Diseases & Conditions Blog

Mesothelioma Victim Awarded $5.2 Million - Monday, December 17, 2007

New Jersey engineering and construction firm Foster Wheeler Corp. has been ordered to pay $5.2 million to the survivors of an employee who died in 2006 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure. Richard Walmach was a career naval machinist who died after filing the suit, which claimed the company failed to disclose asbestos risks. Foster Wheeler Corp. is a supplier of boilers, steam generators and other power equipment for the U.S. Navy.

Woman Sues After Husband Dies of Cancer - Monday, December 10, 2007

A Kentucky woman, Verona Beasley, has filed a lawsuit against 10 defendants claiming her husband died from pancreatic cancer after being exposed to benzene and butadiene. Beasley claims her husband, Donald, was diagnosed with cancer in early 2006 and was told by doctors that his cancer was related to exposure to benzene and butadiene. Donald Beasley was a tire builder at General Tire and Rubber Company in Mayfield, KY for 26 years.

Mrs. Beasley claims that during the course of her husband's employment there, he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed benzene and butadiene, which were designed, manufactured, sold or distributed by the defendants. Those defendants include BP Amoco, Chevron, Continental Tire, Shell Oil and ConocoPhillips.

Benzene is a hydrocarbon that is produced by the burning of natural products, is found in gasoline and other fuels, and is used to make some types of dyes, rubbers, lubricants, drugs, detergents and pesticides.

Butadiene is an industrial chemical used in the production of synthetic rubber.

The suit claims the defendants had a duty to exercise reasonable care and caution for the safety, health and welfare of her husband but failed by including those chemicals in their products even though they would have a toxic and dangerous effect on the health of anyone handling them.

The suit further claims the defendants failed to provide adequate warning and instructions, failed to recommend use of protective equipments, and failed to recall or cease using benzene and butadiene.

Mrs. Beasley claims that her husband's cancer disfigured and disabled him, caused pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. She is seeking damages in excess of $150,000.

Avandia Issued Second Black Box Warning - Monday, December 3, 2007

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials are now pushing for a second black box warning to be added to Avandia's label. Avandia, a formerly very popular type II diabetes drug, currently carries a black box warning for heart failure; however, the FDA wants a second warning about the risks of heart attack.

The second warning would be more serious than the first and could result in further decreased sales of the diabetes drug. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal (October 24, 2007), the new warning would focus on the risk of ischemic problems in which blood is prevented from reaching the heart. The FDA has said that Avandia is linked to a 38% increased risk of ischemic events.

Avandia has come under fire since an analysis showed a 43% increased risk of heart attack in patients who took the drug. In October the Department of Veterans Affairs removed Avandia from its national formulary. According to Grassley's letter, at the FDA DSOB meeting the Department of Veterans Affairs also voted to remove Avandia from the market.

Many patients have suffered heart attacks, heart failure and fluid retention as a result of taking Avandia for their diabetes. The FDA has so far found that the benefits of Avandia outweigh the risks. However, can a drug that carries two black box warnings really be doing more good than harm? Two black box warnings seem like a lot for one drug to carry, especially when black box warnings are the most serious warnings a drug label can carry. Should patients really be taking a drug that has that many risks associated with it?

Patients who are concerned about the risks of Avandia should consult with their physician about possible alternatives. Do not stop taking Avandia without first speaking to a doctor.

Lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline alleging that the company knew about the risks associated with its diabetes drug but did not properly warn the public. People who have had loved ones die of heart attacks following the use of Avandia have also filed lawsuits.