The popular antibiotic Levaquin was approved by the FDA in 1996. However, in July 2008 the FDA warned consumers that Levaquin (adn other drugs in the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics) put users at a heightened risk for developing tendonitis and tendon ruptures. The FDA ordered the drug's manufacturer, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson) to include a label warning about the heightened risk of tendonitis and tendon ruptures.

The most serious type of tendon injury commonly associated with Levaquin is a ruptures achilles tendon, which typically requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Other types of related injuries are tendon ruptures of the rotator cuff, hand, biceps and thumb. Most of these injuries occur either shortly after completing the dose of Levaquin or within several months.

There have already been numerous lawsuits filed across the U.S. The pending Levaquin lawsuits have recently received mass tort designation because there could potentially be thousands filed. The cases have  been consolidated in a MDL (Multi-District Litigation) because of the complex issues involved and the common issues of law and fact.
Kay L. Van Wey
VAN WEY LAW, P.L.L.C.
3100 Monticello, Suite 500
Dallas, Texas   75205
214-265-7600
kayvanwey@gmail.com

A study recently published in the British Medical Journal concluded that pills containing the hormones drospirenone or desogestrel may be dangerous. Yaz and Yasmin both contain 3 mg of drospirenone. These drugs, which are manufactured by Bayer are believed to pose a six fold increase in the risk of blood clots, which cause serious injuries such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

It has been alleged that from 2004-2008 Yaz/Yasmin has caused more than 50 deaths, some of these in women as young as 17.  These deaths have been associated with cardiac arrythmia, cardiac arrest, intracardiac thrombus, pulmonary embolism and stroke.

Bayer has heavily marketed Yas/Yasmin to young women and has reaped enormous profits through its sales. However, Bayer has continued to minimize the known risks and side effects so as to "not make its customers uneasy" [Hubert Ostendorf-Coalition against Bayer Dangers].

Lawsuits have been filed throughout the United States and have recently been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation [MDL] in order to streamline discovery and avoid inconsistent rulings.  VanWeyLaw is currently representing Yaz/Yasmin victims.  If you or a loved one have taken Yaz/Yasmin and have suffered a serious injury, such as pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, stroke, cardiac arrest or death, please contact kay@vanweylaw.com for further information.

When we analyze the rampant prescription drug epidemic which is ravaging this country, it is important to "follow the money". There is a built in profit motive at every link in the supply chain. Meaning, there is little incentive to curb the flow of prescription drugs, even if it means they are falling into the wrong hands and causing needless deaths.

We know that doctors and pharmacists who prescribe and dispense drugs without a valid medical purpose reap tremendous profits. However, the wholesale distributor is rarely discussed. Pharmacies order their drug supplies from wholesale distributors. These distributors have a duty to "know the customer". This means that they must exercise due diligence to recognize pharmacies which are dispensing an unreasonably large amount of controlled substances. It is plausible that some pharmacies may dispense an inordinately larger amount of controlled substances yet not be operating a "pill mill". For example, the pharmacy might be situated in close proximity to an oncology center or orthopedic practice. However, there are also instances where there is no plausible explanation for a pharmacy dispensing an inordinately high volume of controlled substances. In such a case, the drug wholesaler has an obligation to stop supplying them.

It is counterintuitive for a business to fire a good paying customer. For this reason, many drug wholesalers turn a blind eye. Until the government begins imposing harsh sanctions on drug wholesalers who participate in pill mill schemes by supplying the controlled substances, the flow of drugs will go uninterrupted. The prescription drug epidemic affects millions of Americans. We must demand accountability of those who reap enormous profits through the illegal diversion  of controlled substances.