DePuy Hip Replacement Recall

Our lawyers are currently representing clients nationwide in DePuy ASR (Articular Surface Replacement) hip implant recall cases. In August of 2010, DePuy Orthopaedics, a division of conglomerate Johnson & Johnson, recalled their DePuy ASR hip replacement systems. DePuy Orthopaedics estimates that in the years from 2003 to 2009, more than 90,000 patients across the globe received DePuy hip replacements.

Why Were DePuy Hip Devices Recalled?

The recall was sparked because of the unusually high rate of failure of the DePuy ASR systems. Up to one in every eight recipients of a DePuy hip device require a revision surgery to replace the faulty hip implant. That number is way too high.

Metal toxicity is caused in DePuy hip replacements by the release of metals into the bloodstream due to metal-on-metal grinding. Due to this grinding, many DePuy hip implant recipients may be faced with health issues associated with metal poisoning in the future, along with damage to the surrounding muscle and tissue.

Symptoms of a Failed DePuy Hip Implant

Some of the more common problems among faulty DePuy hip replacements may include:

• Pain
• Dislocation or detachment from the bone
• Swelling and inflammation
• Fracturing or loosening
• Metal toxicity
• Grinding and popping

One of the most common issues associated with a defective DePuy hip replacement is metal toxicity. Some symptoms of metal toxicity may include:

• Chronic pain throughout the muscles and tendons or any soft tissues of the body
• Chronic malaise – general feeling of discomfort, fatigue, and illness
• Brain fog – state of forgetfulness and confusion
• Chronic infections such as Candida
• Gastrointestinal complaints, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn, and indigestion
• Food allergies
• Dizziness
• Migraines and/or headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Mood Swings, depression, and/or anxiety
• Nervous system malfunctions – burning extremities, numbness, tingling, paralysis, and/or an electrifying feeling throughout the body

DePuy Hip: Metal Toxicity Lawsuit

Anyone who received a recalled DePuy hip implant may be eligible to receive compensation for the defective product, even if they have not yet experienced pain or symptoms.

Following the recall, DePuy sent letters to hip replacement recipients, asking them to release their medical records to the company. If you are contacted by DePuy, Johnson & Johnson or a company called Broadspire, we suggest that you speak to an attorney at our law firm before talking to the representatives of those companies.

Metal Toxicity Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

If you or a loved one received one of the recalled DePuy hip replacement devices, we suggest you call a lawyer at our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation from the maker of the faulty DePuy device.

The FDA released a safety announcement on June 15, 2011 informing the public that the use of Takeda Pharmaceutical’s medication Actos (pioglitazone) for diabetes for over a year may be associated with an increased risk of Bladder Cancer from Actos. Takeda’s Actos will now be required to add information about this increased risk of bladder cancer to the label of the diabetes medication.

The FDA announcement is a result of a five-year study which showed an increased risk of bladder cancer with the use of Actos over a long period of time. This came to the attention of the FDA after a similar study conducted in France, Actos Bladder Cancer Study in France, suggested an increased risk of bladder cancer with the use of the drug Actos (pioglitazone). The FDA plans to continue its study of Actos (pioglitazone) to further evaluate the increased risk of bladder cancer. Between January 2010 and October 2010 over 2.3 million patients filled prescriptions for pioglitazone-containing products including the diabetes medication Actos.

What is Actos?

Actos is a drug made by the pharmaceutical company Takeda to treat type-2 diabetes. In 2008 Takeda’s Actos (pioglitazone) was the 10th highest selling drug in the United States, with sales over $2.4 billion. Actos is in the same class of drugs as Avandia (rosiglitazone), which has had a correlation with increased risk of heart problems. Due to the increased concerns about Avandia, sales of the drug Actos have increased greatly in recent years.

Symptoms of Actos Bladder Cancer

Recent studies performed by the FDA and French officials have suggested that there may be an increased risk of bladder cancer with the use of Actos (pioglitazone). Some possible symptoms of bladder cancer caused by Actos may include some or all of the following:

• Blood found in the urine
• Pain while urinating
• Frequent urination
• Sensation of needing to urinate without results

Actos Tv Ad

Many of our clients have seen our nationwide Actos lawsuit television commercial discussing the dangers of Actos and bladder cancer. What the Actos TV commercial and Actos ads don’t discuss is the increased risks to some Actos users of having heart attacks and strokes. For more information, please read: Actos Risk of Heart Failures. If you or a loved one have taken Actos and developed bladder cancer or had a heart attack while taking Actos, then contact our law firm to discuss your legal options. Additional information: Diabetes Drug Actos and Bladder Cancer Lawsuits.

Actos Bladder Cancer Lawsuit

If you or a family member took Takeda Pharmaceutical’s drug Actos (pioglitazone) and you have developed bladder cancer, we encourage you to contact a pharmaceutical lawyer at our firm immediately. An experienced pharmaceutical products liability lawyer at the Willis Law Firm can assist you in legal action in a potential Actos bladder cancer lawsuit against the makers of the drug.

Please fill out our online legal evaluation form to the right or call 1-800-883-9858 and we will contact you within 4-12 hours for a free confidential case review. Contact our law firm immediately so that we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.

What is Patent Ductus Arteriosis?

Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a condition in which there is a persistent opening between two important blood vessels leading  from the heart. Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is a congenital birth defect, meaning that it is present at the time of birth. If patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) is left untreated it may cause excess blood flow through the heart which may deteriorate the heart muscle and ultimately cause other complications such as heart failure.

Infants with a larger patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) frequently will have a hard time gaining weight, and may show other symptoms. An older child with patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may not have as much energy or be as active as normal. They may also have recurrent lung infections.

Symptoms of Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA)

A large patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may show signs of heart failure shortly after birth. A doctor may first notice the heart defect during a routine checkup while they listen to the infant’s heart through a stethoscope.Symptoms of a large patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) may include some or all of the following:

• Frequent lung infections
• A bluish or dusky skin tone
• Persistent fast breathing or breathlessness
• Poor eating, poor growth
• Sweating with crying or play
• Easy tiring
• Rapid heart rate

Causes of Patent Ductus Arteriosis – Use During Pregnancy

Patent ductus arteriosis (PDA)  tends to occur during fetal growth when the infant’s heart is still developing. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of a congenital heart defect such as patent ductus arteriosis (PDA).

Patent Ductus Arteriosis – Antidepressant Lawsuit

If your child was born with patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) or other congenital heart defects and an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil or Celexa was taken during all or part of the pregnancy, then call now for a free consultation with an SSRI Antidepressant Lawyer. You and your child may have a legal right to monetary compensation for damages and injuries. Call 1-800-883-9858 or fill out the form on the right for your free legal consultation.

What is Pulmonary Atresia?

Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a defect in which the valve that lets blood flow from the lower right chamber (right ventricle) of the heart to the lungs (pulmonary valve) has not formed correctly or is closed (atresia). Pulmonary atresia is a rare congenital heart defect, meaning that it is a defect that develops during prenatal growth.

While still in the womb, the baby receives oxygen from the placenta before the lungs begin to function. Normally, blood from the right side of the infant’s heart passes through a hole that allows oxygen-rich blood to flow to the left portion of the heart and throughout the infant’s body. After birth, the hole closes as blood instead flows through the newborn’s lungs to provide it with oxygen. In infants with pulmonary atresia (PA), the closed valve does not allow the infant’s heart to pump blood to the lungs to gain oxygen. The blood must get to the lungs via an alternate route to provide oxygen to the child.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Atresia (PA)

Most infants that have pulmonary atresia exhibit symptoms during the first few hours of life. However, some infants don’t show signs of pulmonary atresia (PA) until a few days after birth. Some possible signs and symptoms of pulmonary atresia (PA) may include:

• Tiring easily while feeding
• Bluish skin tone
• Fast breathing
• Working hard to breathe

Causes of PA – Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy

Pulmonary atresia (PA)  tends to occur during fetal growth when the infant’s heart is still developing. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of a congenital heart defect such as pulmonary atresia (PA).

Pulmonary Atresia (PA) – Antidepressant Lawsuit

If your child was born with pulmonary atresia(PA) or other congenital heart defects and an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil or Celexa was taken during all or part of the pregnancy, then call now for a free consultation with an SSRI Antidepressant Lawyer. You and your child may have a legal right to monetary compensation for damages and injuries. Call 1-800-883-9858 or fill out the form on the right for your free legal consultation.

What is Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect?

Complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) is the combination of multiple defects of the heart that are present at the time of birth. Complete atrioventricular canal defect, sometimes referred to as endocardial cushion defect or atrioventricular septal defect, happens when there is a hole in between the chambers in the heart and there are problems with the valves that control blood flow within the heart.

Complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) lets extra blood circulate to the lungs. Complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) overworks the heart and causes it to enlarge. If complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) is not treated, it may cause the heart to fail as well as high blood pressure within the lungs. Typically when an infant has complete atrioventricular canal defect, doctors recommend surgery within the first year of a child’s life to reconstruct the valves and close the hole.

Symptoms of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect

Symptoms of complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) typically develop within the first few weeks of an infant’s life. The symptoms may include some or all of the following:

• Lack of appetite

• Difficulty breathing

• Bluish discoloration of the lips and skin

• Poor weight gain

If the baby has complete atrioventricular canal defect, they may also develop symptoms of heart failure including:

• Decreased alertness

• Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet

• Excessive sweating

• Wheezing

• Irregular or rapid heartbeat

• Fatigue

• Sudden weight gain from fluid retention

Causes of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect

Complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD)  typically occurs during fetal growth when the infant’s heart is still developing. The use of SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, or Lexapro during all or part of the pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of a congenital heart defect such as complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD).

Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect – Zoloft Lawsuit

If your child was born with complete atrioventricular canal defect (CACD) or other congenital heart defects and an antidepressant such as Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil or Celexa was taken during all or part of the pregnancy, then call now for a free consultation with an SSRI Antidepressant Lawyer. You and your child may have a legal right to monetary compensation for damages and injuries. Call 1-800-883-9858 or fill out the form on the right for your free legal consultation.