Actos is a drug used to treat Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.  However, recent studies show that Actos can lead to serious injuries such as heart attacks, heart failure, and an increased risk of bladder tumors and cancer.  As a result, Actos lawsuits are being filed across the nation. On August 23, 2010 a study published [...]

Amplatzer devices are used to correct an atrial septal defect.  The Amplatzer septal occluder is delivered through a catheter, and the device expands to place a disc on either side of the defect, closing the hole between the left and right atria. The Amplatzer device is comprised of nitinol, an alloy composed of 55% nickel [...]

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a serious complication for infants, causing substantial risk of death.  Recent studies have linked the use of anti-depressants, like Zoloft, to PPHN. Persistent pulmonary hypertension is a dangerous lung condition that occurs soon after birth. Infants with PPHN have high pressure in their lung blood vessels, reducing [...]

If you take Celexa early in your pregnancy, you may be doubling your risk that your infant will be born with a heart defect.   According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, fetuses exposed to Celexa during early pregnancy are more than twice as likely to be at risk for heart defects. The study, [...]

Prozac, if taken during pregnancy, may cause fetal abnormalities and perinatal complications.  Women taking Prozac should consult their medical provider before continuing the drug prenatally. A California study performed in November 1996 evaluated 228 pregnant women who took Prozac.  The results of the study showed an increased incidence of three or more structural anomalies in [...]

The Federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has developed a list of pregnancy categories for prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  These warnings assist medical personnel in evaluating the risk of certain medications when taken prenatally. Category A:  Studies have been done with first-trimester pregnancies and show no risk to the fetus. Category B:  Animal studies prove [...]

Certain medications are especially dangerous in first trimester (13 weeks).  For instance, the acne medication Accutane and certain antibiotics like tetracycline, can cause serious medical problems for an unborn baby. Recent studies have shown that taking Topamax, an anti-convulsant used to treat migraine headaches and seizures, can cause serious birth defects.  In fact, women taking [...]

How do drugs get approved for use?  Are all drugs thoroughly tested?  How does the public know certain drugs are safe?  What warnings are used to sufficiently notify the public?  These are all good questions to ask before you begin taking any type of prescription or over-the-counter drug. The development and approval process for drugs [...]

Studies show that 64 percent of pregnant women use at least one prescription drug during pregnancy.  However, with all prenatal drugs, doctors must weigh the potential benefits against the risk of possible fetal harm.  Unfortunately, little information exists because of the ethical issues surrounding clinical trials on pregnant women. Many women may have taken the [...]

Many women have concerns about taking medications during pregnancy.  Should you avoid all medications?  Which medications are safe?  What if you’re already taking a drug to treat an ongoing health condition? Even innocuous over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are not recommended for use during pregnancy.  If you have a health condition that requires [...]