Snacks On Racks Inc. is recalling dozens of products from its retail locations due to the lack of adequate warnings for a number of potential food allergens. These products are only sold in food service establishments throughout the continental United States, and all bear a blue Snacks on Racks label. They are not sold at convenience or grocery stores, but are retailed at hospital gift stores, universities, and kiosks.

The recall was initiated upon discovery of a discrepancy with the labels on chocolate raisins. Further investigation showed several inadequacies with the company's production and packaging lines, which have since been corrected.

Some of the allergies that may be triggered by the product are related to:

• Tree nuts
• Peanuts
• Milk
• Soy
• Egg
• Wheat
• Sulfites

In most cases, people with these types of allergies rely on proper labeling in order to avoid foods that may pose a danger. Inadequate labeling is a serious issue for people suffering from food allergies.

To find out which products are subject to the recall, please visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm191010.htm. To return a product, please go to the retailer to get a refund, or call the company at 1-816-505-9131.

If you or someone you love experienced an allergic reaction because of improper labeling, you should know your legal options. Please contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Superior Foods Company of Grand Rapids Michigan issued a recall for its Lemon Pepper Marinated Catfish and Cajun Style Catfish because of missing information on potential allergens. The lemon pepper catfish contains undeclared soy and FD&C Yellow #5 (also known as Tartrazine). The Cajun catfish has undeclared soy products. The presence of these products may trigger severe allergies to susceptible consumers.

Tartrazine is an azo class dye used for food coloring. It appears to cause the most allergic reactions of all that class of dye, especially among people with asthma and those intolerant of aspirin products. Some of the reactions people with allergies may experience include:

• Anxiety
• Migraines
• Depression
• Blurry vision
• Shortness of breath

The only real defense against Tartrazine is to avoid ingestion and even contact with the product. Mislabeled products can lead to adverse medical conditions.

Soy allergies are one of the top eight food allergies in children and adults and labeling requirements mandate that the presence of soy must be declared. The most severe reactions may lead to anaphylactic shock and even death. Other typical reactions, such as:

• Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Itching

Like Tartrazine, avoidance is the best way to prevent adverse reactions to soy, making proper labeling a life or death issue for some people. Contact the company at 616-541-2137 to find out how to return the product for a refund.

If you or a loved one suffered any adverse or allergic reactions due to the mislabeling of either of these fish products, please contact the experienced product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

A Chicago food company, Vita Food Products, has issued a voluntary recall on November 24 of its Elf Branded Herring in Sour Cream product for failure to disclose the presents of wheat in the ingredients. The failure to disclose this ingredient may put people who suffer from wheat allergies, or who are following a gluten free diet at risk for illness or severe allergic reactions.

Vita Food Products issued this recall in order to protect itself from dangerous product liability. The product comes in 8 oz. and 12 oz. sizes with the following UPC codes:

• 8 oz., 0-73302-23111-3
• 12 oz., 0-73302-22111-4

Both sizes have a use by date of April 12, 2010 or earlier.

People who suffer from wheat allergies, or who are following a strict gluten-free diet rely on food labels to ensure that dangerous ingredients are avoided. When a company fails to provide that information, it puts those people at risk. People who suffer from wheat allergies may experience the following reactions when inadvertently ingesting wheat or wheat gluten:

• Nausea
• Hives
• Itchiness

More severe cases may result in anaphylactic shock and even death. So far, no illnesses are reported in relation to this recall. People who are allergic to wheat or are on a gluten free diet are encouraged to avoid this product. To find out more about this recall, please contact the company at 1-800-989-VITA.

If you or a loved one suffered adversely after ingesting this product, you may be able to collect additional damages from the responsible party. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP today.

On November 16, 2009, Cardiovascular Systems announced a recall of all lots of its ViperSheath catheter sheath introducer based on reports of stretching or fracturing of the product. The ViperSheath is a coil-reinforced catheter introducer of percutaneous entry of intravascular devices. If a fracture occurs, there is a potential for a segment to break off and travel through the blood stream, requiring surgery to remove. Since the catheter is reinforced by an interior coil, damage may occur if the end of the coil snags on the blood vessel.

The recall pertains to ViperSheath products distributed from March 25, 2009 to October 21, 2009. The following lot and catalog numbers included in the recall are:

• Lot range: S28117 through S29174
• Catalog numbers: VPR-ISH 5 X 85, VPR-ISH 6 X 85, VPR-ISH 7 X 85, VPR-ISH 5 X 45, VPR-ISH 6 X 45, VPR-ISH 7 X 45

Three instances of the failure of this medical device were recorded and all patients affected underwent successful surgery to remove the segment. Once a catheter is successfully in place, not further action is required as the conditions that cause breakage will no longer occur.

To report any adverse events with this product, contact the FDA's MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If you or a loved one has suffered any medical problems as a result of a failed ViperSheath introducer, please contact the skilled product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP to learn more about your legal options.

Stryker Corporation, a leading medical technology company, is recalling 23 of its navigation systems because of a potential issue for a component to stop working. The failure may cause the navigation screen to freeze, a delay in system updates, or failure to respond to input. These types of delays can have devastating effects in the middle of a computer-guided surgery. Some of the potential hazards of these dangerous medical devices include:

• Delay in surgery
• Rescheduled surgery
• Additional surgery
• Risk of infection
• Increased morbitity
• Neurological defects
• Injury or death due to failure to navigate properly

Class I Recalls are the most serious classification of a recalled product, indicating a potentially dangerous, even life threatening product defect. So far, there are no reports of injury related to the recalled products.

The specific items affected by this recall include:

• Navigation System II Cart; catalog number 7700-100-000; serial number range, 100715-100735
• PC SPC-1 Assembly; catalog number 7799-101-201; lot number, K7P00F600

Hospitals using this system should quarantine it and discontinue use. Customers should contact Stryker immediately at 1-800-253-3210 and arrange for a repair. Adverse events related to this product should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury or fatality related to the failure of this device, you may have legal recourse to collect damages from the company. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the experienced dangerous medical device litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Cardiac Science, makers of several types of automated external defibrillators, AED, issued a call for a field correction of some of its devices. A problem was discovered that might hinder a resuscitation event, which could lead to severe medical issues including death. The affected models include:

• CardioVive 92531, 92532, and 92533 devices
• Powerheart 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9390A, and 9390E devices

The notice comes after Cardiac Sciences received 64 complaints concerning four resistors linked to this potential medical device failure. Approximately one out of every 75,000 devices manufactured between August 2003 and August of 2009 are predicted. AEDs manufactured after August 2009 do not have this defect. A software correction will be available in May 2010. Until that time, patients using AED should continue using them and follow the recommended maintenance schedule.

An automated external defibrillators, or AED, are a portable devices used to detect and treat life threatening ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia in patients. An electrical shock is sent to the heart to stop the event. Obviously, a failure occurring in one of these devices would be life threatening.

Cardiac Science recommends that until the May 2010 software update that patients using these devices continue with their regular use and maintenance. To find out more information on the correction and to register for email follow-ups go online to www.cardiacscience.com/AED175.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a failure of this device to diagnose and treat the cardiac problem, please contact the knowledgeable defective medical device litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Rikki USA, Inc. is re-issuing a recall on its Toi Sauce Thai Red Curry (Panang) for undeclared shrimp in one of the sub ingredients. According to the company, a label made by an outsourced company, SIAMRICA Co, failed to warn of shrimp ingredients in the red curry paste. People with severe allergies to shrimp may consume this product and suffer a severe allergic or even fatal reaction.

Shellfish allergies are a comparatively common food allergy. People with shellfish allergies may experience severe allergic reactions to shrimp and other shellfish products. The primary defense for people with common food allergies is avoidance of allergens. Failure to disclose allergen information in ingredient labels may lead to personal injury and even death.

The sauce being recalled was distributed in and around the following locations:

• Whole Foods, Redmond WA
• Food Emporium, WA
• Bridgeport Village, OR
• New Seasons Market, OR
• Other retail markets through Mile Post 65 in Washington

Toi Sauce Thai Red Curry is packaged in a 12 oz. glass bottle with a bright orange label. The lot number for the bottles is 940509. Consumers who purchased this product are urged to return it to where they bought it for a full refund. To find out more about this recall issued in order to protect itself from dangerous product liability, please call SIAMRICA Co. at 1-866-707-4554.

If you or a loved one was physically affected by the mislabeling of this product, you may have legal recourse to collect damages. To find out more about your legal options, please contact the learned personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

Timco Worldwide Inc. is recalling "MelonUp" large seedless watermelons that were distributed to select grocers, wholesalers, and processors in Texas and California. Salmonella bacteria were discovered during the course of routine testing of a randomly selected melon. No illnesses have yet been reported in connection with this product.

The recall involves large seedless watermelons labeled with "MelonUP" stickers with a price look up number of 4032 and universal price code of 0 33383 40240 6.

Salmonella bacteria can cause serious and possibly fatal infections in small children, the elderly, and people with suppressed immune systems. Even healthy people can suffer adverse reactions to infection including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

In rare instances, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses such as:

• Arterial infections
• Endocartitis
• Arthritis

Consumers, who purchased large seedless watermelons with the "MelonUp" label in Texas and California, are asked to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information about this recall, please contact Timco Worldwide at 1-530-757-1000 and press 4 for Food Safety. As a reminder, all fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before cutting into them as bacteria residing on the outside of the product may be transferred.

If you or a loved one suffered serious injury or illness in relation to consuming this product, you may be able to collect damages from those responsible. To find out more about your legal options nationwide, please contact the skilled product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP today.

ConAgra foods notified the FDA on November 13 about a report of mislabeled tubs of Blue Bonnet Spread. The tubs and lids indicated that the product was Blue Bonnet Light Spread, when in reality; it was regular Blue Bonnet Spread. This poses a problem because the ingredients do not list milk (whey), which is a potential allergen. The recall affects 1,120 cases of a single lot of Blue Bonnet Margarine. ConAgra was notified of the error when the tub did not match the lid and the case in which it was delivered.

People with milk allergies can suffer health problems including life-threatening allergic reactions. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, FAAN, approximately 2.5 % of children younger than three are allergic to milk. Products must indicate the presence of milk on the label. Milk allergy symptoms include:

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Anaphylactic shock

Even more people are lactose intolerant, because they lack the enzyme lactase which breaks down milk in the digestive system. Lactose intolerant people also try to ensure the absence of milk in the products they consume.

To find out more about the recall, issued in order to protect the company from dangerous product liability, and how to return unused tubs to the store, contact 866-518-4177 or visit their website at www.bluebonnet.com.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury due to consuming this recalled product, please contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

The FDA and Synthes USA have declared a class I recall of the Ti Synex II Vertebral Body Replacement (VBR) product. This device is used to replace damaged T1 – L5 vertebral material during replacement surgery. The FDA received six adverse event reports that lead to the recall. The reports indicated a failure of the medical device from 6 to 15 months after placement. The failure is described as a moderate to severe loss of vertebral height. Loss of height in the device may potentially lead to the following medical issues:

• Neural injury
• Increased pain
• Spinal kyphosis
• Reoperation or revision surgery

Synthes advises hospitals and physicians currently in possession of all lots of part numbers 04.808.001-011, Synex II Central Body, Titanium to stop implanting immediately. To find out more about returning this product, please contact Synthes USA at 1 (800) 620-7025, ext. 5375.

Patients who received Synex II implants manufactured from June 8, 2007 through September 9, 2009 and distributed from July 2, 2007 through September 8, 2009, should be closely monitored using x-rays and pain assessments to ensure no loss of vertebral height. Changes in the level of pain or loss of height may indicate a potential failure of the device.

To mitigate its liability for a defective medical device, the manufacturer issued this recall. Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall, indicating potentially serious medical problems may occur with the use of the product. Undesirable events related to this product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Events Reporting program online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a failure of this device after surgery, please contact the qualified product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP to discuss your legal options.

IDS is a leading distributor of liquid protein supplements. On November 12, 2009, they initiated a voluntary recall of several products when the FDA discovered several ingredients considered to be steroids, which are classified as dangerous drugs. The undeclared substances include:

• Madol
• Turinabol
• Androstenedione

These three ingredients are anabolic steroids known as designer steroids. They were marketed to athletes as performance-enhancing drugs before being banned by the FDA.

Anabolic steroids cause many serious medical problems including:

• Acute liver injury
• Shrinkage of testes
• Male infertility
• Masculinization of women
• Stunted growth in children

There are several IDS products affected by the recall, namely:

• Bromodrol
• Dual Action Grow Tabs
• Grow Tabs
• Mass Tabs
• Ripped Tabs TR

The recalled products were distributed in black boxes containing 60 count blister packs or white bottles with black labels containing 30 or 60 capsules.

So far, no illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported to IDS or the FDA regarding these products. Any adverse event should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm.

If you or a loved one has suffered any adverse events after taking any of the products listed in greater detail at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm190446.htm, please contact the experienced dangerous drug litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton. They represent clients nationwide in product liability and personal injury cases.

According to the FDA, the weight loss supplement Pai You Guo contains undeclared drug components. The FDA lab test showed sibutramine, an FDA-approved appetite suppressant. Tests also show that phenolphthalein, which is a solution used for experimentation and is a suspected carcinogen, is also present in the product. Since the product is not listed as a drug, but a dietary supplement, Pai You Guo is not known to be safe or effective as a weight loss agent.

The FDA advises that sibutramine is a dangerous substance that is known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate of some patients. Sibutramine poses a significant risk to people with a history of heart issues, such as:

• Coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Stroke

So far, no injuries or illnesses related to Pai You Guo have been reported to the company. To report adverse effects related to this product, please contact the FDA's MedWatch Program at 1-800-FDA-1088. Any unused product should be destroyed or returned to the company at 1-866-995-8585.

If you or a loved one has suffered any adverse affects from Pai You Guo, please contact the knowledgeable product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP to understand your legal options. Schlichter, Bogard & Denton consults with customers nationwide.

Labels: cancer, FDA, health care providers, Vytorin

Labels: Cleviprex, FDA, recall

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation notified its customers about a class I recall of its CardioVations EndoClamp Aortic Catheter. The devices involved in the recall were distributed from November 2008 through September 2009. The model numbers included in the recall are:

EC1001
EC65

The EndoClamp catheter is an important piece of equipment used during heart bypass surgery. The device blocks the aortic artery, delivers the solution that stops the heart during surgery, and monitors the aortic blood pressure. The problem is identified as a potential for the balloon catheters to burst spontaneously causing catastrophic and life threatening emergencies.

Obviously, heart bypass surgery is risky enough without introducing a life-threatening defect to one of the key components. Due to the severe nature of the defect and the potentially grave situation that may develop, the recall is classified as a Class I, the most serious type of recall on dangerous medical devices.

Healthcare facilities that use this product should isolate the remaining devices and contact Edwards Lifescience Corporation immediately to find out how to return the product. The customer phone number is, at 1-800-424-3278.

If you lost a loved one during a heart bypass surgery, it may be a result of a defective product like the CardiVations EndoClamp Aortic Catheter. If you suspect that this device contributed to the death of your loved one, please contact the experienced product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP who work with clients nationwide.

After conducting a voluntary lab test of its products, the FDA notified RockHard Laboratories that some of its products contained sulfoaildenfil, the main ingredient in many drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. As a food supplement, this product is not approved by the FDA to manufacture drugs.

The presence of this agent makes the products sold under the name, RockHard Weekend, illegal drugs. After being notified of the lab results, RockHard Laborites initiated the voluntary recall of the following products:

• Blister Pack: T12 705 08 (exp: 10/11) / T12 705 09 (exp: 3/12, 8/12)
• 3ct Bottle: R417 0509 (exp: 09/12)
• 8ct Bottle: T237-0509 (exp: 06/12)

Sulfoaildenfil may interact with other prescription drugs that contain nitrites and may dangerously lower blood pressure. People with the following problems often take prescriptions with nitrites and should avoid RockHard Weekend:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol

RockHard identified the source of the banned component came from a one of the raw ingredients that came from China. Any adverse reaction to RockHard Weekend should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event reporting program at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm.

To get a refund or find out more about the recall, call the customer service line at 1-800-562-0543.

If you or a loved one suffered an adverse reaction from consuming RockHard Weekend, you should also contact a qualified pharmaceutical litigation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP to schedule an initial legal consultation.

Hospira, a global specialty pharmaceutical company, has notified the FDA of a voluntary recall of some of its products due to a manufacturing defect. Some of the vials of the following products may contain particulates matter from some of the stainless steel equipment used in the manufacturing process. The presence of these particulates may turn these into defective drugs. The specific products affected by the recall include 85 lots of the following:

• Liposyn II 10%
• Liposyn II 20%
• Liposyn III 10%
• Liposyn III 20%
• Liposyn III 30%
• Propofol Injectible Emulsion 1%

The affected lots were distributed between July 2009 and October 2009. There are no other products affected by this recall.

Liposyn is an intravenous fat emulsion used to increase fat levels for people who are unable to process fat due to illness. Lyposin provides calories and nutrients for patients who are unable to eat and must be fed through an IV.

Propofol is a short acting sedation agent that is administered intravenously. It is used for mechanically ventilated patients and general anesthesia.

The body is unable to dissolve the particulates found in the recalled products. Contaminated product may cause the following health problems:

• Embolism
• Thrombosis
• Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

The resultant restrictions in blood supply may lead to:

• Stroke
• Respiratory failure
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Heart attach
• Death

Any adverse reactions resulting from these recalled products should be reported to the FDAs MedWatch Program at 1-800-FDA-1088. To find out more about this recall, and how to return products, please contact Hospira Customer Care at 1-877-946-7747.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury or died because of contaminated Liposyn, please contact the experienced drug litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a health alert for pig ear and beef hoof products manufactured by Pet Carousel. During routine inspection by the FDA, salmonella was discovered in these products. So far, no illnesses related to these products have been reported, but the FDA urges people not to use these potentially dangerous products as both human and animals may suffer from infection from these bacteria.

The affected products are known by the following brand names:

• Doggie Delight
• Pet Carousel
• Choo Hooves
• Dentley's
• Doggie Delight

All sizes and lot numbers of these products are included in the health alert.

People who handle these products can become infected especially if they do not wash their hands thoroughly after contact with the treats. Healthy people who become infected may suffer some of the following signs and symptoms:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Fever

In rare cases, more severe health issues may be related to salmonella infections, such as:

• Endocarditis
• Arterial infection
• Muscle pain
• Urinary tract symptoms

Your pets may also experience some of the same symptoms and may appear lethargic and have a decreased appetite.

To report complaints associated with these potentially dangerous products, please contact the FDA by calling a consumer complaint coordinator in your area. To find the contact information, please visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm

If you or a loved one has suffered illness after handling these products, please contact the skilled product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton who handle cases nationwide.

On November 4, 2009 Jelly Belly Candy Company issued a recall of its 7.5 ounce packages of 49 Flavors Jelly Belly jellybeans. These packages failed to indicate that peanuts butter and peanut flour in the ingredients. This particular package is packaged in an acetate cylinder and has covers the following lot codes,

• 090925
• 090928
• 090929
• 091001

The UPC code for the product is 071567989398

People who suffer from peanut allergies need to be aware of all ingredients made from peanuts. Mild allergic reactions to peanuts may include hives, red itching skin, and digestive problems. Severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, may occur in people with severe allergies, which may lead to death.

In order to mitigate liability for food containing dangerous ingredients, the company issued this voluntary recall. Consumers with peanut allergies who have purchased the 49 Flavors Jelly Belly jellybeans should return them to the company at the following address.

Jelly Belly Candy Company
One Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA 94533

You can also contact them through their customer hotline at 800-522-3267 Monday-Friday 7 am to 5 pm PST.

If you or someone you love has suffered injury or death related to this particular recalled product, please contact the experienced personal injury litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton. They represent clients throughout the country.

Centurion Medical Products and the FDA announced a recall of two types of pediatric tracheal tubes. The Premie Pack and Meconium Pack internal tube diameters are smaller than indicated on the label, which would cause problems when sizing the correct tube to use in life-threatening situations. The small diameter could may result in the airway being blocked by secretions and make it more difficult to ventilate the patient.

Tracheal tubes are used by emergency medical personnel to open restricted airways in patients with trauma or severe respiratory distress. The tracheal tubes help maintain an open airway and ensure adequate oxygen reaches the lungs.

The company has issued a voluntary recall of this potentially dangerous medical device. This particular recall is a class 1 recall, which is the most serious type. Continued use of the product may result in serious injury or even death. The recalled products were distributed between January 1, 2007 and September 22, 2009. Please visit the official FDA recall site, http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecalls/ucm188972.htm for more details on the specific lot and serial numbers.

To contact the company, please call them at 1-800-248-4058 Eastern Time.

Centurion Medical Products
301 Catrell Drive
Howell, Michigan 48843-1703

If your child suffered injury or died because of the improper use of this type of tracheal tube, or similar product, please contact the practiced personal injury attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP, a national leader in product defect litigation.

PetSmart is conducting a voluntary recall of two beef hoof products that may be contaminated with salmonella. The products that are being recalled were manufactured by Pet Carousel, Inc in Sanger California called Dentley's Beef Hooves. The specific products included in the recall are:

• Dentley's Bulk Cattle Hoof UPC# 73725703323
• Dentley's 10 Pack Beef Hooves UPC# 73725736055

The products covered are those purchased between October 2, 2009 and November 3, 2009. There are no other products included in this recall.

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes an infection called salmonellosis. Although these are pet products, people can become infected from handling the contaminated product or secondary to a pet's infection. People who are infected with salmonella develop the following health problems:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps

In some cases, the condition may warrant hospitalization. Elderly, people with immune deficiencies, and children are more susceptible to contracting salmonellosis than healthy adults are. Dogs may also be exposed to salmonella through contaminated products, which may then be transferred to their owner and family.

In order to protect itself from dangerous product liability PetSmart has issued this voluntary recall. To find out more about the recalled products, request a refund, or replacement for the above products, please contact PetSmart customer service at 1-888-839-9638.

If you have suffered from salmonella infection due to exposure to either of these products, please contact legal counsel from product liability attorneys, Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP.

American Regent is conducting a voluntary recall on all lots of Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection, NDC# 0517-0601-25 15 mg/mL 1mL Single Dose Vial. This is an extension of a voluntary recall of all unexpired lots initiated in October of 2009.

Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID, used to control moderate to severe pain in adults. The voluntary recall comes due to particulates that may be present as a result of crystallization. The company is concerned with the potentially dangerous side effects that may result if a contaminated dose is administered. Some of the dangers include:

Obstructed blood vessels leading to pulmonary embolism or thrombosis
Anaphylactic reactions
Granulomas
Local irritation

To find out how to return or get credit for recalled vials, please contact American Regent at 1-800-645-1706. To report any adverse reactions with the product, email pv@luitpold.com or send a fax to 610-650-7781, 610-650-0170, or call 1-800-734-9236. Adverse reactions should also be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Events Reporting program.

If you or someone you love has suffered a negative event related to the use of ketoralac tromethamine injection or another dangerous drug, please contact the product liability attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton who serve clients nationwide.

Bodybuilder.com is conducting a voluntary recall of 65 of its dietary supplements sold on its website due to the possible inclusion of steroids in the products. The FDA informed the company that the products in question contain ingredients classified as steroids. The company has not confirmed the FDA's findings yet with an independent study, but is conducting the recall as a safety precaution.

The ingredients found are considered drugs and this company is not approved by the FDA to distribute these substances. Some of the ingredients the FDA claims it found include:

• Superdol
• Madol
• Androstenedione
• Tren
• Turinbol

There are many adverse health issues associated with the use of these and other similar steroids. The manufacturer of dangerous drugs may be found negligent or legally liable for damages related to health problems. Some of the health issues include:

• Acute liver injury
• Male infertility
• Breast enlargement in men
• Short stature in children
• Increase risk of stroke, heart attack, and death

So far, there have been no reports of anybody suffering adverse affects from any of the products being recalled. The company has received assurances from all of its manufacturers that there are no illegal substances in any of the products in question. Customers who have any of the recalled products should stop taking the product immediately and consult with a physician. Please visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm188929.htm for a list of the recalled products.

Any adverse reactions to any of the products should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program, online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm.

To find out more about the product recall, and how to return products distributed by Bodybuilding.com, please call please call 1-866-236-8417 or e-mail service@bodybuilding.com.

A Dunedin Florida company is recalling all of its Carmel Chocolate Truffle hot chocolate mix due to the presence of tree nuts that is not properly identified. The chocolate mix is distributed through direct delivery, mail order, and is also found in retail stores throughout the United States.

The product is packaged in a cone shaped plastic bag with a tag hanging from the front of it and is identified with the following information:

SKU# 3204
UPC 94522 01015

Tree nut allergies are very common, and people who suffer severe reactions must avoid tree nuts wherever they appear. Improper labeling of the presence of tree nuts can result in a severe reaction after consumption, even death due to anaphylactic shock. People who suffer from tree nut allergies are not necessarily allergic to peanuts, which are legumes. The majority of allergic reactions to tree nuts occur in children.

Manufacturers who fail to disclose tree nut allergies may be found negligent or otherwise liable for resulting damages. Consumers who purchased Caramel Chocolate Truffle Hot Cocoa Mix manufactured by Pelican Bay LTD between January 2007 and November 2, 2009 should contact the company at 1-800-826-8982, 9AM to 5 PM EST for more information on replacing or returning the product.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe allergic reaction to this, or other product, please contact the product liability lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today to examine your legal options.

In September, Synthes, the manufacturer of Synex II Central Body replacement, issued a voluntary, global recall of the product because it had learned that six of its replacements had failed six to 15 months after implantation. On November 4, 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified the recall as a Class 1 recall, meaning that it was a recall of a product likely to cause immediate serious injury or death.

The Synex II is a spinal replacement implant. It is designed to take the place of a spinal column that has suffered injury or damage, whether from a trauma, tumor, or other cause. They are made of titanium, a highly biocompatible material that is also strong and light. However, the device seems to have been constructed with insufficient strength, and six of them have failed after six to 15 months of use.

The recall covers models with part numbers 04.808.001-011. They were manufactured from June 8, 2007 to September 9, 2009 and distributed from July 2, 2007 to September 8, 2009. If you have been implanted with any of these devices and have increased pain or other unusual symptoms are encouraged to contact their surgeon. Implant failure may result in nerve injury, increase pain, spinal fracture, and may require additional operations to fix.

If you have been hurt by a dangerous medical device, please contact the product liability lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP for a free consultation.

The most vulnerable members of our society are those that are unfortunately most subject to injury by dangerous or defective products. To protect children from injury, get compensation for those who are injured, and to punish those responsible, the law firm of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP takes product liability lawsuits related to recalled baby products.

Baby products make up a high percentage of all products recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These recalled products pose serious threats to your baby, including:

• Suffocation
• Choking
• Smothering
• Falling
• Toxic exposure or poisoning
• Death

Unfortunately, even when a product is recalled, it may not be soon enough to protect your child. And, with the typical recall only reaching 30-40% effectiveness at best, there are many products still in use after they have been recalled. To protect our children, we have to make sure that manufacturers work to keep their products safe and that parents know about the dangers posed by recalled products.

Working with Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, LLP, to file a product liability lawsuit can not only compensate you for your child's injury, it can help protect other parents from suffering as you have suffered. Please contact us today to learn more.

NeruogesX Inc. announced in November that the Food and Drug Administration has approved Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch for the management of neuropathic pain as a result of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is the only product to be approved so far that contains prescription strength capsaicin.

PHN is nerve pain that can occur following shingles. Shingles can damage nerves and the pain from this nerve damage is sharp, burning, tingling shooting or even numb in sensation. It can persist after the attack of shingles has cleared up disrupting the life of the victim. The risk of PHN increases with age and in those who experienced sharp pain or a severe rash during the episode of shingles.

Qutenza delivers medication through a dermal delivery system to provide up to three months of pain relief after a single hour application. The nerves are targeted in the area of skin where the patient feels pain. The patch is applied by a healthcare professional and up to four patches may be used at the same time. Reports state it is a non-narcotic, locally acting and will not cause drowsiness or have adverse drug interactions.

Common side effects during clinical trials include:

• Pain
• Itching
• Site redness
• Papules

Serious adverse reactions included application site pain and increased blood pressure. Blood pressure increases occurred during or just after exposure to Qutenza and lasted for around two hours after the patch was removed.

If you or a loved one has taken Qutenza and developed these or other adverse reactions, please contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today for a case consultation. We serve the Kansas City, Missouri area, as well as clients nationwide.

It was announced by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. last month that the FDA has approved Lysteda (tranexamic acid) oral tablets for treatment in women who suffer from cyclic heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), also known as menorrhagia. This is reported to be a first of its kind oral therapeutic treatment made specifically for HMB.

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects nearly one out of every ten women in the U.S. It is one of the most common complaints doctors and gynecologists treat. HMB is described as 80 milliliters of blood loss per regular menstrual cycle. It is caused by an abnormally high rate of clot breakdown in the uterus. This condition affects the daily life of those who suffer from it, increasing time lost from school and work.

Lysteda works as an anti-fibrinolytic and keeps the menstrual clot from quickly breaking down and stopping the flow of blood normally. In clinical trials, there was a statistically significant reduction in blood loss between those who took Lysteda and those who took a placebo.

Lysteda Side Effects and Risks

Common adverse reactions to Lysteda reported by patients during clinical trials include:

• abdominal pain
• anemia
• back pain
• fatigue
• headache
• muscle cramps
• muscle and joint pain
• sinus and nasal symptoms

Patients who are also using birth control pills may have an increased risk of blood clot, stroke, or heart attack.

If you or a loved one suffers from these or other symptoms after taking Lysteda, see your physician. If you are in the Kansas City, Missouri area, please contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard, & Denton for an initial case consultation. We also serve clients nationwide.

Pfizer announced in late November that the Food and Drug Administration has approved Revatio (sildenafil) for injection. Revatio is the only FDA-approved phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) available in both oral and intravenous form.

Revatio is used to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. This helps the patient improve their exercise ability and delays the worsening of conditions. Pulmonary arterial hypertension affects around 100,000 men and women around the world. It is a rare, progressive, and incurable and is characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries. This leads to heart failure and death.

Revatio injections are currently available for patients already taking the drug in pill form, but are unable to do so for a short time.

Revatio Side Effects and Safety Information

Revatio was approved by the FDA in June 2005 and by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) in November 2005. It contains the same medicine as Viagra, however, patients are told to never take the two drugs together. Patients should also never take Revatio with drugs containing nitrates.

Revatio should not be taken by patients who have had blockage of veins in their lungs (pulmonary veno-occlusive disease). Patients who feel dizzy, have chest pains, or any other kinds of discomfort are told to speak with their doctors. Patients with low blood pressure or blood circulation should discuss taking Revatio with their physician.

Revatio may increase the chance of nosebleeds in patients who are taking vitamin K. However, patients who have stomach ulcers or bleeding problems should tell their doctor since it is unknown how the drug will affect these individuals.

Patients who have been taking PDE5 inhibitors, including Revatio, have reported a sudden decrease or complete loss in their hearing. Men who take PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction, including Viagra, have reported a sudden decrease or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes.

The most common side effects of taking Revatio are headaches, flushing, upset stomach, nosebleed, and trouble sleeping.

If you or a loved one has been injured by taking Revatio, please contact the experienced pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Sclichter, Bogard & Denton. We serve clients nationwide including Kansas City, Missouri.

The American Cancer Society marks the 34^th Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2009, by encouraging smokers to quit smoking that day.

The American Cancer Society held the first Great American Smokeout in 1975 as a way to encourage smokers to quit for a day. The ultimate goal of the Great American Smokeout is to encourage smokers to make a long-term plan to quit smoking for good.

Smokers who want to quit can call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345, for tobacco cessation and coaching services that can help increase their chance of quitting for good. In addition, the Great American Smokeout web site (www.cancer.org/GreatAmericans) contains user-friendly tips and tools towards a smoke-free life.

The American Cancer Society may be contacted toll-free at 1-800-227-2345 or visit their web site at www.cancer.org.

Labels: great american smokeout, quit smoking, smoking cessation

Throughout the years, there have been many lawsuits filed against TAP Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Lupron, a manmade hormone. Although, many of the lawsuits were brought against them for price fixing and defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. In 2001, TAP Pharmaceuticals paid approximately $874 million dollars in a settlement for defrauding the government.

A company that is not above those practices is probably not as dedicated to ensuring the safety and efficacy of their product either. In many cases, Lupron can be considered a dangerous drug that should not be used when alternatives are available.

Lupron is used primarily to treat the following conditions:

• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Endometriosis
• Premature puberty

The hormone, with the generic name leuprolide, acts to restrict the production of testosterone. Certain cancers and developmental hormones rely on testosterone to thrive and Lupron helps deprive them of that. In some studies, Lupron is linked to severe health problems such as increased heart disease and birth defects. Women who are expecting or who plan to become pregnant should not begin Lupron treatments.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury or additional harm because of Lupron treatment, you may be able to seek compensation for damages. To find out more about Lupron compensation, please contact the pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton to schedule a free initial consultation.

Hormones are an extremely important component in human development, controlling every aspect of growth, maturity, metabolism, and sexual organ development. Since the introduction of the pill for birth control, doctors and pharmaceutical companies have delved into manipulating hormones to treat diseases and actually steer development.

Lupron is one of the most commonly used hormones for treating cancers, arresting precocious (early) development, and endometriosis. As more people are treated with Lupron, dangers of hormone therapy have become known.

Lupron Increases Risk of Heart Disease

According to a study by the Swedish Research Council, the risk for heart diseases increased significantly with hormone therapy:

• heart attack – 24%
• arrhythmia – 29%
• ischemia - 26

These conditions increased more dramatically with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists like Lupron. Apparently, the circulation of testosterone aids the heart and blocking its production, which is what Lupron does, may cause more harm than good.

Despite these and other findings about Lupron dangers, the manufacturer, TAP Pharmaceuticals, spent millions of dollars in marketing its products, rather than working to eliminate these dangers. Manipulating the production of the body's natural hormones need to be weighed with the risks of undergoing such treatment.

Drug companies need to do more to ensure that their products are safe and effective, regardless of how many dollars it brings into the corporate coffers.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury related to the use, or misuse of Lupron, or other hormone therapy drugs, please contact the dangerous drug litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton to schedule a free legal consultation.

Luprelide, or Lupron is a manmade hormone that regulates gonadatropins like luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which, in turn, lower estradiol levels, which is the most potent estrogen produced by women. Lupron is used to treat endometriosis, which is a condition where cells that are outside the woman's uterus are affected by changes in estrogen levels. Pain similar to menstrual pain occurs, especially during the reproductive years.

Lupron is also used to inhibit testosterone in men being treated for prostate cancer. The cancer relies on testosterone to grow and Lupron helps restrict its availability.

There are four types of Lupron and come in varying doses:

• Lupron
• Lupron Depot
• Lupron Depot-Gyn
• Lupron Depot-Ped

Hormone treatments are relatively common, having been around since the introduction of the pill. Advances in medical science are showing even greater potential for treating cancers, fibroid tumors, and early puberty. Manipulating bodily functions with man-made hormones is a risky option, and many hormones may be classified as dangerous drugs if used improperly.

Because of the inherent risks of Lupron and other hormones, drug companies work hard to limit their liability. The truth is though, drug manufactures can be held strictly liable for the damages their drugs cause.

If you or a loved one has suffered personal injury due the dangerous nature of Lupron, please contact the qualified pharmaceutical litigators at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today, to schedule a free consultation.

Pharmaceutical companies are the target of many lawsuits for one simple reason: the products that they make, although beneficial for the most part, can cause serious injury. Antibiotics like Levaquin are so powerful that their misuse and even recommended use can cause personal injury and even death. Drug manufacturers need to be held accountable when the products they make contribute to injury or death. Lawsuits are the primary protection for the average consumer.

Levaquin is a powerful antibiotic used to kill the usually tough strains of bacteria that cause various systemic infections, including:

• Skin infection
• Urinary tract infection
• Respiratory tract infection

The company that manufactures Levaquin recommends that it only be used when the infection being treated is truly a bacterial infection, it does not work against viral infections. Doctors who prescribe Levaquin as a "just in case" measure may be deemed medically negligent if they fail to determine the cause of an illness.

One of the leading problems Levaquin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics causes is ruptured tendons. A patient undergoing a course of Levaquin treatment should be closely monitored for the following signs of problem:

• Tenderness and pain
• Inflammation of a tendon
• Swelling

The most commonly-affected tendon is the Achilles, which requires surgery to fix, putting the patient at that much greater risk. If you or a loved one has suffered any type of personal injury or prolonged injury due to the misapplication of Levaquin, you may be able to be compensated for proven damages.

Please contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton today to schedule a free consultation.

The Food and Drug Administration has announced it has approved the Pfizer manufactured drug Geodon Capsules (ziprasidone HCl) for the adjunctive treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults. The approval is based on clinical data which demonstrates Geodon is well tolerated in patients as an adjunct to lithium or valproate. The long term treatment of patients with bipolar disorder requires antipsychotics to help manage mood episodes, which can have a devastating effect on patients’ lives, as well as those around them.

The data for Geodon shows that intervention was required in nearly 20 percent of patients who suffered a mood episode and were given the drug for six months compared to over 32 percent who were given a placebo.

Geodon was approved by the FDA in 2001 to treat acute manic and mixed episodes due to bipolar disorder, as well as for treatment of schizophrenia.

Adverse Side Effects

Side effects associated with Geodon are most commonly dizziness, abnormal vision, somnolence, extrapyramidal symptoms, and akathisia. Geodon is not approved for treating the elderly for dementia due to an increased risk of death. Patients who are known to have heart problem or be at a greater risk of heart failure should also not be given this medication.

Neruoleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been associated with all antipsychotics including Geodon. This rare condition may cause:

• Hyperprexia
• Muscle rigidity
• Diaphoresis
• Tachycardia
• Irregular pulse or blood pressure
• Cardiac dysrhythmia
• Altered mental status

Other serious conditions that may occur with taking Geodon include tardive dyskinesia, serious hyperglycemic events, and respiratory tract infections. The risk of rash, orthostatic hypotension, and seizures is also present.

If you or a loved one has been injured by taking Geodon, please contact the experienced drug injury lawyers at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton for an initial case consultation. We serve clients in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Abilify (aripiprazole) to treat irritability associated with autistic pediatric patients, ages six to 17. This includes treating temper tantrums, mood changes, aggression and self-injury. This FDA approval is based on two eight-week double-blind, multi-centered, placebo-controlled, and randomized Phase III studies. The FDA states that Abilify scored very well compared to the placebo in patients determined to have autism.

In addition to autism, Abilify is also used to treat acute depression in adults, bipolar disorder in children and adults, and schizophrenia. In some of these cases, Abilify is used in an adjunct capacity to buttress other medications, such as antipsychotics.

However, Abilify has certain known side effects that may make taking it dangerous. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis are more likely to die from cardiovascular events or infections, like pneumonia, than they are when treated with a placebo. Young adults and adolescents suffering from depression are more likely to have suicidal thoughts. It is noted that Abilify has not been approved for these two groups of these problems.

In addition, the boxed warnings include:

• Hypersensitivity
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Seizures
• Motor and cognitive impairment
• Reduced body temperature
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus
• Dysphagia (aspiration pneumonia)
• Orthostatic hypertension

These warnings are for all antipsychotics, including Abilify.

If you or a loved one has suffered detrimental side effects because of taking Abilify, please contact the experienced defective drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton for an initial consultation.

Despite the contention that drug companies make about the safety of their products, most drugs, including powerful antibiotics like Levaquin contain dangers for patients undergoing treatment. According to Public Citizen, a non-profit consumer advocacy group, Levaquin is responsible for causing a large number of ruptured tendons in people undergoing Levaquin treatment.

Recently, the FDA approved of "black-box" labeling for Levaquin, indicating the risks of possible tendon rupture. Physicians and patients should be aware of the signs and symptoms of tendon problems:

• Tendon pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation

The FDA's adverse events database shows the following statistics between November 1997 and December 2005:

• 262 tendon ruptures
• 258 cases of tendonitis
• 274 other tendon problems

Those numbers are for all fluoroquinolone type antibiotics, with a full 61% associated with Levaquin specifically. Drug companies are driven by profits and frequently let people suffer while they make money. Instead of minimizing the risks of potentially dangerous drugs, they invest in marketing their products to an ever-wider consumer base.

Pharmaceutical litigators, like Schlichter, Bogard & Denton are here to protect the general public from out of control drug companies. If you or a loved one has suffered any adverse effects related to a Levaquin course of treatment, you may be eligible to seek compensation for those injuries.

Please contact the knowledgeable dangerous drug attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Treating life-threatening illnesses with antibiotics has been a common practice since the discovery of penicillin. All too frequently wounded soldiers and patients would die from infected wounds until antibiotics joined the physician's arsenal. Since that time, bacteria have evolved, making them more resistant to traditional antibiotics.

Drug companies are continually manufacturing powerful antibiotics to defeat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Unfortunately, when used improperly these antibiotics may also be considered dangerous drugs. Levaquin, made by Ortho-McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson, is one of the most popular antibiotics on the market today.

Levaquin Treats Bacterial Infections

In the past, many physicians treated anything that looked like it might be an infection with a course of penicillin or other antibiotic, regardless of whether it was a bacterial infection or not. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections. It was thought that it was better to be safe than sorry, but the more frequently antibiotics were used, the faster bacteria adapted to it.

Levaquin is approved by the FDA to treat the following common infections:

• Respiratory tract infections
• Genitourinary tract infections
• Bacterial skin infections

Man-made antibiotics like Levaquin should only be used when the infection is known to be bacterial. This will ensure that the bacteria will be killed by the Levaquin treatment, but minimize the potentially dangerous side effects that occur with Levaquin.

If you or a loved one has suffered ill effects of improperly-prescribed Levaquin, please contact the pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Schlichter, Bogard & Denton, serving clients nationwide, to schedule an initial consultation.