A drug touted as an effective treatment of epilepsy has been shown to cause birth defects or fetal death in cases where mothers were taking the drug during pregnancy. The birth defects include malformed hearts and genitals, cleft palate, and artery deformities among children born to women taking Depakote. The rate of serious adverse outcomes for the other anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) tested was 10.7% for Dilantin (phenytoin), 8.2% for Tegretol (carbamazepine), and 1% for Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Computer Battery Fires and Consumer Safety
In the midst of the latest terror threat, a little known safety problem has taken front and center. In a story published in the Wall St. Journal, Dell Inc. has recalled 4 million of its computers due to safety issues with notebook computer batteries that overheat and cause fires. Dell has received six reports from consumers about batteries overheating, resulting in property damage to furniture among other things, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. No injuries were reported.
Boston Scientific Assumes Burden from Guidant
According to a recently published article in the Wall St. Journal, Boston Scientific now faces approximately 550 lawsuits regarding problems with its implantable heart defibrillators. According to the article, about 72 product-liability class-action suits and about 477 individual suits are pending in various state and federal courts against Guidant, Boston Scientific said in its quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Taser Settles Lawsuits
In a significant reversal of its previous public stance, Taser International, Inc. has decided to settle the lawsuits against it for $20 million. The settlements would eliminate cases pending before the US District Court in Arizona and the Delaware Chancery Court. The settlement would also mean that the company would be able to escape any presumption or admission of wrongdoing. The lawsuits began piling up after use of the stun gun resulted in many deaths.
Taser Gunned Down
Stun gun maker Taser International Inc. has agreed to pay $20 million dollars to settle lawsuits against its products. After initially stating that it would fight the lawsuits to the bitter end, the company now says it’s best to settle the cases and move on. The lawsuits have claimed that the company overstated the safety of the stun gun.
Taser Will Settle Lawsuits
After initially fighting each individual lawsuit, Taser International has decided to settle claims against the company for a reported $20 million. The company also agreed to appoint a lead independent director as part of the settlement.
Anesthesia Administration a Risky Proposition for Patients
In today’s Wall St. Journal,, there’s a disturbing article about the administration of anesthesia by those who are not properly trained. This lack of training significantly increases the risks of respiratory complications, cardiac arrest, brain damage and even death. According to the article which cites a University HealthSystem Consortium study, “there may be a potentially 1,690 incidents a year nationwide related to sedation-ranging from an overdose of drugs to a procedure that is started before a patient is adequately sedated.”
Medical Malpractice 101
There was an excellent editorial published in the Palm Beach Postyesterday. The editorial sharply criticizes the docility and unwillingness to monitor Florida doctors. The editorial cites Boynton Beach Dr. Mark Schreiber who was cited by state investigators 3 1/2 years ago yet continues to practice medicine. If public safety is paramount, the Board will start doing its job and discipline wayward doctors.
Ford Truck Fire Danger
Last fall, Ford Motor Co. recalled 3.8 million of its vehicles due to faulty parts. Now, the auto manufacturer has announced that it will have to recall an additional 1.2 million trucks, vans, and SUVs. This is the largest auto recall in the industry’s history and is sure to effect consumer confidence in the popular Ford trucks such as the Ford F-150, F-250, and F-350 models.
Another Ford Truck Recall
In the largest vehicle in history, Ford has announced that it will be forced to recall 1.2 million of its trucks, SUVs, and vans due to a faulty speed deactivation switch. The models affected include: 1994-2002 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550, 2000-02 Ford Excursion SUVs, 1994-96 Econoline vans and Mountaineers. This latest recall comes in the wake of mounting troubles for the US automaker.