Author: DrugCenter

This week is National Patient Safety Awareness Week. How are you practicing safe use of prescription medications?

Prominent medical device manufacturer Zimmer Biomet is issuing a recall of its Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Device. The company has had to recall several products over the years, and has received thousands of complaints from consumers.

Research and recent litigation against cosmetic manufacturer Johnson & Johnson have revealed that talcum powder products, including baby powder, put women’s health at risk. Talc has been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, and a study suggests that talcum powder may contain small particles of carcinogenic asbestos.

Studies from Microsoft researchers reveal that search engine data logs may prove a more efficient method of collecting data from pharmaceutical drug users, and could prove to be invaluable assets in the early detection of unexpected side effects.

The 21st Century Cures Act may dramatically change the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process for new medical devices and prescription drugs, allowing insufficiently-tested products to enter the marketplace. The bill also raises concerns about the potential for drug manufacturers to participate in off-label marketing.

College health can be tricky to navigate. This guide will help you understand how to recognize and treat two of the most common campus illnesses.

Abilify, a drug commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions, has been linked to causing serious side effects. Studies have shown an increased risk of compulsive behaviors – eating disorders, gambling addictions and other addictions – in patients taking Abilify. This research has led to an alarming number of lawsuits against Abilify manufacturers.

The Food and Drug Administration requires drug companies to inform consumers of risks associated with their products, but it can be difficult to understand prescription drug labels and warnings if you don’t know where to look. You’ll find most information about your prescription drug in the package insert or in a Boxed Warning.

Numerous prescription drug shortages have made national headlines recently. Shortages impact a wide range of medications from painkillers to cancer treatments, leaving consumers feeling uneasy about alternatives and their potential side effects. Find out how to keep the growing number of drug shortages from negatively impacting your health.

Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Acclarent recently settled its False Claims Act allegations for a record $18 million. The whistleblower lawsuit stated that the company illegally marketed its medical device, the Stratus, to healthcare providers.