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LATimes examines suspected risks of bisphosphonates

If you take drugs for osteoporosis, read this… The Los Angeles Times (3/22, Adams) reports, “Long-term use of osteoporosis drugs seems to change bones in a way that could lead to unusual leg fractures, according to two reports presented earlier this month at a meeting of orthopedic surgeons. Doctors have reported seeing the unusual fractures … Read more

FDA says highest available dose of Zocor may cause muscle damage

If you take a high dose of Zocor, 80 mg., then you should talk to your doctor about this… The AP (3/19) reported that the FDA “said Friday the highest available dose of Zocor [simvastatin]…can cause muscle damage as well as severe and potentially lethal kidney damage.” Reuters (3/20) reported that the FDA, in a … Read more

Goodbye Camel? FDA rules to restrict tobacco advertising

  The Washington Post (3/19, Layton) reports that on Thursday, the FDA announced rules “that will severely restrict the way the tobacco industry can advertise and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, especially marketing efforts designed to appeal to children and teenagers.” Howard Koh, HHS’ assistant secretary for health, said, “This is truly a historic … Read more

Honda recalls thousands of US vehicles over brake problem

  Bloomberg News (3/17, Ohnsman, Ramsey) reported Honda has “recalled 412,000 US vehicles including the Odyssey, the country’s best-selling minivan last year, to fix a brake-system flaw that spurred driver complaints of pedals feeling ‘soft.’” Honda yesterday said a “vehicle stability assist modulator should be modified on 344,000 Odysseys and 68,000 Element wagons from the … Read more

CPSC to issue warning on baby slings

  Parents, grandparents, friends, please keep this in mind when you purchase stuff for the new baby. The AP (3/9) reported, “The government is preparing a safety warning about baby slings – those popular and fashionable infant carriers that parents strap around their chests to give the little ones a cuddle on the move.” At … Read more

FDA adds boxed warning to prevent Plavix drug injury

If you take Plavix, you’ll want to read this. Apparently, some patients are not responding to the medication, leaving them unprotected against heart attacks and strokes. The AP (3/13, Perrone) reported that the FDA “is adding its strongest warning to the label for Plavix [clopidogrel bisulfate], cautioning that some patients do not respond to the … Read more

Drug companies turning to private physicians to promote products

  Drug companies are finding ways to circumvent the rules and get more off-label uses for medications… The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (3/14, Fauber) reported, “For years, drug companies sought out influential university doctors with impressive credentials to bring their message to other doctors and persuade them to write prescriptions for their products.” But as “the … Read more