Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs save lives, but unsafe medications can cause devastating harm. We report on FDA warnings, recalls, and lawsuits tied to dangerous drugs. Our coverage explores how regulations, litigation, and patient advocacy drive accountability and improve medication safety.

$1.275 Billion "Fen-Phen" Settlement Approved

Wyeth, the manufacture of the notorious diet drug “Fen-Phen”, recently got final judicial approval to set up a legal settlement fund for the remaining consumers who were adversely affected by its use. The drug caused heart valve damage and primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) from users of the drug

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 30 May 2006

$1.275 Billion "Fen-Phen" Settlement Approved

Vioxx-New Study Shows Increased Risk Of Heart Attack During First Two Weeks Of Use

Canadian researchers recently discovered there is an increased risk of heart attack and other heart related problems when using Merck and Co.’s pain reliever Vioxx during the first two weeks. Previously, other studies emphasized the increased risks of heart related problems stemming from Vioxx after

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 3 May 2006

Vioxx-New Study Shows Increased Risk Of Heart Attack During First Two Weeks Of Use

FDA Updates Saftey Labels On Numerous Drugs

The FDA recently updated safety labels on numerous drugs including Daypro, Motrin, Aleve, Carbatrol, and Midol among many others. These safety label changes are reflected in the BOXED WARNING, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, or ADVERSE REACTIONS sections. The FDA suggests that any consumer

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 14 Apr 2006

FDA Updates Saftey Labels On Numerous Drugs

Merck Sued Over Fosamax: Class Action Forthcoming?

Everyone knows about the thousands of lawsuits the drug marker Merck is currently facing in regards to its now recalled drug Vioxx that reportedly increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes in it consumers. Now a Tennessee woman, Gwendolyn Wolfe, has filed suit over another Merck drug called Fo

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 13 Apr 2006

Merck Sued Over Fosamax: Class Action Forthcoming?

Jury Awards $9 Million In Punitives In Vioxx Trial

A jury reached a $9 million verdict today regarding the punitive damages phase of the latest Vioxx Trial involving John McDarby and his wife. This verdict comes just days after the same jury awarded John McDarby and his wife $4.5 million in compensatory damages for his related heart attack while usi

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 11 Apr 2006

Jury Awards $9 Million In Punitives In Vioxx Trial

$4.5 Million Awarded To Former Vioxx User

A new Jersey jury found Vioxx had concealed the dangers of its painkiller Vioxx and awarded one of the two plaintiff’s $4.5 million dollars in compensatory damages. A second trial for the sole purpose of determining if punitive damages should be awarded is scheduled to start today. Generally, puniti

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 6 Apr 2006

$4.5 Million Awarded To Former Vioxx User

Baycol Class Action Settlement Approved

A state judge in Philadelphia approved a class action settlement against Bayer, the German manufacture of Baycol, that would re-pay unions, employers and various health plans for money spent on the withdrawn drug Baycol. The national class action suit could result in a settlement that exceeds $10 mi

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 22 Mar 2006

Dietary Supplement or Illegal Steroid?

The FDA recently warned several manufactures and distributors to stop selling unapproved drugs that contain steroids promising increased muscle, strength, and weight loss. The FDA expressed concerns that products such as Anabolic Xtreme Superdrol or Methyl-1-P by Legal Gear may cause long-term healt

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 14 Mar 2006

Advair and Serevent Get New Black Box Warning

The FDA has announced that the popular asthma medications Advair and Serevent will now contain a new “black box” warning after discovering the medications may cause an increased risk of asthma-related death. Black box warnings are the most severe warnings the FDA can require of prescription drugs. A

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 8 Mar 2006

Advair and Serevent Get New Black Box Warning

New Jersey Vioxx Trial Begins Today

In the latest round of litigation surrounding the controversial drug Vioxx, jurors in New Jersey heard opening statements from both sides today in what could be the most pivotal Vioxx trial yet. Merck, the former producer of Vioxx, has received two defense verdicts involving the pain killer to date

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 6 Mar 2006

Celebrex: Not A Safe Alternative For Some

After Vioxx was removed from the market in 2004, many former Vioxx users started taking Celebrex as a safer alternative for arthritis pain. A recent study from the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand has shown that Celebrex may not be as safe as once thought when compared with other arthritis

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 2 Mar 2006

Celebrex: Not A Safe Alternative For Some

Time Limits For Next Vioxx Trial Set

The next Vioxx trial, which will begin on March 6, 2006, will be on an entirely new time frame from any other one before it. Manually operated clocks, like those used in a chess game, will be utilized by both sides in order facilitate the pace of the trial. Lawyer’s for the Plaintiffs will have 40 h

By M. Brandon Smith

/ 1 Mar 2006