disorder tardive dyskinesia. The involuntary movements of the face, hands, arms, legs, and torso, as well as other symptoms, can linger even after patients stop taking Reglan®.

According to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning, the risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with high doses of Reglan®, or when it is taken for longer than the four to 12 weeks for which it was originally approved.

Plaintiffs Claim Makers' Warnings Inadequate

Plaintiffs in numerous lawsuits against Reglan® maker Schwarz Pharma, Inc., of Mequon, Wisc., claim the company was negligent in not doing enough to make medical professionals and their patients aware of the danger of taking the drug for more than 12 weeks.

Several companies that sell generic metoclopramide also face litigation. They include Pliva, Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc., Alpharma, Inc., UDL Laboratories, Inc.; Actavis Elizabeth, LLC, Purepac Pharmaceutical Company.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has also been named a defendant in legal action, based on its Reglan® sales before it sold the brand to Schwarz. Wyeth has since been acquired by Pfizer, Inc.

Reglan Used to Treat Cancer, Diabetes Patients

Reglan® is prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, as well as to promote gastric emptying in cancer patients and diabetics.

In addition to involuntary movements, tardive dyskinesia symptoms can include seizures, stiffness of the face and limbs, trouble staying still; fever, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeat, rapid breathing; depression, thoughts of suicide; hallucinations, and anxiety.

If you or someone you know has suffered from tardive dyskinesia after taking Reglan® or a generic version of metoclopramide, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. Tardive dyskinesia can seriously disrupt your life, and you may be eligible for financial compensation for loss of income, for expenses, and for pain and suffering.

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Drospirenone is a synthetic progestin used as an active ingredient in YAZ® and Yasmin® oral contraceptives. No other oral contraceptive uses this progestin, which has helped single out Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as the defendant in numerous product liability lawsuits.

Most oral contraceptives contain two hormones as their active ingredients: a progestin, which is a synthetic progesterone, and estrogen. Some progestins used include desogestrel, etonogestrel, levonorgestrel, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone, norethynodrel, norgestimate, and norgestrel.

Yasmin® Was Predecessor to YAZ®

Yasmin® was developed by Berlex Laboratories as the first oral contraceptive to use drospirenone. After acquiring Berlex, Bayer introduced YAZ® into the U.S. market. YAZ® contains the same amount of drospirenone as Yasmin®, but a third less estrogen, as ethinyl estradiol.

Bayer's original YAZ® advertising promoted the product not only for oral contraception, but as an aid in reducing acne and premenstrual symptoms. Those claims have never been made for Yasmin®.

Product liability/personal injury lawsuits against Bayer claim that YAZ® and Yasmin® are more likely to cause dangerous blood clots than oral contraceptives using other progestins, because drospirenone can cause elevated potassium levels in the blood, leading to abnormal heart rhythm, which can cause the clots. Heart attacks, strokes, and pulmonary embolisms can be caused by this type of blood clot.

Bayer Accused of Misleading Women into Extra Risk

Plaintiffs claim Bayer engaged in false and misleading advertising by greatly exaggerating claims that YAZ®, in addition to its contraceptive application, could reduce acne and premenstrual symptoms, thereby encouraging more women to use a more dangerous product. If you or someone you know has suffered injury or lost a loved one due as a result of blood clots while taking the oral contraceptives YAZ® or Yasmin®, contact an experienced personal injury/wrongful death attorney. The evidence against the progestin drospirenone is strong, and only these Bayer products use it. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for medical treatment, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

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For the second time in its history, the dietary supplement Hydroxycut®, marketed for use as a weight loss aid, is back on store shelves after being reformulated in response to consumer concerns and the intervention of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Hydroxycut® brand was introduced in 2002 by MuscleTech Research and Development, Inc., a Canadian company specializing in supplements marketed to bodybuilders. The product, said to be made entirely of natural ingredients, promised to increase energy and decrease appetite. The primary active ingredients used to achieve those goals were ephedra and caffeine.

FDA Banned Hydroxycut® Ingredient Ephedra in 2004

Although ephedra is obtained from plant sources and has been used since ancient times, it can greatly increase heart rate and blood pressure and cause other side effects, such as anxiety, headaches and dizziness, and stomach irritation. Because of these concerns, the FDA banned ephedra from dietary supplements in 2004.

Not willing to abandon the successful Hydroxycut® brand, MuscleTech parent company Iovate Health Sciences, Inc., reformulated the product line, this time depending entirely on caffeine to attain the desired increased energy and decreased appetite.

Reformulated Hydroxycut® Blamed for Liver Damage

When Iovate next heard from the FDA, the agency had received complaints from consumers claiming to have suffered liver damage, ranging from mild to severe, blamed on taking Hydroxycut®. In May of last year, Iovate recalled outstanding stocks and again reformulated the brand.

Iovate wasted little time in getting new formulations of Hydroxycut® onto the market. The Iovate Web site still portrays it as an aid to becoming trim and fit; the MuscleTech site spins an added body-building benefit.

If you or someone you know has suffered liver damage or medical problems related to high blood pressure or elevated heart rate after taking Hydroxycut®, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. You may be able to receive financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and other expenses related to your case.

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Taking the Parkinson's disease medication Mirapex® with certain other medications or with alcohol can result in potentially serious drug interactions. Most likely is an increased chance of Mirapex® side effects, some of which are currently the subject of numerous personal injury lawsuits.

Mirapex® (pramipexole dihydrochloride) is prescribed to treat symptoms such as involuntary tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. It is also used to treat leg tremors in restless leg syndrome patients.

Several Drugs Increase Risk of Mirapex® Side Effects

Drugs that may increase the risk of Mirapex® side effects when taken with Mirapex® include the antacids Zantac® and Tagamet®, the cardiovascular medications verapamil, quinidine, and diltiazem, the prescription diuretic triamterene, and quinine, once commonly used to treat nocturnal leg cramps.

According to lawsuits filed against Mirapex® maker Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an especially dangerous side effect of the drug is spontaneously falling asleep, which can occur while performing critical tasks, including driving. Consuming alcohol while taking Mirapex® can increase this risk.

Other plaintiffs have blamed Mirapex® for causing compulsive gambling, shopping, and eating, as well as increased sexual urges. One plaintiff was awarded damages in a compulsive gambling suit.

Reduced Mirapex® Effectiveness and Levodopa Side Effects Also Concerns

Taking antipsychotics or the gastrointestinal medication Reglan® with Mirapex® can reduce the effectiveness of Mirapex®.

PD patients who are taking medications that contain levodopa are advised to asked a doctor about cutting back on them when taking Mirapex®, since the latter increases the concentration of the former in the bloodstream, thus increasing the risk of levodopa side effects, such as congestive allergic reactions, seizures; irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; unusual changes in mood or behavior; depression or suicidal thoughts.

If you or someone you know has suffered medical problems due to Mirapex® drug interactions, including dangerous Mirapex® side effects, contact an attorney experienced in product liability/personal injury law. Your attorney will fight to get you the financial compensation you deserve to help deal with medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

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Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are subject to drug interactions with some other medications and with minerals found in some antacids and food supplements. One possible result is an increased risk of side effects, including tendon damage, the subject of numerous personal injury lawsuits against the makers of the fluoroquinolone Levaquin®.

First used to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract, fluoroquinolones are now also used to treat respiratory bacterial infections. Some health experts recommend their use only if other antibacterial drugs prove ineffective, due to the risk of adverse fluoroquinolone side effects.

Simple Pain Relievers May Increase Side Effect Risk

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are commonly used over-the-counter medications that can increase the risk of fluoroquinolone side effects. Prescription drugs that pose a similar drug interaction risk are theophyllines, used to treat asthma and other respiratory diseases, and corticosteroids.

Plaintiffs in lawsuits against Levaquin® maker Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., claim damage to tendon tissue, including tendinitis and torn Achilles tendons, is a side effect of taking the drug. Ortho's label warnings note that the risk of tendon damage is greater for patients over 60, those taking corticosteroid drugs, and those who have had kidney, heart, or lung transplants.

Levaquin Label Lists Other Possible Side Effects

Label warnings also include reports of liver damage and convulsions in patients taking fluoroquinolones, including Levaquin®. Other possible side effects include nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and trouble sleeping.

The effectiveness of fluoroquinolone in fighting bacterial infection can be reduced by taking it in combination with antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or with products containing calcium, iron, or zinc, including over-the-counter dietary supplements.

If you or someone you know has suffered a torn tendon, tendinitis, liver damage, convulsions, or other medical problems after taking fluoroquinolone antibacterial medication, including Levaquin®, contact an attorney experienced in product liability/personal injury cases. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help you with your medical bills, loss of income, and other related expenses.

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Personal injury lawsuits pending against the current makers of the nutritional supplement Hydroxycut are part of a troubled legal history for the product, marketed as a weight loss aid. In 2003, a previous owner of the product line was sued by the state of Missouri for false advertising.

MuscleTech Research and Development, Inc., owned the Hydroxycut line when Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon charged false advertising in a Hydroxycut lawsuit filed in St. Louis in 2003. Nixon's suit alleged that MuscleTech's claims that Hydroxycut was "clinically proven" and a "fat burner" were false. He also accused the company of using a "before" photo of a woman whose figure had not recovered from a recent pregnancy.

Missouri Lawsuit Included Concerns about Ephedra

Nixon also objected to the fact that Hydroxycut labeling included no warnings about the potential side effects of ephedra, since banned from over-the-counter use in diet products by the FDA. At the time, ephedra was the principle active ingredient for increasing energy and reducing appetite, a function left to huge amounts of caffeine in the current version.

Iovative Health Sciences, Inc. now owns the Hydroxycut line, and is defending itself against charges that the product formulation it recalled last year, under pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was the cause of numerous health problems for uses. The most serious issues reported to the FDA were cases of liver damage, ranging from mild to fatal. Other symptoms were typical for caffeine overdose, including headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

If you or someone you know suffered liver damage or other health issues after taking Hydroxycut, contact an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help you deal with medical and other expenses, for loss of income, and for pain and suffering.

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Label warnings for the oral contraceptives YAZ® and Yasmin® include the possibility of adverse drug interactions, in addition to the possible direct side effects, primarily dangerous blood clots, that are the subject of numerous personal injury lawsuits. The two main drug interaction concerns are reduced contraceptive action and elevated potassium levels.

YAZ® is a newer variant of Yasmin®. Both are products of Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals. The company currently promotes only YAZ® in the United States, although litigation against Bayer includes both products.

Range of Drugs Threatens Reduced Contraception

The drugs that, when taken in combination with YAZ®/Yasmin®, reduce the contraceptive's effectiveness include barbiturates, certain seizure medications, the antibiotics Rifadin® (rifampin) and Minocin® (minocycline), protease inhibitors used to treat or prevent infection by HIV, hepatitis C, and other viruses; Provigil® (modafinil), used to treat narcolepsy, and the herbal supplement St. John's wort.

Elevated levels of potassium can cause hyperkalemia, a condition that can lead to a disruption of normal heart rhythm, possibly resulting in cardiac arrest. Drugs that may elevate potassium levels when taken in combination with YAZ®/Yasmin® include nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen; potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics; and the blood thinner heparin.

Contraceptive May Increase Side Effects of Other Drugs

YAZ®/Yasmin® can also increase the likelihood of side effects associated with certain other drugs, when taken in combination with those drugs. These include cyclosporine, selegiline, all sold under various brand names.

There are several other possible drug interactions with YAZ®/Yasmin®. The safest course of action is to consult a physician or pharmacist for specific details.

If you or someone you know has suffered adverse drug interaction associated with YAZ®, such as heart issues related to hyperkalemia, other problems associated with elevated potassium levels, or injury or death caused by blood clots, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and other expenses that can threaten your financial future.

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Fentanyl and morphine are both opioid pain killers that work on the central nervous system. Morphine originated from the opium poppy; fentanyl was created in the laboratory. Fentanyl is often prescribed for severe pain when patients develop a tolerance for morphine or other opioids.

Morphine is prescribed for patients who require strong relief from severe pain for more than a few days. It can become addictive. Exactly how morphine works is not known. Patients are still aware of pain, but the drug increases tolerance and decreases discomfort.

Fentanyl is 100 Times Stronger than Morphine

When pain exceeds the ability of morphine to control it, fentanyl, which is 100 times stronger, is often the next step up in relief, especially for cancer patients. Because of its strength, fentanyl presents a much greater potential for addiction than does morphine.

Both morphine and fentanyl can cause respiratory depression, by reducing the responsiveness of the part of the brain that controls autonomic breathing functions. Again, because of its strength, fentanyl poses a greater risk potential.

Originally created for intravenous use, fentanyl is now available in other forms, including a transdermal patch branded as Duragesic® that has been the subject of numerous personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. The patch is designed for continuous extended use, for up to a few days. Because of this ability, the Duragesic® patch has been used for other than cancer patients.

Lawsuits Filed over Misapplication and Leakage

Many personal injury lawsuits concerning Duragesic® have alleged inappropriate or improper use under medical supervision, leading to withdrawal symptoms or addiction. In some cases, dosages were alleged to be high enough to cause wrongful death due to respiratory depression, either through a prescribed accidental overdose or because a Duragesic® patch leaked

If you have suffered withdrawal or addiction or lost a loved one because of a Duragesic® patch or other form of fentanyl, contact an experienced attorney familiar with product liability, personal injury, and wrongful death litigation. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation to help you deal with your expenses and with your pain and suffering.

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The Accufuser Plus disposable post-operative pain control pump is designed to deliver a steady stream of prescription liquid anesthetic directly to the site of surgery, in order to relieve pain in the first few days after a surgical procedure. It is one of several similar devices that are the subject of numerous personal injury lawsuits claiming permanent damage to shoulder joint cartilage.

According to manufacturer Moog, Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y., use of the Accufuser pain pump is easy, effectively manages pain, increases recovery time, and lowers postsurgical costs. The device delivers anesthetic pain killers through a catheter, which is inserted at the surgical site as the procedure is completed.

Advanced Model Allows Patient to Get Extra Doses

The Accufuser is meant to be used for up to five days after surgery, according to Moog's Web site. It can be used to deliver up to 10 milliliters of pain killer per hour, and allows the patient to self-administer extra doses. The company claims use of the device requires less medication than other delivery methods.

Plaintiffs in lawsuits against Moog claim the steady stream of pain killer delivered by the Accufuser has deteriorated joint cartilage, in some cases requiring joint replacement surgery. They claim Moog was negligent in promoting the device for use after shoulder surgery.

After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports of possible shoulder joint damage, the agency ordered Moog and other makers of pain pumps to warn of the possible dangers of the steady stream of pain killer to cartilage tissue.

FDA Says Joint Use Not Covered By Approval

The FDA pointed out that it had approved pain pumps only for use after abdominal surgery, such as hysterectomies, and that, while pain killers had been used safely for years as single injections to joint cartilage, the steady stream application had not been well researched.

If you or someone you know has suffered irreversibly damage to joint cartilage after using the Moog Accufuser or another pain pump, contact an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation for medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

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Toyota has recalled an additional 437,000 vehicles worldwide due to potentially faulty anti-lock braking systems and power steering problems. The 2010 Prius and Lexus hybrids are among the cars affected by the most recent Toyota recall.

Since October, a total of 8.4 million vehicles have been recalled due to floor mats, which were said to trap the gas pedal; accelerator problems, which may cause the gas pedal to stick; anti-lock braking glitches, a software problem that could cause the brakes to briefly malfunction; and the power steering hose, which may affect brake tubes.

However, some consumers and safety groups believe the Toyota vehicles' electronic throttle control systems are faulty. There was a significant increase in the number of complaints about uncontrolled acceleration in Toyota cars from model years 2002 to 2007. During this time, the car company increased its use of electronic throttle control systems.

NHTSA Notified of Dangers

Many consumers now question whether the automaker and the National Transportation Safety Administration responded quickly enough to protect the public. In addition to thousands of complaints filed by Toyota drivers, State Farm Insurance representatives say that in 2007 the company informed the NHTSA of a possible tendency for Toyota and Lexus models to accelerate suddenly.

If you or someone you know has been injured by acceleration problems associated with a Toyota or Lexus vehicle, it is important to contact a product liability/personal injury attorney right away. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or loss of income.

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The diabetes drug Avandia®, the subject of numerous lawsuits concerning its possible link to heart problems, may also cause vision loss from macular edema, a condition in which fluid buildup behind the retina causes it to swell. Patients have reported new cases and worsening of existing cases.

Macular edema is the result of blood and protein leaking from blood vessels in the macula, the central portion of the retina. The fluid behind the retina has nowhere to go, so it pushes the retina forward from the back of the eye, causing distorted vision due to dislocation of the focal point.

Patients Report Symptoms after Taking Avandia®

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), diabetes patients have reported to GlaxoSmithKlein (GSK), makers of Avandia® (rosiglitazone maleate), worsening of pre-existing macular edema and development of new cases. Most patients concurrently suffered from peripheral edema, swelling beyond the center of the retina, leading a reduction of peripheral vision. Some instances have been resolved by stopping the medication, which is used to control blood sugar levels.

Avandia® has been blamed for causing heart attack, heart failure, angina, and other heart-related health issues. The FDA has ordered GSK to print product label warnings that patients with a history of some heart conditions should not be started on the drug. Indications are that Avandia® may cause weakening of the muscles of the heart wall.

Other Possible Side Effects Listed On Label

Other possible side effects listed in label warnings include swelling of the legs and ankles, anemia, and hypoglycemia. Women are advised that taking Avandia® may expose them to an increased risk of pregnancy and bone fractures.

If you or someone you know has suffered irreversible vision loss due to macular or peripheral edema, heart problems, or other health issues after taking Avandia®, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help you deal with medical bills, loss of income, and other related expenses.

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Men and women who served in the U.S. military are much more likely than the general population to suffer from mesothelioma due on asbestos exposure. For years, asbestos was an important material in military building and ships.

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer of the linings of internal organs, nearly always caused by inhaling asbestos into the lungs, through which it spreads through the bloodstream. The disease is especially dangerous to the area around the lungs, but can also damage the heart and affect the abdominal lining.

Older Navy Ships Were Full of Asbestos

Before it was known to pose serious health risks, asbestos was used in construction for its insulating quality and because it is fireproof. This was especially the case on U.S. Navy ships, where it was used heavily from the 1930s to the early 1970s to insulate steam pipes throughout the ship and to turn bulkheads (walls) into fire barriers.

Most ships built with asbestos have been retired, but, for the veterans who served on them, the damage is done. Mesothelioma can take years to manifest itself. Medical science is working on a cure and on means of detecting it earlier. For now, doctors can only try to extend the lives of victims and make them more comfortable.

Many Military Buildings May Still Pose Threat

Navy veterans are not alone in developing mesothelioma. Buildings used by all branches of the military constructed with asbestos as an insulating and fireproofing material. Many of these are still standing, posing a continued threat to today's military personnel.

If you are a military veteran with mesothelioma, your life has been, and will continue to be, severely impacted. Medical bills can strain your finances. You may have to provide for your family's future without you. An experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve to get treatment and take care of your family. Contact an attorney today.

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Glenmark Generics, Inc., USA, has received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market pramipexole dihydrochloride, a generic drug used to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). The name brand version is Mirapex®, sold by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Pramipexole dihydrochloride is a dopamine agonist, used to reduce involuntary muscle movements suffered by PD and restless leg syndrome patients because their brains produce insufficient levels of natural dopamine. The hormone's function is to facilitate communications in the brain's muscle control center.

Final Approval is Strictly Business

Tentative approval means that Glenmark has demonstrated to the FDA that the product is equivalent to versions already approved and is safe for patient use. Final approval comes when patents on the name brand expire or when the maker of the name brand grants permission to market the generic.

When Glenmark releases its version of pramipexole dihydrochloride, it runs the risk of eventually joining Boehringer Ingelheim in court.

Plaintiffs in numerous product liability/personal injury lawsuits claim Mirapex® causes episodes of spontaneous sleeping. The episodes are often compared to narcolepsy, but are not related, except for the outcome. Narcolepsy has not been fully explained, but is known to be a neurological disorder, possibly inherited and triggered by a virus.

Sleeping Episodes Potentially Dangerous

The unpredictable spontaneous sleeping episodes may occur while the patient is driving or performing other tasks. Other possible side effects the FDA requires to be listed in Mirapex® label warnings include nausea, dizziness, involuntary movement, and constipation. Two seemingly contradictory side effects also listed are sleepiness and difficulty falling asleep.

If you have experienced episodes of spontaneous sleep or other side effects while taking Mirapex® or a generic version of pramipexole dihydrochloride, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney. The consequences of spontaneous sleep can be very dangerous. You may be eligible for financial compensation to help you deal with medical costs, loss of income, and personal liability.

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Elderly patients, especially elderly women, taking the prescription drug Reglan® (metoclopramide) run a higher than average risk of developing the neurological syndrome tardive dyskinesia (TD), according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug is the subject of numerous defective products/personal injury lawsuits filed in several jurisdictions.

Reglan® is commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and to treat nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients. It was originally tested and approved for short-term use, usually no more than 12 weeks.

FDA Calls for Improved Package Warnings

Last year, the FDA called for revised warning labels for Reglan®, to better emphasize to patients and health professionals the risk of TD developing in those taking Reglan® and other metoclopramide products. The warning says that, while TD often goes away after medication is stopped, it can be irreversible in some patients.

TD can cause involuntary movements, including grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, and rapid eye blinking, rapid movements of the arms, legs, and trunk, and involuntary movements of the fingers. The syndrome was first recognized in the early 1960s; It is nearly always caused by taking certain medications, including Reglan®.

Drug Makers Faulted for Insufficient Efforts

Plaintiffs in Reglan® lawsuits claim that its maker, Schwarz Pharma, Inc., of Mequon, Wisc., was negligent in not doing enough to let health professionals know of the danger of TD when taking the drug for more than the recommend maximum of 12 weeks.

Metoclopramide has also been sold under other brand names. The Web site Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base, hosted at Stanford University and funded by the National Institutes of Health, lists nearly 50 current or former brand names.

If you developed tardive dyskinesia or any other health problem after taking Reglan® or any metoclopramide product, you need to contact an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney right away. TD can cause a serious disruption of your life, making it difficult to earn a living and have a normal social life. You may be entitled to financial compensation, especially if there is a chance that your TD is irreversible.

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In the U.S., Reglan® is the most widely known brand name for the drug known generically as metoclopramide, the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging the medication may cause tardive dyskinesia, a life-changing neurological disorder. Concerned consumers should be aware that metoclopramide is also produced under other brand names.

Those affected by tardive dyskinesia suffer from involuntary motions, such as grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, puckering and pursing, rapid eye blinking, and rapid movements of the arms, legs, and torso.

Length of Treatment Is Issue in Lawsuits

Metoclopramide is prescribed for a number of gastrointestinal issues, including some that result from cancer patients' chemotherapy treatments. Plaintiffs accuse manufacturers of not doing enough to let doctors and patients know the potential danger of taking metoclopramide for longer than the four to 12 weeks for which it is recommended.

The defendant in the majority of metoclopramide lawsuits is Schwarz Pharma, Inc., of Mequon, Wisc., which markets the drug as Reglan®. The company is a subsidiary of Schwarz Pharma AG of Germany, itself part of UCB of Belgium.

Stanford Web Site Lists Other Brand Names

A long list of other brand names under which metoclopramide is or has been sold is at Stanford University's Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base. In alphabetical order, the names are:

Apo-Metoclop, Cerucal, Clopra, Clopra-Yellow, Clopromate, DEL, Duraclamid, Elieten, Emetid, Emitasol, Emperal, Eucil, Gastrese, Gastro-Timelets, Gastrobid, Gastromax, Gastronerton, Gastrosil, Gastrotablinen, Gastrotem, Imperan, Maxeran, Maxolon, Meclopran, Metamide, Metoclol, Metoclopramide Intensol, Metoclopramide Omega, Metocobil, Metramid, Moriperan, Mygdalon, Neu-Sensamide, Nu-Metoclopramide, Octamide, Parmid, Paspertin, Peraprin, Plasil, Pms-Metoclopramide, Pramidin, Pramiel, Pramin, Primperan, Reclomide, Reglan, Reliveran, and Terperan

A few other brand names not in the list can be found with a simple Internet search of "metoclopramide."

If you or someone you know has developed tardive dyskinesia or any other health issue after taking metoclopramide under any name, you need to contact an experienced defective products/personal injury attorney right away. You may be entitled to financial compensation to help you deal with the consequences of misapplication of this powerful drug.

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Attorneys in product liability/personal injury lawsuits against makers of shoulder pain pumps were frustrated in a second attempt to have their cases consolidated in federal court. Their petition was rejected last summer and did not receive a decision in time for this month's hearing session of the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

The attorneys claim the lack of cooperation from pain pump manufacturers made consolidation under multidistrict litigation (MDL) procedures their only option. They requested consolidation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Plaintiffs allege that pain pumps, designed to deliver a steady stream of prescription anesthetic directly to the site of surgery during recovery, caused chondrolysis, crippling destruction of shoulder cartilage. They say manufacturers were negligent for promoting pain pumps for an improper application.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, pain pumps were never approved for use on joints, but were intended for pain relief after abdominal surgery, such as a hysterectomy. After receiving reports of shoulder cartilage damage, the FDA ordered pain pump makers to warn doctors and patients of the risk of chondrolysis.

The anesthetics used in pain pumps have been used successfully for years in single injections to shoulder joints, but proper testing was not conducted to determine the effects of a steady stream on joint cartilage.

Last summer's rejection of consolidation was based on the JPML's opinion that not all pain pumps or pump makers had been identified. The panel suggested attorneys find other means to reduce duplication of efforts in pretrial discovery and minimize the incidence of inconsistent pretrial rulings in cases heard in multiple jurisdictions.

If you or someone you know has suffered shoulder cartilage damage after using a pain pump, contact an experienced product liability/personal injury attorney right away. Medical bills and loss of income can devastate your finances. You need someone on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Identifying Chinese drywall in a house was a destructive and expensive job, until a Florida man put a dog to work sniffing it out. Shadow the German shepherd is saving homeowners time, money, and a big mess.

Since dogs have already been trained to sniff out drugs and explosives, Anthony Gimenez of Professional Building Inspectors in Manatee County, southeast of Tampa, thought they could be used to recognize the smell of toxic fumes said to be emitted by Chinese drywall. In partnership with Von Asgard K9 Center of Myakka City, Gimenez formed K9 Detection Service.

Chinese Drywall Fumes Blamed for Damage, Illness

In hundreds of product liability lawsuits, Chinese drywall has been blamed for damage to homes and health across the country, but especially in Florida and other southeastern states where it was used not only to fuel the housing boom of the last decade, but also to rebuild after two hurricanes.

The fumes said to be emitted by Chinese drywall are blamed for corrosion of air conditioning coils, wiring, plumbing, and household items, including jewelry. Numerous health problems have also been reported, mostly respiratory in nature.

Until Shadow was on the job, the best way to identify suspected Chinese drywall was to tear some out and look for manufacturers' markings on the back of the wallboard.

Dog Easily Finds Imported Wallboard

After training, Shadow's abilities were tested on a house known to contain Chinese drywall. The dog correctly located the imported building material. Trainer Jeremiah Comes said the easiest place for the dog is in the cutout for an electrical outlet, because the core of the wallboard is left exposed.

If you have suffered damage to your home or to your health and suspect that Chinese drywall is the culprit, it's time to contact an experienced product liability attorney. It you can't hire Shadow or one of his friends, and you don't want to start demolishing your home, your attorney will fight to get documentation from your homebuilder to show what's in your walls.

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