Weitz & Luxenberg Responds to Study on Off-Label Use of Antipsychotics
February 6, 2007, New York, NY— Some newer antipsychotic medications approved for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have been given to millions of Americans to treat depression, dementia and other disorders. A new analysis produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, says the evidence is weak that the drugs are effective for these so-called “off-label” uses, and they come with increased health risks.
Of the study’s findings, Paul J. Pennock, Director of the drug and medical device litigation unit at Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., said, “Many drug companies monitor the prescriptions doctors write for both on- and off-label use through vendors. So, these drug companies are fully aware of the extensive off-label use, from which they greatly profit. They should therefore be held accountable to ensure proper warnings are given to prospective users of their drugs.”
The exhaustive review examined 84 published studies on atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate). Researchers found that not only is quality scientific evidence lacking to support the off-label uses, there is strong evidence of very dangerous side effects to many of the drugs, including risk of death and strokes, significant weight gain and gastrointestinal problems.
In their analysis of whether atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel work when used to treat dementia, researchers found scant evidence to support their use. Instead, they found that a large clinical trial concluded that when Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel were given to Alzheimer’s patients, that the risks of adverse side effects offset the potential benefits.
Seroquel is marketed by AstraZeneca as a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, it is often prescribed off-label for anxiety and sleep disorders. The drug has been linked to the development of diabetes, a debilitating, deadly disease.
Weitz & Luxenberg, one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firms in America, believes the public should be fully informed about all pharmaceutical medications before choosing to take them. The firm has spearheaded litigation related to Seroquel, filing cases in the Southern District of New York. Those cases are now being transferred into the Federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) located in Middle District of Florida (MDL docket number 1769).
People who have been injured by Seroquel can contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Interested parties should call the Client Relations Department at 1 (800) 476-6070, e-mail clientrelations@weitzlux.com, and view the firm’s corporate website at http://www.weitzlux.com
About Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.
Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firms in America. The firm has worked on numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including PPA, Propulsid, Accutane, Bextra/Celebrex, Seroquel and Vioxx. In the latter, we recently achieved a $13.5 million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605). The firm has also played leading roles in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, and silicone breast implants, among others. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and mercury, among other toxins.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
Weitz & Luxenberg responds to TCE contamination in Dayton, OH
February 1, 2007, New York, NY—Contaminated groundwater tainted with trichloroethylene has led to a dangerous plume that is now affecting the air quality in homes near the Behr-Dayton Thermal Products Plant in Dayton, Ohio. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it is seeking to expand air quality sampling in the area to determine how many homes will need vapor abatement systems to help mitigate the contamination. The EPA stated that there will be no charge to area residents for the sampling or, if necessary, installation of the abatement systems.
In response to the U.S. EPA’s investigation, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., reaffirms its ongoing dedication to hold polluters responsible for the hazards they wreak on our communities. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, the firm represents over 50 water providers whose wells have been contaminated with MTBE and several communities around the country for the personal injuries and property damage they have suffered as a result of pollution.
Of the contamination, Robin Greenwald, Head of the firm’s Environmental Toxic Torts Unit said, “Citizens should not have to feel unsafe in their own homes. When companies mishandle chemicals that migrate into groundwater and ultimately into the air in people’s homes, those companies should have to pay for the injuries and damage to property their unlawful conduct causes.”
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated solvent, was widely used for metal degreasing in industrial operations and is now a common contaminant at hazard waste sites and many federal facilities. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, breathing high levels of TCE over a long period of time can cause nerve, kidney and liver damage.
The U.S. EPA will host a public meeting in the community on Thursday, February 8 at 8:00 pm to update residents on its plans for air quality sampling. Information on the meeting can be obtained by contacting U.S. EPA’s community involvement coordinator at (800) 621-8431, Ext. 60269, or at Gonzalez.rafaelp@epa.gov
About Weitz & Luxenberg: Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs' litigation law firms in America. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and other toxins. The firm has played leading roles in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, silicone breast implants, medical malpractice, and general negligence, among others. The firm has won numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Vioxx, achieving a $13.5 million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605).
People who have been affected by environmental pollutants can contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Interested parties should call the Client Relations department at 1 (800) 476-6070 or via e-mail by writing to clientrelations@weitzlux.com. You may also visit our website at www.weitzlux.com
February 1, 2007, New York, NY—Contaminated groundwater tainted with trichloroethylene has led to a dangerous plume that is now affecting the air quality in homes near the Behr-Dayton Thermal Products Plant in Dayton, Ohio. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it is seeking to expand air quality sampling in the area to determine how many homes will need vapor abatement systems to help mitigate the contamination. The EPA stated that there will be no charge to area residents for the sampling or, if necessary, installation of the abatement systems.
In response to the U.S. EPA’s investigation, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., reaffirms its ongoing dedication to hold polluters responsible for the hazards they wreak on our communities. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, the firm represents over 50 water providers whose wells have been contaminated with MTBE and several communities around the country for the personal injuries and property damage they have suffered as a result of pollution.
Of the contamination, Robin Greenwald, Head of the firm’s Environmental Toxic Torts Unit said, “Citizens should not have to feel unsafe in their own homes. When companies mishandle chemicals that migrate into groundwater and ultimately into the air in people’s homes, those companies should have to pay for the injuries and damage to property their unlawful conduct causes.”
Trichloroethylene (TCE), a chlorinated solvent, was widely used for metal degreasing in industrial operations and is now a common contaminant at hazard waste sites and many federal facilities. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, breathing high levels of TCE over a long period of time can cause nerve, kidney and liver damage.
The U.S. EPA will host a public meeting in the community on Thursday, February 8 at 8:00 pm to update residents on its plans for air quality sampling. Information on the meeting can be obtained by contacting U.S. EPA’s community involvement coordinator at (800) 621-8431, Ext. 60269, or at Gonzalez.rafaelp@epa.gov
About Weitz & Luxenberg: Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs' litigation law firms in America. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and other toxins. The firm has played leading roles in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, silicone breast implants, medical malpractice, and general negligence, among others. The firm has won numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Vioxx, achieving a $13.5 million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605).
People who have been affected by environmental pollutants can contact Weitz & Luxenberg. Interested parties should call the Client Relations department at 1 (800) 476-6070 or via e-mail by writing to clientrelations@weitzlux.com. You may also visit our website at www.weitzlux.com
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Weitz & Luxenberg Responds to Report on Hospital Bacteria Outbreak
February 1, 2007, New York, NY—An improperly sterilized medical instrument was behind a bacterial outbreak that sickened five babies and may have been responsible for the death of two, says a report by health regulators.
Inspectors from the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) determined last week that the respiratory therapy staff in the neonatal unit of White Memorial Medical Center in downtown Los Angeles failed to properly clean laryngoscope blades, which are used to insert breathing tubes. Health regulators identified the improper procedure as the culprit of the early December outbreak of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, which caused five babies to fall ill.
“Infections in hospitals are a scourge to the practice of good medicine—more really needs to be done to control it,” said Allan Zelikovic, head of the Medical Malpractice Unit and Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. “Studies keep proving that simple sterile techniques would prevent untold death and suffering,” added Zelikovic, “not to mention money wasted in prolonged hospital stays in efforts to cure the illnesses caused.”
Weitz & Luxenberg recently prosecuted a case involving such infections in Buffalo, NY. The patient, who underwent hip replacement surgery, was exposed to three times the risk of infection when the hardware used to replace her hip was positioned improperly. Each time the orthopedic surgeon operated on her, she was exposed to a risk of infection. While the third surgery corrected the problem of alignment, the patient by then had developed a serious infection in her hip, necessitating removal of all the hardware. The patient survived treatment for the infection but was left crippled.
According to the CDHS report, hospital staff cleaned the laryngoscope blades with soap, tap water, and alcohol wipes. This procedure was contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper sterilization. White Memorial’s neonatal unit was closed down briefly due to the outbreak.
P. aeruginosa, a common bacterium, can spread rapidly through body contact, fluids and water. The bacterium is rarely dangerous for most people, but for premature babies and people with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients, it can be deadly. Of the roughly two million hospital-acquired infections each year, about 10 percent are caused by P. aeruginosa.
Those who have been affected by medical malpractice may contact Weitz & Luxenberg by calling our Client Relations Department at 800-476-6070 or e-mailing clientrelations@weitzlux.com. Please also visit our website: www.weitzlux.com
About Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.
Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firms in America. The firm has played leading roles in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, and silicone breast implants, among others. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and mercury, among other toxins. The firm has won numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Vioxx, achieving a $13.5 million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605).
February 1, 2007, New York, NY—An improperly sterilized medical instrument was behind a bacterial outbreak that sickened five babies and may have been responsible for the death of two, says a report by health regulators.
Inspectors from the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) determined last week that the respiratory therapy staff in the neonatal unit of White Memorial Medical Center in downtown Los Angeles failed to properly clean laryngoscope blades, which are used to insert breathing tubes. Health regulators identified the improper procedure as the culprit of the early December outbreak of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, which caused five babies to fall ill.
“Infections in hospitals are a scourge to the practice of good medicine—more really needs to be done to control it,” said Allan Zelikovic, head of the Medical Malpractice Unit and Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. “Studies keep proving that simple sterile techniques would prevent untold death and suffering,” added Zelikovic, “not to mention money wasted in prolonged hospital stays in efforts to cure the illnesses caused.”
Weitz & Luxenberg recently prosecuted a case involving such infections in Buffalo, NY. The patient, who underwent hip replacement surgery, was exposed to three times the risk of infection when the hardware used to replace her hip was positioned improperly. Each time the orthopedic surgeon operated on her, she was exposed to a risk of infection. While the third surgery corrected the problem of alignment, the patient by then had developed a serious infection in her hip, necessitating removal of all the hardware. The patient survived treatment for the infection but was left crippled.
According to the CDHS report, hospital staff cleaned the laryngoscope blades with soap, tap water, and alcohol wipes. This procedure was contrary to the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper sterilization. White Memorial’s neonatal unit was closed down briefly due to the outbreak.
P. aeruginosa, a common bacterium, can spread rapidly through body contact, fluids and water. The bacterium is rarely dangerous for most people, but for premature babies and people with compromised immune systems, such as AIDS patients, it can be deadly. Of the roughly two million hospital-acquired infections each year, about 10 percent are caused by P. aeruginosa.
Those who have been affected by medical malpractice may contact Weitz & Luxenberg by calling our Client Relations Department at 800-476-6070 or e-mailing clientrelations@weitzlux.com. Please also visit our website: www.weitzlux.com
About Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C.
Weitz & Luxenberg, founded in 1986, is one of the leading plaintiffs’ litigation law firms in America. The firm has played leading roles in national and local litigations involving asbestos, DES, and silicone breast implants, among others. A forerunner in the legal fight against environmental polluters, Weitz & Luxenberg has worked with clients harmed by MTBE and mercury, among other toxins. The firm has won numerous cases involving dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Vioxx, achieving a $13.5 million verdict against Merck & Co. (docket No. ATLL129605).
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