Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Over Januvia Cancer

By Jessica Tyner

The children of a California Januvia victim, Linda Blaylock, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in California. According to Robin Tasler, a daughter of the victim, her mother was given Januvia and Byetta to treat type-2 diabetes. Recent studies have linked these two popular diabetes drugs to pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer.

Blaylock died in April of 2011 of pancreatic cancer, a serious side effect of Januvia that many victims claim they were never adequately warned about. Like other Januvia cancer victims, Blaylock was on the drug for many years before her cancer diagnosis. Type-2 diabetes can’t be “cured,” so most people find a drug that seems to work and stick with it for the long haul. This can cause heartbreaking results, which Blaylock’s family learned too late.

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New Study: MRI Can Detect Early Hip Implant Problems

By Courtney Coren

A new study finds that metal-on-metal hip implants can cause inflammation of the joint and that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect the inflamed joint.

The study done by researches at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City will appear in the next issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Researchers found that an MRI can identify problems with metal-on-metal hip implants before the patients display any symptoms.

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Diner Worker Sues LIRR for Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma

By Jessica Tyner

Asbestos is a natural mineral used rampantly until the late 1970s in building construction -- but it comes with a deadly side effect. Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and deadly form of cancer that attacks organ linings. It’s almost always caused by asbestos exposure, and it’s often linked to construction workers and contractors who risked exposure every work day. However, those aren’t the only victims. The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) already lost an asbestos lawsuit back in 1999, but it looks like the battle isn’t over yet.

Years ago, three machinists sued LIRR for asbestos exposure and won a $16 million asbestos lawsuit settlement. They described the work conditions as “hellish” and that the managers didn’t care that workers were exposed daily to toxic chemicals. These men were machinists, regularly exposed to the underbelly of the LIRR -- but now, a man who worked in a completely different part of the system has stepped forward with mesothelioma.

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European Regulators May Join FDA in Minimizing Pradaxa Side Effects

By John Curran

Pradaxa internal bleeding side effects have not kept the prescription blood thinner from being a blockbuster medication for manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim. While it was originally approved to prevent blood clotting for people who had joint surgery, the federal Food and Drug Administration also has approved it for use in preventing issues for those with atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heartbeat. If the European equivalent of the FDA joins in, there could be significant consequences for patients.

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Judge Overturns $6.5M Award in First Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit

By Anne Bucher

On April 26, bladder cancer patient Jack Cooper was awarded $6.5 million in his drug injury lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Actos (pioglitazone). Less than a month later, a judge has overturned the verdict.

Cooper initially sued Takeda after developing bladder cancer from taking the type-2 diabetes drug Actos. Thousands of Actos bladder cancer lawsuits have been filed, but because Cooper’s cancer had metastasized, his case was expedited. Cooper’s case was the first of many Actos lawsuits to reach the trial stage. Cooper argued that Takeda had failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of developing Actos bladder cancer and continued marketing the product despite being aware of the health risk associated with Actos.

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Over 900 Dilantin Users Claim Stevens Johnson Syndrome

By Jessica Tyner

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is a serious skin reaction that’s been linked to the seizure medication Dilantin. While an allergic reaction may sound minor, victims of Dilantin SJS are proof that an allergy can be fatal. Thus far, 945 people who were prescribed Dilantin, a popular anticonvulsant, have claimed the drug caused them to suffer Stevens Johnson Syndrome. SJS is often misdiagnosed as the flu, and without proper treatment it can quickly worsen and become life-threatening.

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