Newsletters
June 2012 Newsletter
October 2011 Newsletter
February 2011 Newsletter
Contaminated steroid injection drug made by compounding pharmacy may cause deadly meningitis
The lawyers at Proffitt & Cox law firm are offering a free consultation to people who may have been injured by using a contaminated steroid injection medication made by a compounding pharmacy.
Federal and state authorities are investigating a compounding pharmacy whose production of a contaminated steroid drug used in epidural steroid injections reportedly has caused eight deaths, dozens of illnesses, and exposed tens of thousands of people to a potentially deadly condition. There is a nationwide outbreak of a dangerous form of meningitis, known as fungal meningitis, caused by a contaminated drug made by New England Compounding, according the federal Centers for Disease Control.
Nearly 18,000 vials of the unsafe drug, which authorities believe was contaminated by a fungus during the manufacturing process, have been distributed nationwide. Patients in at least 23 states may have received the contaminated drug, including patients in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.
Patients who have received an epidural steroid injection in the spine or other area of the body during 2012 are urged to contact their physician to investigate whether they may have received the contaminated drug. Experts say it may take a month or more for meningitis to develop and symptoms to occur. Symptoms include fever and chills, disorientation or unclear thinking, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, severe headache, stiff neck or unusual posture. Persons experiencing such symptoms who have undergone a steroid injection in recent months should promptly seek medical care.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane or lining around the brain and spinal cord. The contaminated steroid drug may cause fungal meningitis, which is different and more dangerous than bacterial meningitis. The condition can lead to brain damage, subdural effusion (buildup of fluid between the skull and brain, hearing loss, hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid in the skull which may damage the brain), seizures and death.
Compounding pharmacies such as New England Compounding are not heavily regulated or overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, unlike large drug manufacturers. Instead compounding pharmacies are regulated mostly by states, even though some are large, industrial-sized facilities which make massive quantities of medications and distribute them nationwide. Critics say that such facilities should be regulated and controlled more like large drug makers and not like small, individual pharmacies that may compound drugs for individuals or small numbers of patients.
If you or a loved one believe you have received a steroid injection of a contaminated drug from a compounding pharmacy, contact the lawyers at Proffitt & Cox law firm for a free consultation on your legal rights. The attorneys at Proffitt & Cox law firm are experienced in representing persons who have been injured by the negligence and errors of compounding pharmacies and other medical providers.
Pain medication Darvon and Darvocet withdrawn from market
FDA says prescription drug prescribed to millions may cause serious or fatal heart rhythm abnormalities
Proffitt & Cox is reviewing cases for potential representation in which a person has suffered heart rhythm problems and serious adverse effects after taking the prescription painkillers Darvon, Darvocet or the generic equivalent, propoxyphene.
The manufacturer of the controversial prescription pain medication Darvon and Darvocet has agreed to withdraw the medication from the U.S. market, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced. Read the press release.
Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. makes the brand version of the medication propoxyphene. The FDA also has asked generic manufacturers of propoxyphene-containing products to voluntarily remove their products as well, based on Xanodyne's decision. The medical problems caused by Darvon and Darvocet are potentially serious or even fatal heart rhythm abnormalities, according to the FDA. The FDA has concluded, based on clinical and epidemiological data, that the risks of the medication outweigh the benefits.
If you or a loved one took Darvon or Darvocet pain medication, or a generic equivalent containing propoxyphene, and suffered abnormal heart rhythms or other serious adverse effects, contact the Darvocet lawyers at Proffitt & Cox, LLP, Attorneys at Law, by calling (803) 834-7097 in Columbia or toll free nationwide (877) 276-0533. You can also complete our contact form to schedule an initial consultation. We are conveniently located in the BB&T building at 8910 Two Notch Road, near I-77 and I-20 in Northeast Columbia. Read more about Darvon & Darvocet.
Current Issues Under Investigation
DePuy Orthopaedics ASRTM XL Acetabular Hip System and DePuy ASRTM Hip Resurfacing System
Proffitt & Cox lawyers are reviewing potential hip replacement lawsuits involving the DePuy Orthopaedics ASRTM XL Acetabular Hip System and DePuy ASRTM Hip Resurfacing System. DePuy in August 2010 announced a voluntary recall of these hip replacement systems. This recall means additional testing and monitoring may be necessary, according to DePuy. These systems first became available in July 2003. DePuy is a division of Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.
Studies show that five years after implantation, about 12% of patients (1 in 8) who had received the ASR resurfacing device and 13% of patients (1 in 8) who had received the ASR total hip replacement needed to have a revision surgery, according to DePuy. Side effects that have been linked to the ASR hip replacement devices include:
- Fractured hip bone resulting from implant failure
- Loosening of the implant
- Hip, thigh or groin pain
- Pain when walking, standing or carrying weighted objects
DePuy discontinued sales of these hip replacement systems in 2009 due to a decrease in demand and the emergence of new products, but the company is advising patients who have been implanted with an ASR device to visit their doctors for an evaluation and future monitoring.
If you experienced serious hip replacement side effects or required additional surgery after being implanted with a DePuy Orthopaedics ASR hip replacement system, you may have a potential hip replacement lawsuit. Contact the lawyers at Proffitt & Cox for a free consultation.
Read more from DePuy about the DePuy ASR Hip System recall.
Investigation into potentially dangerous disposable diaper materials
Complaints of severe diaper rash from Pampers "Dry Max" diapers, a thinner type of diaper, has produced a federal investigation into whether the diapers are causing chemical burns on babies. (See link below) If your baby has experienced any type of chemical rash or burns that you believe may have been caused by these diapers contact our office.
Feds Probe Pampers Diaper Rash Complaint- CBS News
FDA directs consumers to stop using Zicam cold remedy products; users report loss of sense of smell
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on June 16, 2009, advised consumers to stop using three products marketed over-the-counter as cold remedies because they are associated with the loss of sense of smell (anosmia). Anosmia may be long-lasting or permanent. The products are Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs (kids' size), a discontinued product. The FDA has received more than 130 reports of loss of sense of smell associated with the use of these three Zicam products. In these reports, many people who experienced a loss of smell said the condition occurred with the first dose; others reported a loss of the sense of smell after multiple uses of the products. Read the press release from the FDA here. If you have used one of these Zicam cold remedy products and believe you have been injured, contact the lawyers at Proffitt & Cox, LLP, for a free consultation and to discuss your legal rights.
Attorneys investigate claims for property damage and personal injury regarding defective Chinese dry wall.
Popular Mechanics, June 2, 2009
Supreme Court issues opinion in tax case
The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued an opinion in its original jurisdiction in which David Proffitt, along with other lawyers, represented several South Carolina school districts in a dispute with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The case involved the interpretation of statutes controlling the distribution of statewide sales tax proceeds to the school districts. The case is Berkeley County School District v. S.C. Department of Revenue, Op. No. 26682 (S.C. Sup. Ct. filed July 6, 2009). The Court ruled in favor of the school districts' position.
Publications
A lot of people are not sure whether they really need a will. Here is some information to consider. [Do you need a will?]
Drivers involved in an accident often have a lot of confusion about what they should do immediately afterward at the scene and how to deal with resolving any insurance or legal issues that come later. Here is some information that we hope will help. [What to Do If You Are in an Auto Accident]
