Permax

On March 29, 2007, the FDA announced that manufacturers of pergolide drug products, which are used to treat Parkinson’s disease, will voluntarily remove these drugs from the market because of the risk of serious damage to patients’ heart valves. The products being withdrawn are Permax, the trade name for pergolide marketed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and two generic versions of pergolide manufactured by Par and Teva. Pergolide is in a class of medications called dopamine agonists and is used with levodopa and carbidopa to manage the symptoms (tremors and slowness of movement) of Parkinson’s disease.

Recent studies show that Permax and associated drugs increase the risk of valvular regurgitation. Valvular regurgitation is a condition where the valves malfunction and blood flows backwards causing the heart to enlarge and work harder. If left untreated, a patient can develop congestive heart failure and die. If the disease progresses enough, a patient can undergo surgery to replace or repair their heart valves.

If you or your loved ones took Permax or related drugs and had heart complications and or heart surgery, please call LT Pepper Law at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation.

Pain Pumps

Many people have shoulder injuries which require surgery. In some instances, physicians prescribed and implant what is called a "Pain Pump". The pain pump is designed to manage the pain associated with shoulder surgery. When implanted properly, a pain pump can manage a patient's pain effectively.

When the pain pump is installed improperly, serious problems can develop. When a pain pump is implanted where the medication is released in the shoulder joint, it is toxic to the cartilage. This can cause a condition known as Postarthroscopic Glenohumeral Chrondrolysis. This conditions causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint and limits the range of motion. Some patients require surgery to replace the shoulder joint damaged by the pain pump.

If you, friend or family member have had a pain pump and damage to your shoulder, please call Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation.

Raptiva

On April 8, 2009, Genentech announced the withdrawal of Raptiva. Raptiva is used to treat psoriasis, a skin disorder. Raptiva is being withdrawn because patients develop the risk of contracting Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare and serious brain disorder. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare and usually fatal viral disease that is characterized by progressive damage or inflammation to the white matter of the brain. The disease is rare and usually linked to patients with compromised immune systems due to transplants or other viral diseases.

LT Pepper Law is investigating potential cases related to Raptiva exposure. If you or a loved one has been treated with Raptiva, please consult your physican immediately. If you believe that you or a loved one were injured, please contact Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation.

Heparin

Heparin, manufactured by Baxter International, Inc., is an anti-coagulant often used during surgical or invasive procedures to thin blood and preventing blood clots.

The number of allergic reactions to Heparin have increased dramatically. Adverse reactions include hypertension, chest pain, vomiting, shortness of breathe, fainting, nausea, and increased heart rate. There is evidence that these adverse reactions were due to contaiminated lots of Heparin.

If you or a loved one believe you were injured by exposure to Heparin, please call Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation.

Defective Chinese Drywall

In 2005, the import of Chinese Dry wall increased dramatically due to a result of drywall shortage driven by the housing boom and hurricane Katrina. Tests of Chinese drywall has shown certain gases are emitted which corrode electrical and plumbing components made of copper. Residents of home where Chinese drywall was used reportedly suffer from heath issues including rashes, sore throats, nasal and respiratory irritation, unexplained headaches and asthma. Thousands of homes may have used the contaminated drywall.

LT Pepper Law is investigating claims related to Chinese Drywall. If you believe you have a claim and have suffered heath problems or property damage, please call Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a consultation.

Levaquin

Tens of thousands of people are damaged by Levaquin antibiotics each year, yet nearly all those damaged remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Exposure to Levaquin can cause death, gastrointestinal reactions, allegeric reactions, liver disease among conditions

Determining whether or not you have a case can be very complicated. If you believe you or a loved one was injured after taking Levaquin, please call Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation.

Gadolinium is a contrast agent used in certain diagnostic tests such as MRI or MRA to get a clear picture of a patient's organs and tissues. Gadolinium is also referred to as radioactive dye. Gadolinium is removed by the kidneys. When the kidneys are diseased and/or impaired, the body cannot remove the Gadolinium and it remains in the body with toxic effect. In some instances, a patient will develop a condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy. Symptoms of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy include itching, swelling or hardening of the skin. As the condition progresses, the patient develops joint or muscle pain and difficulty straightening their legs.

To investigate a suit, an attorney must identify when you were exposed to the Gadolinium and idenify the manufactuer. If you or a loved one has experienced these symptoms following a MRI or MRA, please call Luke Pepper at 267.626.7546 for a free consultation on whether you have a potential claim against the manufactuer of the Gadolinium.