Patients or loved ones of those who have been prescribed Tysabri and have developed Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) have the right to pursue a Tysabri Lawsuit in order to seek compensation for the injuries caused by Tysabri. The Willis law firm can help you file your Tysabri lawsuit.

A Tysabri lawsuit is filed to hold the makers of Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Élan responsible for the horrible and life changing injuries that may have been caused by their drug, Tysabri. Tysabri lawsuits claim that severe and detrimental health problems and or deaths occurred due to taking Tysabri as a treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) or Crohn’s.

About Tysabri

Tysabri is a drug marketed by both Biogen Idec and Élan. Tysabri is primarily used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and Crohn’s disease. Administered by intravenous injection, Tysabri is injected approximately once every 28 days. Initially approved in 2004 by the FDA, Tysabri was subsequently withdrawn by the manufacturer after Tysabri was linked with multiple cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Tysabri was reintroduced into the market in 2006, and cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have been on the rise ever since.

Tysabri has been very effective at treating some patients for multiple sclerosis (MS), even causing a full remission of the disease, but patients taking Tysabri may be at risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) which can be more severe and life-threatening than MS. Currently, Tysabri’s packaging states that about 1.16 of every 1000 patients taking Tysabri will develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Approximately 80% of MS or Crohn’s patients taking Tysabri who are diagnosed with PML will die within six months of their PML diagnosis. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is the main topic of the Tysabri lawsuits.

At current time, there is no known cure for the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). It is a commonly found virus, approximately 80-90% of humans carry the virus in a latent form. It can flare and become dangerous when the immune system is down or through the use of drugs such as Tysabri. PML is more common among patients suffering from AIDS because of their weak immune systems. However, through aggressive immunotherapy treatment, approximately half of AIDS-PML patients may live. This number is higher than the survival rate of PML patients who took Tysabri.

Tysabri Lawsuit: Contact a Lawyer

If you or a loved one took Biogen Idec and Élan’s drug Tysabri to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) or Crohn’s disease and have developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) please call and talk to a Tysabri lawyer today. Our lawyers are standing by, ready to investigate at no charge your potential Tysabri Lawsuit.

We encourage you to learn more about your legal options in pursuing a Tysabri Lawsuit against the makers of the dangerous drug. Contact the Willis Law Firm for a risk-free consultation about your potential Tysabri Lawsuit. You may be entitled to compensation for injuries sustained by Tysabri. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee basis (no attorney fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you). Call us Toll Free at 1-800-883-9858

What is Transvaginal mesh?

Transvaginal mesh is a medical product manufactured by numerous different well-known companies including Sofradim, Boston Scientific, Bard, Johnson & Johnson, and Caldera. Transvaginal mesh is typically used for female patients suffering from either stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The purpose of transvaginal mesh is to add support to weak or damaged tissue in the vaginal area. Transvaginal mesh is typically made from a porous biological or synthetic material.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disorder among women, occurring in approximately 30-50% of the female population to some degree. Only approximately 2% of women show the more severe symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the tissues which hold the pelvic organs in place grow weak or stretched. As pelvic organ prolapse (POP) progresses, certain organs in the pelvic area bulge into the vagina and sometimes past the vaginal opening. In pelvic organ prolapse (POP), it may be a single organ prolapsing or multiple pelvic organs at a time.

Transvaginal Mesh FDA Alert

The transvaginal mesh product is surgically inserted and is supposed to prevent the organs from prolapsing through the vagina. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that in ‘rare cases’ there might be severe complications related to the transvaginal mesh product. The FDA revised its 2008 statement in July of 2011, saying that the complications resulting from transvaginal mesh products were ‘not rare’ after all. A significant number of patients with POP or SUI with transvaginal mesh surgeries were experiencing severe complications.

A recent study being conducted with over 60 patients with transvaginal mesh products had to be cancelled prematurely because of the complications. More than 15% of the patients were experiencing severe and painful complications after only having the transvaginal mesh implants for a few months.

Transvaginal Mesh Complications

There have been many reported transvaginal mesh complications. Some are so severe that another surgery is required to remove the transvaginal mesh. Sometimes, even a follow-up surgery is unable to fix the complications and patients may suffer from the transvaginal mesh indefinitely. Some common transvaginal mesh complications include:

• Erosion of vaginal tissue
• Perforations of the bowel, bladder or blood vessels
• Vaginal scarring
• Infection
• Urinary problems
• Vaginal mesh erosion
• Pain
• Recurrence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many patients suffering from transvaginal mesh injuries wish that they had been warned of the risks and potential complications before undergoing the operation. Our product liability law team at the Willis Law Firm is currently investigating cases involving failed vaginal mesh complications with transvaginal mesh products manufactured by Boston Scientific, Bard, Johnson & Johnson, and Caldera. The team at Willis Law Firm is committed to representing women who have been injured by a transvaginal mesh implant and getting these clients the financial compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, loss of income, physical pain, and emotional suffering. All transvaginal mesh products are currently under investigation, some of the big names include:

• Bard Avaulta Solo
• Avaulta Plus
• Avaulta Biosynthetic Systems
• Mentor ObTape

If you or a loved one is suffering from transvaginal mesh injuries please call the Willis Law Firm. We have (female) nurse consultants & paralegals standing by, trained to discuss sensitive issues confidentially. We are currently accepting Transvaginal Mesh Injuries lawsuits nationwide. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

Multaq Heart Failure News

It was announced Thursday July 7th by drug maker Sanofi that a trial of their drug Multaq, meant to treat heart arrhythmias, has been stopped because of worries that the drug may have other serious heart-related side effects.

Multaq, which is also known as dronedarone, has been approved for patients suffering from a non-permanent form of atrial fibrillation, the less severe type of that heart cdefect where heart arrhythmias stop blood from flowing correctly throughout the body. The recently conducted trial, known as the PALLAS study, was monitoring Multaq’s effectiveness in patients suffering from the permanent kind of atrial fibrillation, meaning that they have had abnormal heart rhythms for more than 6 months.

Multaq maker Sanofi didn’t speak much about the apparently “significant increase in cardiovascular events” which caused it to demand that patients participating in the study cease to take the drug Multaq. However, Sanofi did say this in a news release:

“The benefit-risk of Multaq remains unchanged in its approved indication in non-permanent [atrial fibrillation]. Patients currently taking Multaq should not stop their therapy and should consult their treating physician should they have any questions.”

Dr. Westby Fisher, cardiologist from NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Ill., spoke about the findings on his blog, saying:

“I suspect many doctors will now think long and hard before leaping to dronedarone [ Multaq ] as their ‘first line’ therapy despite the current recommendations of our ‘guidelines.’ More likely, this drug will be used when there are no other options.”

The findings relating to heart failure are not the first time in recent months that Sanofi’s Multaq has made headlines for its unintended side effects. Back in January 2011, the FDA submitted a warning to consumers that some patients who took Multaq developed serious liver complications after only taking Multaq for as little as a few months. There were multiple Multaq cases of acute liver failure requiring a liver transplant. Sanofi announced that their decision to halt the recent studies of Multaq were not affected by liver side effects.

Dealing another blow to Multaq and Sanofi, cardiologists from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center pronounced that generic alternatives to Multaq may actually work better, and that Multaq should only be an option when other choices won’t work.

Multaq Heart Failure Lawsuit

If you or a loved one have taken Multaq (dronedarone) and have been diagnosed with heart damage or heart failure, then immediately call the Willis Law Firm in Houston, Texas to discuss the legal options available to you and your family. Mr. Willis is a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization with over 25+ years of legal experience in all areas of product liability and defective drug litigation. Though licensed in Texas & New York, Mr. Willis maintains a nationwide pharmaceutical litigation practice representing clients across the nation. All drug injury cases accepted on a contingency fee basis. Call us or contact us for a Free Multaq Lawsuit Consultation.

Study Links Autism to Antidepressants Taken During Pregnancy

Infants who are born to mothers taking SSRI antidepressants like Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Celexa and Lexapro during all or part of pregnancy are twice as likely as other infants to be diagnosed with autism or a related disorder, according to a recent study, one of the first studies to thoroughly examine the correlation between autism and other antidepressant use.

The study suggests that a certain class of antidepressants (which includes new Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro) called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be especially risky if taken early on during pregnancy. In many cases, children of mothers taking antidepressants such as Zoloft during pregnancy are up to four times as likely to have autism. Infants whose mothers took antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy were almost four times as likely to develop an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as compared with unexposed children according to the study found in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

According to Tim Oberlander, M.D., a professor of developmental pediatrics from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, “Poor maternal mental health during pregnancy is a major public health issue… Some children might be at risk from an SSRI exposure-and we don’t know who, and how that works-there are many mothers and their children as well who will benefit.”

Antidepressant Drugs Include:

Antidepressant Autism Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney

Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? Did it happen during pregnancy? The following antidepressants (SSRI’s) may be linked to causing the development of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took them while pregnant:

• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Effexor (venlafaxine)

Our law firm is handling individual birth defect and autism lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro cases. If your child was born with a severe heart defect, birth injury or autism that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).

Children born with cardiac and other serious congenital birth defects have potentially been linked to use of the anti-depressant drug Effexor (venlafaxine). Research suggests serious Effexor side effects, including the increased risk of congenital heart defects and other congenital birth defects including:

• Coarctation of the Aorta Lawsuit
• Atrial Septal Defects Lawsuit
• Ventricular Septal Defects Lawsuit
• Spina Bifida Lawsuit
• Anencephaly Lawsuit
• Cleft Palate Lawsuit
• Gastroschisis Lawsuit

This link between Effexor (venlafaxine), congenital heart defects and birth defects has many concerned that pregnant women should not be prescribed the antidepressant medication Effexor, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Antidepressant Drugs Include:

What is Effexor?

Effexor (venlafaxine) is included in a group of medications called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite. Effexor (venlafaxine) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause symptoms. Effexor (venlafaxine) is used to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).In May 2005, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, estimated in the Journal of the American Medical Association, that in any given year at least 80,000 pregnant women in the U.S. are prescribed SSRIs, with Effexor as one of those.

Effexor, along with other SSRIs have been linked to serious side effects. Among reported Effexor side effects are an increased risk of congenital heart defects, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) and serious withdrawal symptoms.

In 2004, Health Canada advised of potential adverse effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants on newborns. This notification was intended to increase awareness among mothers and physicians of the possible symptoms and side effects that may occur in the newborn, so that symptoms could be recognized and addressed immediately.

Effexor Heart Defects

SSRI antidepressants like Effexor, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil and Celexa have been linked to cases of serious congenital heart defects, which may include atrial septal defects (ASD), ventricular septal defects (VSD), tetrology of fallot (ToF), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), transposition of the great arteries (TGA or TOGA), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), double outlet right ventricle (DORV), and coarctation of the aorta (CoA). In many cases, surgery is required when the child is very young (first three years of life) and then again, potentially multiple times, as the child grows to adulthood. Most congenital heart defects are treatable when they are diagnosed and addressed early on. Children may then be able to lead a mostly normal and productive life following medical attention. In some cases, the only viable option to correct these severe heart defects and preserve the child’s life involves a heart transplant.

In 2005, a Danish study indicated that pregnant women prescribed SSRI antidepressant medicines like Effexor in early pregnancy may have increased risk of giving birth to infants with congenital heart problems. In this study, infants exposed to SSRI antidepressants like Effexor, Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil during the first 3 months of pregnancy had a 60 percent higher chance of developing congenital heart defects compared with infants whose mothers did not take Effexor or other SSRI antidepressants. In the Diav-Citrin Study it was shown that Effexor increases the risk of Cardiovascular defects four and a half times and it doubles the risk of major abnormalities overall.

It is also known is that there is a strong link between SSRI antidepressants and other congenital malformations, including lung, cranio-facial, limb (arm, hand, leg, foot) and abdominal wall malformations. A study conducted at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, revealed that the risk of pregnant women giving birth to babies with congenital defects, including heart and other defects, was increased among women who had prescriptions for SSRIs such as Effexor filled in the 30 days before conception through the end of the first trimester, compared with those who had no SSRI prescriptions filled during the same period. The Alwan 2007 study showed an almost three times increase risk of Craniosynostosis which is when the plates of the skull prematurely close. The Alwan study also showed an increased risk associated with SSRI’s as a group, for Anencephaly, Craniosynostosis and Omphalocele.

Women who are taking SSRI antidepressants, including Effexor, who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should speak with their doctor about the risks associated with taking Effexor or any other SSRI while pregnant. There are risks associated with taking Effexor while pregnant, and there may also be concerns about discontinuing medication. All Birth Defect risks should be discussed with a physician and balanced against any possible benefits of taking this medication.

Congenital Heart Defects from Antidepressant SSRI Drugs:

• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Tricuspic Atresia
• Transposition of the Great Vessels
• Transposition of the Great Arteries
• Atrial Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Ventricular Septal Defect (hole in the heart)
• Coarctation of the Aorta
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle
• Truncus Arteriosus
• Double Inlet Left Ventricle
• Double Aortic Arch
• Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
• Patent Ductus Arteriosus
• Tetralogy of Fallot

SSRI Antidepressant Congenital Birth Defects:

• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Omphalcele – Abdominal Wall Malformation
• Gastrochesis – Abdominal Wall Malformation
• Craniosynostosis – Cranio-facial Malformation
• Clubfoot – Limb Malformation
• Hypospadias

Effexor Autism

A recent study published by Archives of General Psychiatry has found a link between antidepressant use during pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Pregnant women taking Effexor antidepressants during the first trimester of pregnancy may triple the chances of their child having Effexor autism. This study was prompted when researchers noticed a rise over the past few years in the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant (SSRIs) and an increase in Effexor autism diagnoses.

Effexor Autism Side Effects

• Autism from Effexor
• ASD – Autism Spectrum Disorder
• PDD – Pervasive Developmental Disorder
• PDD – NOS – Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

If you or a loved one took Effexor while pregnant and have a child that may suffer Effexor autism or other Effexor birth defects, contact our law firm immediately to discuss the legal options available to you and your family.

See also: Autism Lawsuit: Antidepressants During Pregnancy Increase Autism Risk

Speak to an Effexor Lawyer

If you took Effexor or generic venlafaxine during pregnancy and your child was born with a heart birth defect or a lung birth defect, we encourage you to contact a Effexor heart defect litigation attorney at our law firm immediately. It may be too late to recover from the devastating effects of Effexor heart defects, but an experienced products liability Effexor attorney at the Willis Law Firm can assist you in legal action against the makers of Effexor. You are not alone. Join other Effexor heart defect, Effexor lung defect, and other Effexor birth defect victims and their families in speaking up and fighting for your legal rights.

Effexor Birth Defect Lawsuit

Please fill out our free online legal evaluation form and we will contact you within 24 hours. Please keep in mind that certain states have statutes of limitation that limit the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or seek legal action. Contact a Effexor heart defect lawyer at our law firm immediately so we may explain the rights and options available to you and your family.

Children born with heart defects or other congenital birth defects have been linked to the use of Zoloft by pregnant mothers. Research suggests serious Zoloft side effects, including the increased risk of congenital heart defects and lung defects. Zoloft is an antidepressant SSRI categorized by the FDA as a “Category C” drug. There is a strong link between SSRI antidepressants and congenital birth defects, including: heart, lung, cranio-facial, abdominal wall, and limb (arm, hand, leg, foot) malformations. For a more complete list of Zoloft side effects please read the section, “Zoloft Side Effects” below.

Zoloft Side Effects

Serious side effects from pregnant mothers taking Zoloft while pregnant include:

• Birth Defects
• Heart Defects
• Brain Defects
• Cranio-facial Defects
• Atrial Septal Defects (Holes in the Heart Wall)
• Ventricular Septal Defects (Holes in the Heart Wall)
• Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)
• Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)
• Transposition of Great Arteries
• Coartation of the Aorta
• Tetrology of Fallot (TOF)
• Pulmonary Atresia
• Transposition of the Great Vessels
• Heart Valve Defects
• Neural Tube Defects
• Spina Bifida
• PPHN
• Pulmonary Stenosis
• Abdominal Defects
• Omphalocele
• Cranial Skull Defects
• Craniosynostosis
• Limb Malformations
• Shortened Limbs
• Limb Reductions
• Club Foot

Antidepressant Drugs Include:

New York Zoloft Attorney

The Willis Law Firm is committed to representing seriously injured people and their families. Mr. Willis has the distinction of being a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer and has gained a national reputation as a leading personal injury lawyer in the United States. He has represented thousands of clients in drug and medical device cases. For more information: About our Law Firm.

Contact a Drug Lawsuit Lawyer & Attorney

For a free and confidential consultation, fill out our online case evaluation form or call us toll free at: 1-800-883-9858.

Legal help: Contact an Attorney