August, 2011Reclast (zoledronic acid): Drug Safety Communication – New Contraindication and Updated Warning on Kidney Impairment

Audience: Endocrinology, Pharmacy, Patient ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients of an update to the drug label for Reclast (zoledronic acid) regarding the risk of kidney failure. Cases of acute renal failure requiring dialysis…

Saphris (asenapine maleate): Drug Safety Communication: Serious Allergic Reactions

Audience: Psychiatry, Patients [Posted 09/01/2011]

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that serious allergic reactions have been reported with the use of Saphris (asenapine maleate). The Contraindications, Warnings and…

FDA Warns of Celexa Risks

Antidepressant Celexa could pose a risk of fatal heart complications, FDA officials are warning doctors. The health regulators are currently advising doctors not to prescribe high doses of the drug. The drug can interfere with the heart’s electrical activity at doses above 40 milligrams, according to an online posting by the FDA. The label for Celexa previously stated that some patients should receive 60 milligrams, but the FDA has changed that language to reflect more current advice. The updated Celexa …

LexisNexis® Legal News Podcast for Aug 31, 2011

The Texas Supreme Court vacates a $7.7 million Vioxx verdict finding that the state’s scientific reliability standard was not met, and, the 1st Circuit reinstates a man’s harassment claims against Wal-Mart. Hear these and other stories from LexisNexis…

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Petzl America Recalls Belay Devices Due to Fall Hazard

Excessive force on the handle can cause it to become stuck in the open position. When stuck open, the assisted braking function is disabled, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Pacific Cycle Recalls Swing Sets Due to Fall Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Toys R Us

The sling-style swing seats can crack or split prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

LexisNexis® Legal News Podcast for Aug 30, 2011

An environmental group says dispersants used in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are toxic and carcinogenic, and, an insurance policy’s intellectual property rights exclusion bars coverage for a model’s misappropriation of likeness claims against a marketi…

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New Safety Warning Issued for Tainted Wipe-Maker

Povidone iodine swab sticks, prep solutions, scrubs and gels manufactured by H&P Industries of Hartland, Wis., could pose an infection risk to surgery patients and others having surgical procedures, Food and Drug Administration officials warned Friday. H&P Industries this week recalled all lots of the povidone iodine products. Although no direct contamination was found, the FDA was concerned about the lack of a system to detect microbial contamination when the products went on the market. This is the latest massive …

LexisNexis® Legal News Podcast for Aug 29, 2011

A Mississippi judge says a tobacco company must pay the state at least $8.1 million, and, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility says it distributed $5 billion in its first year. Hear these and other stories from LexisNexis® Mealey’sâ„¢ Publications. Copyri…

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CPSC and USFA Warn About Deadly Dangers That Can Linger After Hurricane Irene Passes

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are warning residents in hurricane-impacted areas about the deadly dangers that can remain even after Hurricane Irene strikes.