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May 13, 2012 : The Four Most Common Complications Which Lead to Greater Risk of Unsuccessful Revision
Artificial hip replacements have become increasingly common, yet as people begin to live longer, it is inevitable that these artificial joints will fail, wear out, or cause health complications. Should any of these issues arise a hip revision surgery will become necessary to replace the failing joint.
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May 12, 2012 : A Study of Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement Implants: Part Two: Cobalt Poisoning Examined
Cobalt poisoning as a result of industrial exposure or medical treatment is fairly well known, however those who were fitted with a metal-on-metal hip implant were not expecting to be subjected to dangerous levels of cobalt. Cobalt poisoning can lead to ringing in the ears, dizziness, deafness, blindness or atrophy of the optic nerve, severe headaches.
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May 11, 2012 : A Study of Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement Implants: Part One: What is Cobalt and how is it Used?
Unfortunately, a large number of metal-on-metal hip replacement implants have had negative outcomes, from relatively minor to very severe. Tissue damage due to metallosis from the cobalt used in the hip implants can severely compromise any subsequent recommended revision surgery.
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May 09, 2012 : The Exact Problem with the ASR—Why is it Failing
While DePuy Orthopedics originally stated they were phasing out the ASR artificial hip implant due to slow sales, months later they warned doctors that the ASR implant seems to have a higher than normal failure rate which occurred soon after surgery in many patients. These actions occurred after more than two years of negative reports about the ASR implant which led to questions as to why the company didn’t halt sales earlier.
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May 06, 2012 : What Should I Do if I Have an ASR Hip Implant?
The ASR hip implant made by DePuy suffered considerable troubles after its initial introduction for use in conventional hip replacement surgeries in 2005. The FDA did not require DePuy to subject its ASR implant to clinical trials, considering it substantially the same as previously approved implants.
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April 25, 2012 : Recovering From Actos-Related Bladder Cancer: Part 1of 2: How Can I Prevent a Recurrence?
Actos, or pioglitazone, is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of Type-2 diabetes and works by sensitizing cells to the pancreas-produced hormone known as insulin. Insulin is used by the body to regulate the amount of sugar or glucose in the body therefore when cells are more sensitive to insulin, sugar in the blood naturally moves more easily into cells.
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April 23, 2012 : Recovering From Actos-Related Bladder Cancer: Part 2 of 2: What All Actos Users Should Know:
Actos, a drug used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes has been shown to carry a risk of bladder cancer, particularly among those who are elderly or who have taken the drug in higher doses or for extended periods of time (longer than one year). Although the drug has not yet been recalled by the FDA, it has fallen under intense scrutiny and has been pulled from the French and German markets.
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April 21, 2012 : Defining Felony Crimes in Texas
Criminal offenses in Texas are charged under the categories of misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses and carry the most severe penalties. A felony is generally considered any criminal offense more serious than a misdemeanor and is classified as a State Jail Felony, Third-Degree Felony, Second-Degree Felony, First-Degree Felony, or a Capital Felony.
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April 20, 2012 : Texas Driver License Fines and Suspensions
Texas uses the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) adopted by the state legislature (TRC §708; Article 10, House Bill 3588, 78th Legislative Session) to track individuals’ traffic violations, assign points to their records, and assess fines to drivers who receive or exceed a certain number of license points. Not surprisingly, the point system has been an efficient revenue generator for the state.
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April 19, 2012 : Classes of Misdemeanor Offenses in Texas
Criminal offenses in Texas are divided into two main categories, felonies and misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are considered lesser crimes than felonies and are divided into three classes based on the degree of seriousness of the offense and the severity of the punishments.
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April 18, 2012 : Texas First Degree Felony Crime and Consequences
Criminal offenses in Texas are charged under the categories of misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies are the most serious criminal offenses and carry the most severe penalties. A felony is generally considered any criminal offense more serious than a misdemeanor, and that is punishable by imprisonment of more than one year.
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April 17, 2012 : Penalties for Assault and Battery in Texas
Assault charges in Texas can result from a simple threat or argument, a fistfight, or a violent attack with a weapon. Assault charges range from misdemeanors to felony charges depending on the circumstances, and are taken especially seriously if injury occurs or if a weapon was used. The penalties range from fines to prison terms depending on the severity of the assault and the circumstances of each case.
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April 16, 2012 : How Strong is Your Pradaxa Case?
If your doctor has prescribed the relatively new drug, Pradaxa, as an alternative to Warfarin, you may have been alarmed to hear of the potential issues with Pradaxa. Pradaxa was approved by the FDA in late 2010 after the manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim, presented the drug as a much better alternative to Warfarin.
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April 01, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran) Part 3 of 3: Serious Vascular Risks
Pradaxa, the drug which less than a couple of years ago seemed like a dream come true for the hundreds of thousands of patients who were taking Warfarin or Coumadin has had its initial glow tarnished by the ever-increasing number of reports of serious side effects from use of the drug. Although Warfarin has been used as a stroke inhibitor and for those suffering from atrial fibrillation since the 1950’s, it comes with certain restrictions and its own set of side effects.
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March 31, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran): Part 2 of 3: Serious Cerebral and Cardiovascular Risks
Some experts feel that the German pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim, rushed their new wonder drug, Pradaxa to the market perhaps a bit too quickly in an attempt to beat the competitors to the mark. Pradaxa subsequently became the first drug to rival Warfarin in over half a century.
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March 31, 2012 : DePuy Litigation: Statute of Limitations Depuy Lawsuits
In August of 2010 DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. recalled two of its most popular hip replacement systems—the ASR XL Acetabular and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System. The recall came on the heels of a study which indicated the five-year failure rate of these products was as high as one in every eight patients.
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March 30, 2012 : Pradaxa (Dabigatran) Lawsuits
March of 2012 saw the first lawsuits filed against Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Pradaxa. This drug was the first of its type to be marketed in over half a century, and Boehringer had high hopes that Pradaxa would knock its only competitor, Warfarin, out of the running in short order.
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March 29, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran): Part 1 of 3: Side Effects and Complications
The newest drug approved for use in the treatment of heart valve problems or atrial fibrillation among patients with an increased risk of stroke is the drug Pradaxa, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. The drug Boehringer is seeking to replace with its newest arrival is Warfarin—a blood-thinning drug which has been used since the early 1950’s.
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March 28, 2012 : Pradaxa (Dabigatran) and the FDA Safety Review
Although only on the market for a relatively short period of time, Pradaxa, the blood-thinning drug manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim—has already suffered under the weight of threatened recalls, lawsuits and warnings by the FDA. Pradaxa is the first FDA-approved drug of its type since the drug Warfarin was approved in 1954.
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March 14, 2012 : Reviewing the Safety of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
According to a recent BBC Newsnight investigation, literally hundreds upon thousands of patients across the globe may have been exposed to potentially toxic substances following the implantation of metal-on-metal hip implants.
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March 10, 2012 : How Can a Conviction on Your Driving Record
While many of us tend to be fairly laid-back regarding traffic violation offenses, the truth is these relatively minor infractions of the law can cause you significant levels of grief down the road. This is the way your traffic ticket generally evolves over time: You see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror and are filled with dismay to realize you are being pulled over by a city of Houston police officer.
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March 05, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 4: Revision Surgery
The degree of your symptoms and whether or not the mesh has eroded into the vaginal walls or another surrounding organ will likely determine whether you are a candidate for revision surgery. It is important that you discuss your options thoroughly with your physician before deciding to undergo revision surgery to correct the problems caused by your transvaginal mesh implant.
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March 04, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 3: Problems and Warnings
Once the mesh is implanted in the body, it can move around leading to potentially serious injuries in the form of nearby organ punctures or frayed edges of the mesh eating into surrounding tissues. Some women have become septic as a result of the mesh implant, such severe infections, when not treated immediately, can lead to death in some cases.
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March 03, 2012 : Actos Discussions Part 2: Dangers of the Drug
Links to higher heart disease rates have been associated with the use of Actos, and, in fact, Actos may cause as many heart problems as GlaxoSmithKline’s drug, Avandia. The American Heart Association reported that studies showed patients taking either diabetes drug were at least four times as likely to experience heart attacks, heart failure or even death.
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March 02, 2012 : Actos Discussions Part 1: Your Actos Case
Hundreds of thousands of patients who have taken the drug Actos over the past few years—believing the drug to be safe—have been very disillusioned to find that the drug can have some potentially very serious side effects. Actos is a drug which was developed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and works by helping the body restore its normal response to insulin, effectively lowering blood sugar.
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March 01, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 2: Definitions and Descriptions
Although mesh was originally used in hernia repairs as far back as the 1950’s, it was not until the 1970’s that gynecologists began implanting this metallic or polymeric screen to reinforce and support weakened muscle and tissue and treat pelvic organ prolapse.
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February 29, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 1: Medical Conditions Which Precipitate the Use of Transvaginal Mesh
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when an organ in the pelvic area drops or prolapses from its normal position and pushes against the walls of the vagina or other organs. Especially in cases where the muscles which hold the pelvic organs in place become weak or stretched from childbirth or surgery, pelvic organ prolapse can occur.
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February 28, 2012 : Avoiding an Arrest in Texas by Posting a Bond
Suppose you are unpleasantly surprised to find there is a City of Houston warrant for your arrest as a result of an unpaid traffic ticket or a failure to appear in court as promised. Of course your primary goal is to avoid an embarrassing arrest which could take place wherever the police happen to find you.
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February 27, 2012 : What is a Capias Warrant?
The word “capias” means “that you take” in Latin, therefore a capias warrant is usually issued to compel someone to do take a specific action. Capias warrants are issued by civil courts, therefore they are apart from a criminal arrest warrant, however make no mistake—you can wind up in jail as a result of a Texas capias warrant.
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February 26, 2012 : How to Beat a Traffic Ticket in Court
In most cases it is more advantageous for you to go to court and challenge your traffic ticket than to simply write out a check and pay your fines. While paying the fines for your traffic tickets may seem like the path of least resistance, that one action can have many unexpected repercussions down the line.
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February 25, 2012 : How to Find Out if You Have an Arrest Warrant
Suppose you received a traffic ticket some time back and fully intended to pay it or go to court and plead your innocence. Then you got busy, time passed, and suddenly you wake up one morning with a sick feeling as you realize there could be a City of Houston warrant with your name on it.
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February 05, 2012 : Recall of Artificial Hip Causes Johnson & Johnson 2012 Earnings Forecast to Dip
The pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson, has been given a 2012 earnings forecast which is below the previous estimates present by financial analysts due to the number of DePuy hip replacements which were recalled. In fact, recent reports state Johnson & Johnson takes $3 billion charge for hip recall.
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February 04, 2012 : Taking Charge: A Blueprint for DePuy Hip Implant Recipients to Follow for Successful Recovery
While the FDA began receiving complaints regarding the failure of hip replacement devices manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) for some time, there was not a DePuy hip extensive recall on the device until August of 2010.
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February 03, 2012 : “Hip” Definitions: A Discussion of Medical Terms Every DePuy Hip Implant Recipient Should Know
July of 2003 saw the worldwide introduction of the metal-on-metal hip replacement by DePuy, although these devices were not used for hip replacement surgeries in the United States until 2005.
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February 02, 2012 : Johnson & Johnson Takes $3 Billion Dollar Fourth Quarter Charge
Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of DePuy Orthopedics recently took a fourth quarter charge of over $3 billion dollars related primarily to their voluntary recall artificial hip implants—the DePuy ASR Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System.
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February 01, 2012 : Things You Should Know About Johnson & Johnson’s and DePuy Orthopedics’ Attempts to Help Hip Implant Recipients
DePuy hip implants were used widely throughout the world, beginning in 2003, and in the United States from 2005. Although concerns were raised regarding the safety of these hip implant devices, a recall by DePuy was not issued until August of 2010 when DePuy received data from the National Joint Registry showing the five year revision rate for the ASR hip replacement system was approximately 12-13%.
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January 30, 2012 : New Updates for DePuy Hip Implant Victims
On January 23, 2012, the DePuy ASR Litigation Status Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida was held before Judge David Katz. Judge Katz is the United States Federal District Judge assigned by the Multi District Litigation panel of judges to hear all pretrial matters in any DePuy ASR cases filed in federal court. Judge Katz met with the Executive Committee of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for about an hour privately before he met with all attorneys in open court.
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December 20, 2011 : Why You Should Never Ignore a Traffic Citation
Don’t let your busy life get in the way of taking care of a traffic citation or you could find yourself facing steep fines, additional charges and could even be arrested if you missed your original court date. Even if you feel the traffic ticket you received was not justified, ignoring the problem will not make it go away.
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December 19, 2011 : What to Do When Your Bond Has Been Revoked
Suppose you neglected to either mail in the fine or appear in court after receiving a traffic citation. Soon you’ve forgotten about the entire thing as your busy life takes over only to find yourself rudely jolted back to earth when you learn there is a Houston County arrest warrant issued for you.
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December 18, 2011 : What it Really Costs to Miss a Court Date
So, you received a traffic ticket, possibly for exceeding the speed limit or not stopping completely at a stop sign. It seems a relatively minor issue, so you stick the ticket in a drawer or your purse intending to take care of it as soon as you get a moment.
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December 17, 2011 : The True Cost of Failing to Appear
If you believe that failing to appear on a traffic ticket may be a relatively harmless matter, you could be very unpleasantly surprised to find yourself under the cloud of a Houston arrest warrant. Of course it is much better for you if you actually know about the arrest warrant than if you are totally unaware of it.
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December 16, 2011 : Posting a Bond in Order to Lift an Outstanding Warrant
Law enforcement and judicial officials issue daily warrants all across the nation for those who have failed to appear as required, and the city of Houston issues these warrants as well. The vast majority of Houston arrest warrants stem from failure to appear on a ticket issued for a traffic offense or possibly another minor Class C misdemeanors.
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December 15, 2011 : Little Understood Fact—Traffic Tickets are Criminal Cases
The United States is truly a nation that loves to drive, and Houston and the surrounding areas are certainly no exception. In fact, by most estimations as many as 89 percent of the adults in America own a car, using it to commute to work, run errands, go on vacation and taxi their children from place to place. Unfortunately, with all this driving comes the inevitable traffic ticket.
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December 14, 2011 : I’ve been Arrested on a Traffic Warrant—What Should I Do?
Although many of us are under the impression that neglecting to show up for a simple traffic ticket hearing is really no big deal, should you find yourself being taken into custody under a City of Houston arrest warrant you may be shocked to realize how serious it really is.
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December 13, 2011 : How Failing to Appear Can Turn You into a Fugitive
Most of us would never imagine the word fugitive could apply to us simply because we forgot about a traffic ticket. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A missed court date, even if it is for a minor traffic infraction, can land you in plenty of trouble.
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December 12, 2011 : Why You Shouldn’t Pay Old Tickets Simply to Avoid a Warrant—and What You Should Do Instead
If you’ve neglected to pay one or more Houston traffic citations, you may find yourself in the position of having a Harris county arrest warrant in your name. Whether you simply forgot about the ticket or deliberately neglected to take care of it because you didn’t feel you deserved the citation, the reality is that old tickets don’t simply go away because you forget about them.
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December 11, 2011 : Could Houston’s Annual Warrant Roundup Affect You?
Every year the state of Texas holds a two-month long great warrant roundup and if you happen to be “asked” to participate in the roundup it is not nearly as much fun as it might sound. Those individuals who have neglected to pay a traffic ticket or other Class C misdemeanor ticket may find themselves actively pursued under a City of Houston arrest warrant.
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November 26, 2011 : Under Fire: Transvaginal Mesh Manufacturers Defend Device amid Stern Criticism
Recent FDA warnings regarding the controversial transvaginal mesh implant have resulted in a staunch defense of the device and its safety by the mesh manufacturers. Although the FDA has talked of reclassifying the mesh implant from a Class II to a Class III, requiring much more stringent clinical testing as well as human trials, Boston Scientific, one of the makers of the mesh is strongly urging against that potential change.
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November 25, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: The Types of Surgeries Which Use this Controversial Device
As more information comes to light regarding the potential safety issues of the transvaginal mesh implants, women across the nation have more questions regarding the device. The FDA has yet to make a final determination on how mesh devices will be approved in the future and whether the current manufacturers will be subject to more rigorous scrutiny regarding the mesh device.
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November 24, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
If you are a woman who has had a surgery in the past for stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, and you think your surgeon might have used a mesh implant during that surgery, you need to know the facts surrounding the mesh products.
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November 23, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: Is an FDA Recall on the Horizon?
Even though some consumer advocate groups—such as Public Citizen—have called for the FDA to ban the marketing of transvaginal mesh for use in surgeries such as the repair of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence as yet there has been no definitive conclusions reached as to whether the use of mesh should be permanently discontinued.
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November 22, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh Complications and Corrective Procedures: The Long Road to Recovery
In the past few years more and more women are coming forward to report complications—some of them quite severe—which resulted from surgeries involving the use of transvaginal mesh implants. Mesh has been implemented in surgeries as far back as the 1950’s, when it was used in hernia repair over the more traditional suture repair, with excellent results. In fact, when the mesh procedure was used there was a significantly lower recurrence of the hernias.
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November 21, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: Are There Safer Alternatives?
In light of the recent lawsuits filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh implants, many are wondering whether a safer alternative to using the potentially risky mesh exists. Mesh has been used since the 1950’s, primarily for hernia surgeries which are performed abdominally. Surgeons began expanding the use of the mesh to include surgeries on women for pelvic organ prolapse or stress incontinence.
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November 20, 2011 : Does Age Play a Role in Transvaginal Patch Complications?
In light of the many adverse events seen among women who have undergone transvaginal mesh surgeries in the past few years, the FDA is considering more stringent controls over approval of the device. Surgeons currently perform as many as 300,000 pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgeries every year, a large portion of those using mesh in the procedure.
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November 19, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: A Brief History of the Problematic Implant
While the past three years have brought an influx of complications and problems related to the transvaginal mesh implant, the device has actually been in use for over half a century. Surgical mesh made of metallic or polymer screens was developed for use in abdominal hernia surgeries in the 1950’s, however gynecologists soon saw the advantages of using the mesh in the surgical repair of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
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November 18, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh and the FDA: How the Food and Drug Administration
Mesh has been widely used in a variety of surgeries since the 1950’s, and was originally approved for use in abdominal hernia surgery. Surgeons began altering the size and shape of the mesh devices, using them in women’s surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. It was not until 1996 that the mesh was approved specifically for SUI surgeries and 2002 when it was approved for POP surgeries.
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November 11, 2011 : City of Houston Municipal court Fine and Bond schedule
Fine amounts and costs are subject to change. For fine amounts not listed, call 311 or (713) 837-0311 Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) call 311 or (713) 247-8591 Also visit the city of Houston municipal court website at WWW.HOUSTONCOURTS.ORG
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November 10, 2011 : Driver Responsibility Law
Points system The Driver Responsibility law (TRC § 708; Article 10, House Bill 3588, 78th Legislative Session) establishes a system which assigns points to moving violations classified as Class C misdemeanors and applies surcharges to offenders.
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November 09, 2011 : High-Speed Chase Ends on Dallas Love Field Runway
DALLAS—An hour-long police chase late last month ended in the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with several robberies in the Dallas area. Michael Lawrence Brown, 46, was taken into custody next to one of Love Field airport’s busiest runways after leading police on a high-speed chase through the city.
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November 08, 2011 : New Motorcycle Laws Roll Into Texas September 1, 2009
HOUSTON—On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 1967 (SB1967) of the 81st Regular Legislative Session. This law became effective September 1, 2009, and includes many motorcycle-related changes that affect all riders.
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November 07, 2011 : Texas Driver Responsibility Program under Fire
HOUSTON—It is common knowledge that drunken-driving laws in America vary from state-to-state, but in Texas, they often differ between counties. This “checkerboard” system of enforcement has recently come under fire, with local judges, lawmakers and upset residents calling for congruent reform and the elimination of hefty surcharges often imposed on top of criminal penalties.
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November 06, 2011 : Red Light Cameras A Hot Topic in Houston
The topic of red light cameras in Houston has been a hot one since the City began employing them at major intersections on September 1, 2006. Proponents of the program hold that its main purpose is to decrease the number of red light runners and reduce collisions, while those in opposition argue that it’s aimed at making money for municipalities rather than improving traffic safety.
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November 05, 2011 : Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) FAQ’s
HOUSTON—A Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, is required for the operation of any type of commercial vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs; transports hazardous materials that require warning placards under Department of Transportation regulations; or that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Some examples of vehicles that require a CDL to operate are tow trucks, tractor trailers and buses.
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November 03, 2011 : The Texas Driver Responsibility Program Explained
Not so long ago, Texas envisioned a driver’s point system as a consistent mechanism to keep track of bad drivers. “Points” would be assigned to an individual’s driving record for certain traffic violations, and individuals who accrued too many points would be penalized as a result.
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October 25, 2011 : How to Choose an Attorney for an Actos® Lawsuit
Actos is a widely-used medication for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Actos works by helping to regulate blood sugar levels, making your body more insulin-sensitive. Doctors frequently recommend taking Actos in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise for those who have the type of diabetes which does not necessitate taking insulin.
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September 28, 2011 : Benefit-Risk Balance Deemed Positive for Type 2 Diabetics Taking Pioglitazone
Following safety reviews of the drug pioglitazone—a medicine used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes—the European Medicines Agency delivered their decision that while there is a marginally increased risk of bladder cancer in those taking the drug, it remains a viable treatment option for some patients.
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September 27, 2011 : No Recall Yet for Type 2 Diabetes Drug, Actos
The FDA has joined forces with France and Germany regarding a warning about the Type 2 diabetes drug, pioglitazone, however no recall is expected at this time. Pioglitazone, also known as Actos, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese drug company.
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September 26, 2011 : Pioglitazone Receives New Warnings Due to Slight Increase in Bladder Cancer Risk
The health review of the Type 2 diabetic drug, pioglitazone, performed by the European Medicines Agency, confirmed the drug remains a valid treatment option for certain patients while acknowledging a minimal increase in bladder cancer risk.
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September 25, 2011 : European Medicines Agency Scientific Studies on Pioglitazone
The European Medicines Agency released a scientific study on the benefits and risks of the drug pioglitazone, also known as Actos, in January of 2007. This drug is currently used as a single treatment for Type 2 diabetes or in a dual combination form with metformin or sulphonylurea. When used alone, pioglitazone is typically used as therapy for the overweight patient whose Type 2 diabetes is not being controlled through diet and exercise and for whom the drug metformin is inappropriate.
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September 24, 2011 : FDA Approves Cancer Warning for Diabetic Drug Actos
The blockbuster drug, Actos, which is prescribed to control Type 2 diabetes, has received new warning language on the label regarding a potential risk of bladder cancer for those taking the drug. Actos, also known as pioglitazone, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese-based company, and is currently their best-selling drug, with sales of $3.4 billion last year alone.
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September 23, 2011 : Takeda Pharmaceuticals Received FDA Instructions for Diabetic Drug Actos
The drug Actos, also known as pioglitazone, has recently come under fire due to studies showing a slight increased risk of bladder cancer in those taking high doses of the drug or those who have taken Actos for longer than two years. Manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals of Japan, the drug has shown huge gains in popularity in the past few years as it quickly replaced the drug Avandia which suffered under claims of increased risk of heart attack and death.
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September 22, 2011 : FDA Issues Sterner Warnings to Manufacturers of Diabetic Drug Actos
Although the FDA issued recommendations regarding labeling cautions for the drug Actos to manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals in 2006, following further safety reviews of the drug they have recently issued more stringent instructions to the Japanese company. Actos, also known as pioglitazone is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes to help control the levels of sugar in the blood.
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September 12, 2011 : Hip Replacement Implant Complaints on the Rise
Hip replacement is a common orthopedic surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and restore mobility to a damaged hip joint, typically for patients with arthritis or a hip injury. Diseased or damaged portions of the hip ball and socket joint are replaced by prostheses made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or combinations of these materials.
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September 04, 2011 : Topamax Birth Defects: What You Should Know
Topamax, also known as topiramate, is a prescription drug used to treat epilepsy in adults and children. The drug is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat migraine headaches, and has been prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, obesity, and alcoholism.
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May 18, 2011 : What Does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Letter to Hip Makers Mean?
The U.S. FDA ordered 21 manufacturers to collect information from patients in a recent letter to hip manufacturers. Click here for report. The three-page letter demands blood tests and other studies within thirty days.
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May 17, 2011 : Will New FDA Orders Lead to a Recall of All Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the governmental organization that protects public health, entered the battlefield with the Johnson & Johnson's DePuy recall and ordered 21 manufacturers to collect information from patients - including blood tests for metallic ions.
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May 12, 2011 : New Data From Britain About DePuy ASR Acetabular Hip Replacement Devices
Johnson & Johnson claimed the failure rate was 13% when it recalled the DePuy product in 2010, according to its press release. Johnson & Johnson started using the device in the United States in 2005 and based its failure rate on five years of research.
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March 22, 2011 : Why Should I Hire Sullo & Sullo Attorneys to Fight My Traffic Ticket?
If you have recently received a traffic ticket and you are trying to make a decision about who to hire to fight the charges against you, you have come to the right place. The Law Firm of Sullo & Sullo has provided some helpful information below to assist you in making an informed decision about your case.
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February 11, 2011 : Intraoperative Findings
Things you may see in the surgeon’s operative report
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January 31, 2011 : Cobalt Poisoning: DePuy ASR Hip Implants Are a Serious Risk.
If you go to a doctor and get a blood test, the amount of metal (including cobalt) in your bloodstream will be calculated in micrograms per deciliter. A healthy person has approximately 0.019 micrograms per deciliter - about one microgram for their entire body.
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January 30, 2011 : Combating Chromium and Cobalt Blood Toxicity After An ASR Hip Replacement.
If you are one of more than 93,000 people worldwide affected by the recent recall of DuPuy, Inc.’s ASR Hip Replacement System, you may be in more danger than you realize.
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January 29, 2011 : Patients With Defective DePuy ASR Hip Implants Should Consider The ARP Wave
In the wake of DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.’s recall of defective ASR hip implant devices, patients and their physicians have been searching for ways to mediate the potential health risks involved. With complications ranging from dislocation of the implant components and bone fractures at the hip, to metal poisoning, or metallosis, finding an accessible, effective treatment is imperative.
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January 20, 2011 : Bone deterioration is associated with disease; soon, it may also be linked to the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System. And for good reason.
As we try to describe the reasons the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System present such a danger to your health, we occasionally use terms you may be only vaguely familiar with. This is an ongoing series of articles on the medical terms related to the DePuy hip recall and hip revision surgeries.
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January 19, 2011 : Glossary of Medical Terms Related to the DePuy ASR Acetabular System.
When you receive a hip implant, your doctor does his or her best to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. However, it's unlikely that you will ever be as informed as your doctor is on any medical issue, no matter how relevant to your health.
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January 10, 2011 : Prominent Surgeons Call For Recall of Zimmer Inc. NexGen CR-Flex Knee Replacement
Since 2003, more than 150,000 Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex knee implants have been sold, and an unprecedented number of patients who received the artificial knee system have experienced loosening, pain and other severe complications.
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January 01, 2011 : DePuy offers to remove ASR XL Acetabular System - in exchange for waiving your right to compensation.
If you received an ASR XL Acetabular System, your doctor has probably already informed you that DePuy is offering to pay for hip revision surgery.
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December 21, 2010 : Chromium Poisoning Just as Dangerous as Cobalt Poisoning.
Early this year, DePuy issued their recall for the ASR XL Acetabular System sold in the United States. Doctors began recommending revision surgery to those of their patients who reported pain or an overall failure of the DePuy hip implant.
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December 19, 2010 : What is Metallosis?
Metallosis occurs when metallic debris builds up in the periprosthetic soft tissues. In the case of the DePuy ASR Acetabular system, the two parts of the hip implant abraded against one another, creating friction and releasing metallic ions of cobalt and chromium into the body.
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December 16, 2010 : As recall after recall appears in the news, it becomes clear Johnson & Johnson cares more about sales than safety.
Johnson & Johnson's slogans over the years have assured consumers, particularly mothers, that their products are - above all else - safe.
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December 15, 2010 : Cobalt and Chromium Blood Toxicity in Hip Replacement Patients?
DePuy hip replacement recall by DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.’s metal-on-metal hip replacement system sent shockwaves through the international medical community. Given the fact that these devices have gained great popularity in recent years among orthopedic surgeons and patients alike, reports that the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System were prone to early failure were met with great fear and unease.
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December 10, 2010 : Why DePuy Hip Recall Wont Be a Class Action Lawsuit.
Historically, class action lawsuits are the stuff that give lawyers a bad name. The senior partner at our firm, Andrew Sullo, likes to say that class action lawyers represent people who don't know they've been harmed.
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December 09, 2010 : For DePuy plaintiffs - and our legal team - Ohio is the place to be.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Panel on Multidistrict Litigation conducted a hearing to discuss where the DePuy Hip Implant MDL should be placed. Today, the Panel announced that the litigation will take place in the Northern District of Ohio.
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December 08, 2010 : We've got several good reasons why you shouldn't do anything of the kind.
After DePuy issued its recall notice, it sent a letter to the surgeons who had conducted hip replacement surgeries using the ASR XL Acetabular System. In part, the letter informed the surgeons that DePuy was offering to pay for their patients' hip revision surgery.
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December 07, 2010 : How Soon enough to save thousands of people from revision surgery and severe medical consequences.
When DePuy issued its recall of the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, it claimed to be doing so because the revision rates were higher than normal.
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December 02, 2010 : DePuy ASR Hip Implants To Blame For Metal Poisoning, Metallosis and Other Long Term Health Effects.
If you have undergone hip replacement surgery and are experiencing any amount of pain as a result, you may be in more danger than you realize. Recent findings concerning certain types of metal-on-metal hip implant devices show that they are prone to early system failure and may even cause metal poisoning, or metallosis, which is a reaction to the metal debris that is shed when components of the device rub together.
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November 19, 2010 : Becoming part of a mass action lawsuit over the DePuy hip implant gives you an edge that going solo can't afford.
Many different law firms are suing DePuy Orthopaedics over the faulty ASR XL Acetabular System. In a personal, vulnerable situation like this hip implant case, it can be difficult to assess the situation and make the right legal decision for you.
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November 17, 2010 : Women have a disproportionally larger number of problems with hip implant surgery than men do. Especially with the ASR XL Acetabular System.
Several news sources, among them the New York Times, have already commented on the mounting data that more women than men are reporting problems with the ASR XL Acetabular System.
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November 16, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Causes Bone Deterioration...And what it means for your future hip revision surgeries.
When DePuy issued their hip recall, they offered to pay for the revision surgery needed to replace the faulty hip with a new implant.
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November 15, 2010 : DePuy Orthopedics, Inc_ ASR Hip Implants Linked to MetallosisHow
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced it is voluntarily recalling two types of hip implants due to high early failure rates.
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November 14, 2010 : Many patients who received a DePuy hip implant have suffered heavy metal poisoning. But what does that really mean?
As we try to describe the reasons the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System present such a danger to your health, we occasionally use terms you may be only vaguely familiar with. This is an ongoing series of articles on the medical terms related to the DePuy hip recall and hip revision surgeries.
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November 11, 2010 : Could the DePuy ASR™ XL Acetabular System recall have been avoided? Looks like it.
In August 2005, the FDA approved an application for the DePuy ASRTM XL Acetabular System, allowing DePuy to market the new, metal-on-metal system to patients needing total hip replacement surgery.
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November 09, 2010 : Choosing a good lawyer isn't as difficult as you might imagine; it's just a matter of asking the right questions.
With so many lawyers out there, how should you go about finding a good one? How can you tell a strong lawyer from a weak one? You need solid legal advice, and you want the right attorney. Do not, we repeat, DO NOT just open the phone book, close your eyes, and point to a name.
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November 05, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Became "Substantially Equivalent"
A 30-year-old man needs a hip replacement. His surgeon recommends a DePuy ASR XL Acetabular system because its metal-on-metal design is more durable and allows for a more active life. Following the doctor's recommendations, the young man gets the DePuy hip implant.
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November 04, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Causes Metallosis
Johnson & Johnson has announced that its subsidiary company DePuy issued a voluntarily recall of their ASR hip implant due to a number of patients who required a second hip replacement procedure, called a revision surgery.
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November 02, 2010 : The DePuy ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement system was FDA approved - which might be more cause for worry than relief.
It is the fond belief of many Americans that FDA approval is a ringing endorsement of a product's safety, a guarantee that the device has been tested and re-tested by professionals who are presumably trained to put the device through all kinds of rigor.
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January 01, 2010 : Protect Yourself From Third Party Capture
If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident, you know how physically and emotionally traumatic the experience can be. It stands to reason then, that accident victims should be given time to recover and fully understand the ramifications of the accident before they are expected to negotiate personal injury compensation.
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January 01, 2010 : Hip Implant Failure
In late August 2010, DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced a voluntary recall of two of its metal-on-metal hip replacement devices — the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System.
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March 28, 2012 : Pradaxa (Dabigatran) and the FDA Safety Review
Although only on the market for a relatively short period of time, Pradaxa, the blood-thinning drug manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim—has already suffered under the weight of threatened recalls, lawsuits and warnings by the FDA. Pradaxa is the first FDA-approved drug of its type since the drug Warfarin was approved in 1954.
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March 30, 2012 : Pradaxa (Dabigatran) Lawsuits
March of 2012 saw the first lawsuits filed against Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturer of Pradaxa. This drug was the first of its type to be marketed in over half a century, and Boehringer had high hopes that Pradaxa would knock its only competitor, Warfarin, out of the running in short order.
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March 29, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran): Part 1 of 3: Side Effects and Complications
The newest drug approved for use in the treatment of heart valve problems or atrial fibrillation among patients with an increased risk of stroke is the drug Pradaxa, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. The drug Boehringer is seeking to replace with its newest arrival is Warfarin—a blood-thinning drug which has been used since the early 1950’s.
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March 31, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran): Part 2 of 3: Serious Cerebral and Cardiovascular Risks
Some experts feel that the German pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim, rushed their new wonder drug, Pradaxa to the market perhaps a bit too quickly in an attempt to beat the competitors to the mark. Pradaxa subsequently became the first drug to rival Warfarin in over half a century.
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April 01, 2012 : The Dangers of Pradaxa (Dabigatran) Part 3 of 3: Serious Vascular Risks
Pradaxa, the drug which less than a couple of years ago seemed like a dream come true for the hundreds of thousands of patients who were taking Warfarin or Coumadin has had its initial glow tarnished by the ever-increasing number of reports of serious side effects from use of the drug. Although Warfarin has been used as a stroke inhibitor and for those suffering from atrial fibrillation since the 1950’s, it comes with certain restrictions and its own set of side effects.
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March 14, 2012 : Reviewing the Safety of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants
According to a recent BBC Newsnight investigation, literally hundreds upon thousands of patients across the globe may have been exposed to potentially toxic substances following the implantation of metal-on-metal hip implants.
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March 02, 2012 : Actos Discussions Part 1: Your Actos Case
Hundreds of thousands of patients who have taken the drug Actos over the past few years—believing the drug to be safe—have been very disillusioned to find that the drug can have some potentially very serious side effects. Actos is a drug which was developed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and works by helping the body restore its normal response to insulin, effectively lowering blood sugar.
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March 03, 2012 : Actos Discussions Part 2: Dangers of the Drug
Links to higher heart disease rates have been associated with the use of Actos, and, in fact, Actos may cause as many heart problems as GlaxoSmithKline’s drug, Avandia. The American Heart Association reported that studies showed patients taking either diabetes drug were at least four times as likely to experience heart attacks, heart failure or even death.
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February 29, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 1: Medical Conditions Which Precipitate the Use of Transvaginal Mesh
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when an organ in the pelvic area drops or prolapses from its normal position and pushes against the walls of the vagina or other organs. Especially in cases where the muscles which hold the pelvic organs in place become weak or stretched from childbirth or surgery, pelvic organ prolapse can occur.
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March 01, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 2: Definitions and Descriptions
Although mesh was originally used in hernia repairs as far back as the 1950’s, it was not until the 1970’s that gynecologists began implanting this metallic or polymeric screen to reinforce and support weakened muscle and tissue and treat pelvic organ prolapse.
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March 04, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 3: Problems and Warnings
Once the mesh is implanted in the body, it can move around leading to potentially serious injuries in the form of nearby organ punctures or frayed edges of the mesh eating into surrounding tissues. Some women have become septic as a result of the mesh implant, such severe infections, when not treated immediately, can lead to death in some cases.
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March 05, 2012 : Transvaginal Mesh Discussions Part 4: Revision Surgery
The degree of your symptoms and whether or not the mesh has eroded into the vaginal walls or another surrounding organ will likely determine whether you are a candidate for revision surgery. It is important that you discuss your options thoroughly with your physician before deciding to undergo revision surgery to correct the problems caused by your transvaginal mesh implant.
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February 27, 2012 : What is a Capias Warrant?
The word “capias” means “that you take” in Latin, therefore a capias warrant is usually issued to compel someone to do take a specific action. Capias warrants are issued by civil courts, therefore they are apart from a criminal arrest warrant, however make no mistake—you can wind up in jail as a result of a Texas capias warrant.
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February 28, 2012 : Avoiding an Arrest in Texas by Posting a Bond
Suppose you are unpleasantly surprised to find there is a City of Houston warrant for your arrest as a result of an unpaid traffic ticket or a failure to appear in court as promised. Of course your primary goal is to avoid an embarrassing arrest which could take place wherever the police happen to find you.
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March 10, 2012 : How Can a Conviction on Your Driving Record
While many of us tend to be fairly laid-back regarding traffic violation offenses, the truth is these relatively minor infractions of the law can cause you significant levels of grief down the road. This is the way your traffic ticket generally evolves over time: You see the flashing lights in your rearview mirror and are filled with dismay to realize you are being pulled over by a city of Houston police officer.
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February 26, 2012 : How to Beat a Traffic Ticket in Court
In most cases it is more advantageous for you to go to court and challenge your traffic ticket than to simply write out a check and pay your fines. While paying the fines for your traffic tickets may seem like the path of least resistance, that one action can have many unexpected repercussions down the line.
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February 25, 2012 : How to Find Out if You Have an Arrest Warrant
Suppose you received a traffic ticket some time back and fully intended to pay it or go to court and plead your innocence. Then you got busy, time passed, and suddenly you wake up one morning with a sick feeling as you realize there could be a City of Houston warrant with your name on it.
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February 04, 2012 : Taking Charge: A Blueprint for DePuy Hip Implant Recipients to Follow for Successful Recovery
While the FDA began receiving complaints regarding the failure of hip replacement devices manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) for some time, there was not a DePuy hip extensive recall on the device until August of 2010.
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February 03, 2012 : “Hip” Definitions: A Discussion of Medical Terms Every DePuy Hip Implant Recipient Should Know
July of 2003 saw the worldwide introduction of the metal-on-metal hip replacement by DePuy, although these devices were not used for hip replacement surgeries in the United States until 2005.
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February 02, 2012 : Johnson & Johnson Takes $3 Billion Dollar Fourth Quarter Charge
Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of DePuy Orthopedics recently took a fourth quarter charge of over $3 billion dollars related primarily to their voluntary recall artificial hip implants—the DePuy ASR Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System.
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February 05, 2012 : Recall of Artificial Hip Causes Johnson & Johnson 2012 Earnings Forecast to Dip
The pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson, has been given a 2012 earnings forecast which is below the previous estimates present by financial analysts due to the number of DePuy hip replacements which were recalled. In fact, recent reports state Johnson & Johnson takes $3 billion charge for hip recall.
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February 01, 2012 : Things You Should Know About Johnson & Johnson’s and DePuy Orthopedics’ Attempts to Help Hip Implant Recipients
DePuy hip implants were used widely throughout the world, beginning in 2003, and in the United States from 2005. Although concerns were raised regarding the safety of these hip implant devices, a recall by DePuy was not issued until August of 2010 when DePuy received data from the National Joint Registry showing the five year revision rate for the ASR hip replacement system was approximately 12-13%.
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January 30, 2012 : New Updates for DePuy Hip Implant Victims
On January 23, 2012, the DePuy ASR Litigation Status Conference in West Palm Beach, Florida was held before Judge David Katz. Judge Katz is the United States Federal District Judge assigned by the Multi District Litigation panel of judges to hear all pretrial matters in any DePuy ASR cases filed in federal court. Judge Katz met with the Executive Committee of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for about an hour privately before he met with all attorneys in open court.
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December 13, 2011 : How Failing to Appear Can Turn You into a Fugitive
Most of us would never imagine the word fugitive could apply to us simply because we forgot about a traffic ticket. Unfortunately, this is not the case. A missed court date, even if it is for a minor traffic infraction, can land you in plenty of trouble.
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December 14, 2011 : I’ve been Arrested on a Traffic Warrant—What Should I Do?
Although many of us are under the impression that neglecting to show up for a simple traffic ticket hearing is really no big deal, should you find yourself being taken into custody under a City of Houston arrest warrant you may be shocked to realize how serious it really is.
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December 15, 2011 : Little Understood Fact—Traffic Tickets are Criminal Cases
The United States is truly a nation that loves to drive, and Houston and the surrounding areas are certainly no exception. In fact, by most estimations as many as 89 percent of the adults in America own a car, using it to commute to work, run errands, go on vacation and taxi their children from place to place. Unfortunately, with all this driving comes the inevitable traffic ticket.
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December 16, 2011 : Posting a Bond in Order to Lift an Outstanding Warrant
Law enforcement and judicial officials issue daily warrants all across the nation for those who have failed to appear as required, and the city of Houston issues these warrants as well. The vast majority of Houston arrest warrants stem from failure to appear on a ticket issued for a traffic offense or possibly another minor Class C misdemeanors.
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December 17, 2011 : The True Cost of Failing to Appear
If you believe that failing to appear on a traffic ticket may be a relatively harmless matter, you could be very unpleasantly surprised to find yourself under the cloud of a Houston arrest warrant. Of course it is much better for you if you actually know about the arrest warrant than if you are totally unaware of it.
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December 18, 2011 : What it Really Costs to Miss a Court Date
So, you received a traffic ticket, possibly for exceeding the speed limit or not stopping completely at a stop sign. It seems a relatively minor issue, so you stick the ticket in a drawer or your purse intending to take care of it as soon as you get a moment.
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December 19, 2011 : What to Do When Your Bond Has Been Revoked
Suppose you neglected to either mail in the fine or appear in court after receiving a traffic citation. Soon you’ve forgotten about the entire thing as your busy life takes over only to find yourself rudely jolted back to earth when you learn there is a Houston County arrest warrant issued for you.
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December 20, 2011 : Why You Should Never Ignore a Traffic Citation
Don’t let your busy life get in the way of taking care of a traffic citation or you could find yourself facing steep fines, additional charges and could even be arrested if you missed your original court date. Even if you feel the traffic ticket you received was not justified, ignoring the problem will not make it go away.
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December 12, 2011 : Why You Shouldn’t Pay Old Tickets Simply to Avoid a Warrant—and What You Should Do Instead
If you’ve neglected to pay one or more Houston traffic citations, you may find yourself in the position of having a Harris county arrest warrant in your name. Whether you simply forgot about the ticket or deliberately neglected to take care of it because you didn’t feel you deserved the citation, the reality is that old tickets don’t simply go away because you forget about them.
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December 11, 2011 : Could Houston’s Annual Warrant Roundup Affect You?
Every year the state of Texas holds a two-month long great warrant roundup and if you happen to be “asked” to participate in the roundup it is not nearly as much fun as it might sound. Those individuals who have neglected to pay a traffic ticket or other Class C misdemeanor ticket may find themselves actively pursued under a City of Houston arrest warrant.
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November 21, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: Are There Safer Alternatives?
In light of the recent lawsuits filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh implants, many are wondering whether a safer alternative to using the potentially risky mesh exists. Mesh has been used since the 1950’s, primarily for hernia surgeries which are performed abdominally. Surgeons began expanding the use of the mesh to include surgeries on women for pelvic organ prolapse or stress incontinence.
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November 22, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh Complications and Corrective Procedures: The Long Road to Recovery
In the past few years more and more women are coming forward to report complications—some of them quite severe—which resulted from surgeries involving the use of transvaginal mesh implants. Mesh has been implemented in surgeries as far back as the 1950’s, when it was used in hernia repair over the more traditional suture repair, with excellent results. In fact, when the mesh procedure was used there was a significantly lower recurrence of the hernias.
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November 23, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: Is an FDA Recall on the Horizon?
Even though some consumer advocate groups—such as Public Citizen—have called for the FDA to ban the marketing of transvaginal mesh for use in surgeries such as the repair of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence as yet there has been no definitive conclusions reached as to whether the use of mesh should be permanently discontinued.
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November 24, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits: What You Need to Know
If you are a woman who has had a surgery in the past for stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, and you think your surgeon might have used a mesh implant during that surgery, you need to know the facts surrounding the mesh products.
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November 25, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: The Types of Surgeries Which Use this Controversial Device
As more information comes to light regarding the potential safety issues of the transvaginal mesh implants, women across the nation have more questions regarding the device. The FDA has yet to make a final determination on how mesh devices will be approved in the future and whether the current manufacturers will be subject to more rigorous scrutiny regarding the mesh device.
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November 26, 2011 : Under Fire: Transvaginal Mesh Manufacturers Defend Device amid Stern Criticism
Recent FDA warnings regarding the controversial transvaginal mesh implant have resulted in a staunch defense of the device and its safety by the mesh manufacturers. Although the FDA has talked of reclassifying the mesh implant from a Class II to a Class III, requiring much more stringent clinical testing as well as human trials, Boston Scientific, one of the makers of the mesh is strongly urging against that potential change.
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November 20, 2011 : Does Age Play a Role in Transvaginal Patch Complications?
In light of the many adverse events seen among women who have undergone transvaginal mesh surgeries in the past few years, the FDA is considering more stringent controls over approval of the device. Surgeons currently perform as many as 300,000 pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgeries every year, a large portion of those using mesh in the procedure.
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November 19, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh: A Brief History of the Problematic Implant
While the past three years have brought an influx of complications and problems related to the transvaginal mesh implant, the device has actually been in use for over half a century. Surgical mesh made of metallic or polymer screens was developed for use in abdominal hernia surgeries in the 1950’s, however gynecologists soon saw the advantages of using the mesh in the surgical repair of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
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November 18, 2011 : Transvaginal Mesh and the FDA: How the Food and Drug Administration
Mesh has been widely used in a variety of surgeries since the 1950’s, and was originally approved for use in abdominal hernia surgery. Surgeons began altering the size and shape of the mesh devices, using them in women’s surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. It was not until 1996 that the mesh was approved specifically for SUI surgeries and 2002 when it was approved for POP surgeries.
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November 14, 2011 : Paris Hilton Drug Problem Follow Her Overseas
Stars in the United States have long enjoyed our nation’s brand of "celebrity justice", but overseas their status is often overlooked. Case in point: The Japanese government’s recent refusal to allow Paris Hilton into the country after pleading guilty to misdemeanor drug charges in Las Vegas.
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November 11, 2011 : City of Houston Municipal court Fine and Bond schedule
Fine amounts and costs are subject to change. For fine amounts not listed, call 311 or (713) 837-0311 Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) call 311 or (713) 247-8591 Also visit the city of Houston municipal court website at WWW.HOUSTONCOURTS.ORG
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November 10, 2011 : Driver Responsibility Law
Points system The Driver Responsibility law (TRC § 708; Article 10, House Bill 3588, 78th Legislative Session) establishes a system which assigns points to moving violations classified as Class C misdemeanors and applies surcharges to offenders.
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November 11, 2011 : Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Other Alcohol-Related Offenses for Minors: Definitions and Penalties
If you are under the age of twenty-one (21) and you are found to have been driving in Texas with any measurable Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), then you may be charged with DUI.
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November 11, 2011 : Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Definitions and Penalties
It is important to note that the definition of DWI is simply that one’s physical and/or mental faculties were impaired while he or she was driving. As such, the charge of DWI is not limited to only being a charge involving intoxication from alcohol. It can also arise out of intoxication from drugs, including illegal narcotics or even legal prescription drugs.
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November 11, 2011 : Drug Violence in Mexico Spills into U.S.
Although Mexico has long been a source of production and transit for illegal drugs, the country now finds itself embattled with powerful and well-financed drug cartels. An upsurge in drug-related violence can be traced to the end of 2006 when President Felipe Calderón launched an aggressive assault on drug trafficking organizations by deploying tens of thousands of federal police and soldiers to reign them in.
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November 11, 2011 : DWI and No-Refusal Weekends in Texas
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a total of 37,261 auto accident fatalities in the United States; 11,773 (32 percent) of which involved a driver whose blood alcohol content was above the legal limit.
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November 11, 2011 : Feds Crack Down On Illicit Prescription Drug Sales
Pharmacies in Illinois and Utah stand accused of illicit prescription drug sales over the Internet, according to court papers filed by federal agents in two U.S. cities.
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November 11, 2011 : The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill-Ramifications for the Texas Coast
On April 20, 2010, an explosion on a deepwater drilling rig 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana launched what could be the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history. The Deepwater Horizon, a half-billion dollar rig owned and operated by Swiss-based Transocean, Ltd and leased by British Petroleum PLC (BP), sank, leaving a subsea well spewing hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico each day.
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November 11, 2011 : Keeping Your Driver’s License after a DWI Arrest: The ALR Hearing
If you have been charged with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), the law allows you fifteen (15) calendar days to contact the DPS (Department of Public Safety) and request an ALR (Administrative License Revocation) Hearing. This hearing will usually be scheduled to take place sometime between two to three months from your date of arrest.
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November 09, 2011 : High-Speed Chase Ends on Dallas Love Field Runway
DALLAS—An hour-long police chase late last month ended in the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with several robberies in the Dallas area. Michael Lawrence Brown, 46, was taken into custody next to one of Love Field airport’s busiest runways after leading police on a high-speed chase through the city.
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November 08, 2011 : New Motorcycle Laws Roll Into Texas September 1, 2009
HOUSTON—On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed into law Senate Bill 1967 (SB1967) of the 81st Regular Legislative Session. This law became effective September 1, 2009, and includes many motorcycle-related changes that affect all riders.
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November 07, 2011 : Texas Driver Responsibility Program under Fire
HOUSTON—It is common knowledge that drunken-driving laws in America vary from state-to-state, but in Texas, they often differ between counties. This “checkerboard” system of enforcement has recently come under fire, with local judges, lawmakers and upset residents calling for congruent reform and the elimination of hefty surcharges often imposed on top of criminal penalties.
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November 06, 2011 : Red Light Cameras A Hot Topic in Houston
The topic of red light cameras in Houston has been a hot one since the City began employing them at major intersections on September 1, 2006. Proponents of the program hold that its main purpose is to decrease the number of red light runners and reduce collisions, while those in opposition argue that it’s aimed at making money for municipalities rather than improving traffic safety.
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November 05, 2011 : Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) FAQ’s
HOUSTON—A Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL, is required for the operation of any type of commercial vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs; transports hazardous materials that require warning placards under Department of Transportation regulations; or that is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver. Some examples of vehicles that require a CDL to operate are tow trucks, tractor trailers and buses.
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November 11, 2011 : Texas Felonies and Misdemeanors:
The information provided below is a general overview of most of the different types of criminal charges and their punishments in the state of Texas. It is important to note that the penal code (laws regarding punishments) is very complex and that an attorney should be consulted for any advice regarding any particular case.
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November 03, 2011 : The Texas Driver Responsibility Program Explained
Not so long ago, Texas envisioned a driver’s point system as a consistent mechanism to keep track of bad drivers. “Points” would be assigned to an individual’s driving record for certain traffic violations, and individuals who accrued too many points would be penalized as a result.
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October 25, 2011 : How to Choose an Attorney for an Actos® Lawsuit
Actos is a widely-used medication for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Actos works by helping to regulate blood sugar levels, making your body more insulin-sensitive. Doctors frequently recommend taking Actos in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise for those who have the type of diabetes which does not necessitate taking insulin.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® Adverse Effects
Many of us would be very surprised to find that a drug can be approved by the FDA yet still have serious—and undisclosed—side effects. The drug Actos, used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, is one such drug. Actos works by decreasing the body’s resistance to insulin as a way of controlling blood sugar levels. Actos is currently being used by millions of people across the globe, with sales jumping from around $2.9 billion in 2006 to over $4.3 billion in 2010.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® and Bladder Cancer
Recent studies have shown that patients taking the drug Actos for longer than one year may suffer significantly increased risks of developing bladder cancer. The FDA warnings are being issued on the heels of France and Germany banning the use of Actos, and New Zealand also beginning the process of removing Actos from patient use.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® and Cardiovascular Dangers
The drug Actos, marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Corporation, is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Actos largely replaced its predecessor, Avandia, after Avandia was found to have serious risks of heart attack and heart failure. At the time, it was believed that Actos offered much less risk of cardiovascular damage than Avandia. Actos is used to lessen blood glucose labels and improves how the body handles insulin.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® and Congestive Heart Failure
The drug Actos, also known as pioglitazone is marketed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The drug was approved in 1999, and although the manufacturer touts it as a miracle drug which has reduced the number of diabetes cases by as much as 70%, the side effects may far outweigh the benefits. A study done in 2003 by the Mayo Clinic definitively linked Actos to swelling in the feet, lung fluid retention, shortness of breath and congestive heart failure.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® and Myocardial Infarction
After a Journal of American Medical Association publication of a meta-analysis suggested that long-term use of the diabetes drug Avandia was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, the maker of Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline, declared there was little difference in the safety profile of their drug, Avandia and the “other” drug for Type 2 diabetes, Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Actos. Further studies however have not completely backed up that declaration.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® Damages and Typical Settlements
The Type 2 diabetes drug Actos is one of a class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones and has recently been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, liver disease and cardiovascular issues. The FDA felt that the link between heart failure and Actos was serious enough to require increased warnings on the drug packaging concerning congestive heart failure.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® European Recall and FDA Stance
A wave of recent studies which definitively link the prescription drug Actos—prescribed for Type 2 diabetes—to bladder cancer gives a fairly clear indication that Takeda Pharmaceuticals may soon be flooded with Actos lawsuits. August, 2011, saw the first Actos lawsuit filed by a 54-year old woman from Pennsylvania who had taken Actos for over a decade, then was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® FDA Safety Review/Warning
United States Food and Drug Administration informed the public that using the drug Actos, commonly prescribed in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, has been positively associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. Actos is manufactured by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and is typically sold either as a single-ingredient product or in combination with the drug metformin.
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October 21, 2011 : Actos® Side Effects other than Heart Disease and Bladder Cancer
While many people are now aware of the association between the Type 2 diabetes drug, Actos, and both bladder cancer and heart disease, there are several other quite serious side effects also associated with the drug. For instance, there is strong evidence to suggest that Actos, like its sister-drug, Avandai, may cause osteoporosis and bone fractures among those taking it, most especially in female patients.
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September 28, 2011 : Benefit-Risk Balance Deemed Positive for Type 2 Diabetics Taking Pioglitazone
Following safety reviews of the drug pioglitazone—a medicine used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes—the European Medicines Agency delivered their decision that while there is a marginally increased risk of bladder cancer in those taking the drug, it remains a viable treatment option for some patients.
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September 26, 2011 : Pioglitazone Receives New Warnings Due to Slight Increase in Bladder Cancer Risk
The health review of the Type 2 diabetic drug, pioglitazone, performed by the European Medicines Agency, confirmed the drug remains a valid treatment option for certain patients while acknowledging a minimal increase in bladder cancer risk.
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September 27, 2011 : No Recall Yet for Type 2 Diabetes Drug, Actos
The FDA has joined forces with France and Germany regarding a warning about the Type 2 diabetes drug, pioglitazone, however no recall is expected at this time. Pioglitazone, also known as Actos, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese drug company.
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September 25, 2011 : European Medicines Agency Scientific Studies on Pioglitazone
The European Medicines Agency released a scientific study on the benefits and risks of the drug pioglitazone, also known as Actos, in January of 2007. This drug is currently used as a single treatment for Type 2 diabetes or in a dual combination form with metformin or sulphonylurea. When used alone, pioglitazone is typically used as therapy for the overweight patient whose Type 2 diabetes is not being controlled through diet and exercise and for whom the drug metformin is inappropriate.
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September 24, 2011 : FDA Approves Cancer Warning for Diabetic Drug Actos
The blockbuster drug, Actos, which is prescribed to control Type 2 diabetes, has received new warning language on the label regarding a potential risk of bladder cancer for those taking the drug. Actos, also known as pioglitazone, is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a Japanese-based company, and is currently their best-selling drug, with sales of $3.4 billion last year alone.
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September 23, 2011 : Takeda Pharmaceuticals Received FDA Instructions for Diabetic Drug Actos
The drug Actos, also known as pioglitazone, has recently come under fire due to studies showing a slight increased risk of bladder cancer in those taking high doses of the drug or those who have taken Actos for longer than two years. Manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals of Japan, the drug has shown huge gains in popularity in the past few years as it quickly replaced the drug Avandia which suffered under claims of increased risk of heart attack and death.
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September 22, 2011 : FDA Issues Sterner Warnings to Manufacturers of Diabetic Drug Actos
Although the FDA issued recommendations regarding labeling cautions for the drug Actos to manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals in 2006, following further safety reviews of the drug they have recently issued more stringent instructions to the Japanese company. Actos, also known as pioglitazone is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes to help control the levels of sugar in the blood.
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September 12, 2011 : Hip Replacement Implant Complaints on the Rise
Hip replacement is a common orthopedic surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and restore mobility to a damaged hip joint, typically for patients with arthritis or a hip injury. Diseased or damaged portions of the hip ball and socket joint are replaced by prostheses made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or combinations of these materials.
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September 04, 2011 : Topamax Birth Defects: What You Should Know
Topamax, also known as topiramate, is a prescription drug used to treat epilepsy in adults and children. The drug is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat migraine headaches, and has been prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, obesity, and alcoholism.
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September 05, 2011 : Depakote Birth Defects: Real Risks
Depakote is a prescription drug used to treat epileptic seizures, psychological disorders such as bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches. Depakote is marketed under several brand names and generic versions of the drug, including Depakote ER, Depakote Sprinkles, Depakene, and Valproate.
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May 18, 2011 : What Does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Letter to Hip Makers Mean?
The U.S. FDA ordered 21 manufacturers to collect information from patients in a recent letter to hip manufacturers. Click here for report. The three-page letter demands blood tests and other studies within thirty days.
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May 17, 2011 : Will New FDA Orders Lead to a Recall of All Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the governmental organization that protects public health, entered the battlefield with the Johnson & Johnson's DePuy recall and ordered 21 manufacturers to collect information from patients - including blood tests for metallic ions.
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May 12, 2011 : New Data From Britain About DePuy ASR Acetabular Hip Replacement Devices
Johnson & Johnson claimed the failure rate was 13% when it recalled the DePuy product in 2010, according to its press release. Johnson & Johnson started using the device in the United States in 2005 and based its failure rate on five years of research.
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March 22, 2011 : Why Should I Hire Sullo & Sullo Attorneys to Fight My Traffic Ticket?
If you have recently received a traffic ticket and you are trying to make a decision about who to hire to fight the charges against you, you have come to the right place. The Law Firm of Sullo & Sullo has provided some helpful information below to assist you in making an informed decision about your case.
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March 21, 2011 : Why Should I Hire Sullo & Sullo Attorneys to Handle My Criminal Case?
If you have recently been arrested, and you are trying to make a decision as to who you should hire to handle your criminal case, you have come to the right place. The Law Firm of Sullo & Sullo has provided some helpful information below to assist you in making an informed decision about your case.
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February 11, 2011 : Intraoperative Findings
Things you may see in the surgeon’s operative report
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January 29, 2011 : Patients With Defective DePuy ASR Hip Implants Should Consider The ARP Wave
In the wake of DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.’s recall of defective ASR hip implant devices, patients and their physicians have been searching for ways to mediate the potential health risks involved. With complications ranging from dislocation of the implant components and bone fractures at the hip, to metal poisoning, or metallosis, finding an accessible, effective treatment is imperative.
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January 30, 2011 : Combating Chromium and Cobalt Blood Toxicity After An ASR Hip Replacement.
If you are one of more than 93,000 people worldwide affected by the recent recall of DuPuy, Inc.’s ASR Hip Replacement System, you may be in more danger than you realize.
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January 19, 2011 : Glossary of Medical Terms Related to the DePuy ASR Acetabular System.
When you receive a hip implant, your doctor does his or her best to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. However, it's unlikely that you will ever be as informed as your doctor is on any medical issue, no matter how relevant to your health.
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January 01, 2010 : Protect Yourself From Third Party Capture
If you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident, you know how physically and emotionally traumatic the experience can be. It stands to reason then, that accident victims should be given time to recover and fully understand the ramifications of the accident before they are expected to negotiate personal injury compensation.
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December 21, 2010 : Chromium Poisoning Just as Dangerous as Cobalt Poisoning.
Early this year, DePuy issued their recall for the ASR XL Acetabular System sold in the United States. Doctors began recommending revision surgery to those of their patients who reported pain or an overall failure of the DePuy hip implant.
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December 19, 2010 : What is Metallosis?
Metallosis occurs when metallic debris builds up in the periprosthetic soft tissues. In the case of the DePuy ASR Acetabular system, the two parts of the hip implant abraded against one another, creating friction and releasing metallic ions of cobalt and chromium into the body.
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December 16, 2010 : As recall after recall appears in the news, it becomes clear Johnson & Johnson cares more about sales than safety.
Johnson & Johnson's slogans over the years have assured consumers, particularly mothers, that their products are - above all else - safe.
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December 10, 2010 : Why DePuy Hip Recall Wont Be a Class Action Lawsuit.
Historically, class action lawsuits are the stuff that give lawyers a bad name. The senior partner at our firm, Andrew Sullo, likes to say that class action lawyers represent people who don't know they've been harmed.
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December 09, 2010 : For DePuy plaintiffs - and our legal team - Ohio is the place to be.
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Panel on Multidistrict Litigation conducted a hearing to discuss where the DePuy Hip Implant MDL should be placed. Today, the Panel announced that the litigation will take place in the Northern District of Ohio.
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December 08, 2010 : We've got several good reasons why you shouldn't do anything of the kind.
After DePuy issued its recall notice, it sent a letter to the surgeons who had conducted hip replacement surgeries using the ASR XL Acetabular System. In part, the letter informed the surgeons that DePuy was offering to pay for their patients' hip revision surgery.
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December 07, 2010 : How Soon enough to save thousands of people from revision surgery and severe medical consequences.
When DePuy issued its recall of the ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System, it claimed to be doing so because the revision rates were higher than normal.
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November 21, 2010 : The ASR Acetabular System falls far short of other total hip replacement systems. Here's how.
In a previous article we wrote on bone deterioration, we discussed how the bones of your hip are constructed and how a hip implant strives to mimic the qualities so that you can maintain a normal range of movement and a fairly active life....
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November 19, 2010 : Becoming part of a mass action lawsuit over the DePuy hip implant gives you an edge that going solo can't afford.
Many different law firms are suing DePuy Orthopaedics over the faulty ASR XL Acetabular System. In a personal, vulnerable situation like this hip implant case, it can be difficult to assess the situation and make the right legal decision for you.
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November 17, 2010 : Women have a disproportionally larger number of problems with hip implant surgery than men do. Especially with the ASR XL Acetabular System.
Several news sources, among them the New York Times, have already commented on the mounting data that more women than men are reporting problems with the ASR XL Acetabular System.
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January 20, 2011 : Bone deterioration is associated with disease; soon, it may also be linked to the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System. And for good reason.
As we try to describe the reasons the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System present such a danger to your health, we occasionally use terms you may be only vaguely familiar with. This is an ongoing series of articles on the medical terms related to the DePuy hip recall and hip revision surgeries.
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November 14, 2010 : Many patients who received a DePuy hip implant have suffered heavy metal poisoning. But what does that really mean?
As we try to describe the reasons the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System present such a danger to your health, we occasionally use terms you may be only vaguely familiar with. This is an ongoing series of articles on the medical terms related to the DePuy hip recall and hip revision surgeries.
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January 01, 2011 : DePuy offers to remove ASR XL Acetabular System - in exchange for waiving your right to compensation.
If you received an ASR XL Acetabular System, your doctor has probably already informed you that DePuy is offering to pay for hip revision surgery.
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November 11, 2010 : Could the DePuy ASR™ XL Acetabular System recall have been avoided? Looks like it.
In August 2005, the FDA approved an application for the DePuy ASRTM XL Acetabular System, allowing DePuy to market the new, metal-on-metal system to patients needing total hip replacement surgery.
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November 10, 2010 : Too many ASR XL Acetabular Systems causing problems in first three years.
In 2003, DePuy released the ASRTM XL Acetabular System, a hip implant that was touted to last up to 20 years with a stronger, more durable metal-on-metal design. Approximately 93,000 people around the world weighed the risks of surgery against their current level of pain and discomfort and chose to receive a hip implant that they believed would give them 15 to 20 years of pain-free movement.
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November 09, 2010 : Choosing a good lawyer isn't as difficult as you might imagine; it's just a matter of asking the right questions.
With so many lawyers out there, how should you go about finding a good one? How can you tell a strong lawyer from a weak one? You need solid legal advice, and you want the right attorney. Do not, we repeat, DO NOT just open the phone book, close your eyes, and point to a name.
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November 05, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Became "Substantially Equivalent"
A 30-year-old man needs a hip replacement. His surgeon recommends a DePuy ASR XL Acetabular system because its metal-on-metal design is more durable and allows for a more active life. Following the doctor's recommendations, the young man gets the DePuy hip implant.
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November 16, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Causes Bone Deterioration...And what it means for your future hip revision surgeries.
When DePuy issued their hip recall, they offered to pay for the revision surgery needed to replace the faulty hip with a new implant.
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November 04, 2010 : How the ASR XL Acetabular System Causes Metallosis
Johnson & Johnson has announced that its subsidiary company DePuy issued a voluntarily recall of their ASR hip implant due to a number of patients who required a second hip replacement procedure, called a revision surgery.
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November 02, 2010 : The DePuy ASR XL Acetabular hip replacement system was FDA approved - which might be more cause for worry than relief.
It is the fond belief of many Americans that FDA approval is a ringing endorsement of a product's safety, a guarantee that the device has been tested and re-tested by professionals who are presumably trained to put the device through all kinds of rigor.
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January 01, 2010 : Consumer Alert: FDA 510(k) Clearance Does Not Guarantee Safety
In the eyes of the average American consumer, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval signifies that a medical device has been thoroughly tested and has been found to be safe and effective.
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January 01, 2010 : Hip Implant Failure
In late August 2010, DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced a voluntary recall of two of its metal-on-metal hip replacement devices — the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular System.
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January 01, 2010 : Protect Yourself After An Auto Accident
Automobile accidents happen when you least expect them, regardless of the time of day, weather and road conditions, or your driving abilities. They are called "accidents" for a reason; no one intends for them to happen, but the reality is on Texas roads, they do with alarming frequency.
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November 15, 2010 : DePuy Orthopedics, Inc_ ASR Hip Implants Linked to MetallosisHow
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, announced it is voluntarily recalling two types of hip implants due to high early failure rates.
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January 01, 2010 : Dangers of Drugged Driving
Drinking and driving have long been considered a dangerous and potentially deadly combination, and in recent years, instances of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) have been on the decline in the United States.
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January 01, 2010 : Alert Cab Aimed At Curbing DWI’s
Harris County has long been the national leader in fatal alcohol-related auto accidents; a title that law enforcement officials are eager to relinquish. Though instances of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) have declined in recent years thanks to aggressive educational campaigns and improved methods of screening and prosecuting suspected parties, the city still has a long way to go.
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January 01, 2010 : Television Stars Call It Quits After Eight-Month Marriage
Apparently, "Till death do us part," was merely a suggestion for two of television’s most visible stars, who have elected to divorce after eight short months of matrimony.
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January 01, 2010 : The Legal Battle Over Gay Marriage In California
HOUSTON—The majority of U.S. states have Defense of Marriage Acts, which define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. But...
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January 01, 2010 : Johnson & Johnson Accused Of Concealing Ortho Evra Risks
Millions of women across the country rejoiced in 2002 when a new, convenient alternative to daily oral contraceptive pills hit the market.
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January 01, 2010 : High-Profile Divorces
We’ve all heard the sobering statistics about divorce rates in the United States, where the cost of dissolving a marriage is relatively low and the process simple. But for high-profile couples with piles of cash and material assets, parting ways can be a costly and complicated affair.
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January 01, 2010 : Health Care Reform And You: A Guide
On March 23, 2010, after more than a year of passionate debate, partisan politics and substantive policy discussions, President Obama signed his health care overhaul legislation into law. The House of Representatives passed the reform package, which was initially green-lighted by the Sentate, with only a slim margin of 219 to 212.
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January 01, 2010 : How To Find A Divorce Attorney
With the national divorce rate estimated at about 50 percent, it’s likely that every American will, either directly or indirectly, experience the dissolution of a marriage at some point in their lives. Dealing with divorce is a difficult process, both emotionally and financially, and decisions made during the process can have long-term effects on many areas of your life.
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January 01, 2010 : Anatomy Of A Traffic Case In Texas
The vast majority of Texans have, at some point in their lives, received a ticket for a traffic violation. Unlike most other violations of the law, a traffic ticket doesn’t bear the same stigma of criminality and is often viewed as a minor offense that even the most law-abiding citizens may be guilty of on a frequent basis.
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January 01, 2010 : Benefits To Hiring A Houston Or Dallas Attorney In Traffic Court
After getting over the initial inconvenience (and perhaps injustice) of being pulled over and given a traffic citation, you then have to decide how you are going to handle your ticket. For those who do not have the time to go to court or research Texas traffic law, it is an easy choice: hand the ticket over to an attorney who specializes in violations in traffic court.
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January 31, 2011 : Cobalt Poisoning: DePuy ASR Hip Implants Are a Serious Risk.
If you go to a doctor and get a blood test, the amount of metal (including cobalt) in your bloodstream will be calculated in micrograms per deciliter. A healthy person has approximately 0.019 micrograms per deciliter - about one microgram for their entire body.
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December 15, 2010 : Cobalt and Chromium Blood Toxicity in Hip Replacement Patients?
DePuy hip replacement recall by DePuy Orthopedics, Inc.’s metal-on-metal hip replacement system sent shockwaves through the international medical community. Given the fact that these devices have gained great popularity in recent years among orthopedic surgeons and patients alike, reports that the ASR XL Acetabular System and ASR Hip Resurfacing System were prone to early failure were met with great fear and unease.
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December 02, 2010 : DePuy ASR Hip Implants To Blame For Metal Poisoning, Metallosis and Other Long Term Health Effects.
If you have undergone hip replacement surgery and are experiencing any amount of pain as a result, you may be in more danger than you realize. Recent findings concerning certain types of metal-on-metal hip implant devices show that they are prone to early system failure and may even cause metal poisoning, or metallosis, which is a reaction to the metal debris that is shed when components of the device rub together.
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Recent Articles and Publications

 
May 13, 2012
The Four Most Common Complications Which Lead to Greater Risk of Unsuccessful Revision
Artificial hip replacements have become increasingly common, yet as people begin to live longer, it is inevitable that these artificial joints will fail, wear out, or cause health complications. Should any of these issues arise a hip revision surgery will become necessary to replace the failing joint.
Full Story
May 12, 2012
A Study of Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacement Implants: Part Two: Cobalt Poisoning Examined
Cobalt poisoning as a result of industrial exposure or medical treatment is fairly well known, however those who were fitted with a metal-on-metal hip implant were not expecting to be subjected to dangerous levels of cobalt. Cobalt poisoning can lead to ringing in the ears, dizziness, deafness, blindness or atrophy of the optic nerve, severe headaches.
Full Story
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