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Products Liability

HIP REPLACEMENT
MANUFACATURERS' RECALL
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If you suffer from a defective hip joint replacement (implanted from 1997 to the present) our law firm will help you understand and exercise your legal rights.
On December 11, 2000 Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. was forced to issue a hip implant recall that will affect approximately 20,000 recipients nationwide. Due to defective manufacturing, implants loosen within the body causing pain and discomfort. In some cases the defect causes such severe pain that the patient has required a new implant. We have evidence the manufacturers knew of the defect and did not take adequate steps to warn consumers including the elderly, or notify doctors of serious and well-known problems. If you have had a hip replacement since 1997 call 1-800-451-1002 today. You may be entitled to medical expenses or a cash settlement.

MANUFACTURERS' DRUG RECALL
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1. Propulsid
A drug known as Propulsid caused death and heart damage and was forced off the market in July of 2000. If you took Propulsid and have heart palpitations, rapid heart beat, hyperventilating or fluttering/thumping in chest or if a family member died while taking Propulsid, further investigation is warranted. Propulsid was also heavily promoted to infants and babies although never approved by the FDA for this use. We believe it is one cause of SIDS. If your child was prescribed Propulsid further investigation is warranted.

2. Rezulin
A drug known as Rezulin given to diabetics caused liver damage and death and was forced off the market in March of 2000. If you took Rezulin and have abnormal liver/blood tests, dark or bad smelling urine, jaundice, hepatitis, chills, sweats, nausea, stomach pain or sleeplessness or if a family member died while taking Rezulin, further investigation is warranted.

We have filed both class actions and individual cases on behalf of individuals who have taken Rezulin and Propulsid. If you have taken either of these drugs or a family member died while taking them, you may have a claim for a cash settlement or medical expenses.

BREAST IMPLANT SETTLEMENT ANNOUNCED

Only one in six women eligible to receive compensation have registered with the claims administrator. If you received breast implants prior to November of 1993 you are entitled to receive compensation immediately. Alternatively, you are entitled to protection in case you become ill for the next fifteen years or the cost of removal of the implants. If you have not registered your claim or would like assistance processing your claim please call 1-800-451-1002 for more information.

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
YOU PAY NOTHING UNTIL WE COLLECT

BAYCOL

In August 2001 Bayer A.G., a German drug manufacturer, pulled the drug Baycol from the market. Bayer withdrew Baycol from the market because it had been linked to 31 deaths in the United States from a muscle-related side effect according to the United States Food & Drug Administration. Baycol is one of a frequently prescribed family of cholesterol lowing drugs called "Statins." Baycol was first approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 1997.

Prior to its withdrawal from the market in August 2001, the FDA had received reports of Baycol patients experiencing severe Rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious disorder which involves injury to the kidney caused by toxic effects of the contents of muscle cells. Myoglobin is an iron containing pigment found in the skeletal muscle. When the skeletal muscle becomes damaged, the myoglobin gets released into the bloodstream. It is filtered out of the bloodstream by the kidneys. Myoglobin may occlude or block the structures of the kidney causing damage such as acute tubular necrosis or kidney failure. Myoglobin breaks down into potentially toxic compounds which will also cause kidney failure. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that causes muscle cell breakdown (atrophy) and causes muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. In a Reuter's article, the FDA stated that in some cases Rhabdomyolysis can become so severe that patients develop kidney failure, or failure of other organs which can be fatal. The FDA has stated that it has received reports of 31 deaths associated with Baycol. It is expected that this number will increase as more information about Baycol's side effects comes to light.

In addition to Rhabdomyolysis, Baycol has also been linked to other serious side effects including:

• Peripheral Neuropathy - a condition that involves loss of sensation in the hands and feet. It is another rare side effect linked to Statin use.
  
• Gastrointestinal side effects are common with Baycol use and they can be severe enough so that 5 - 10% of patients stop taking Baycol as a result of these symptoms.
  
• Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions are common and in some patients created Lupus-like symptoms where patients used Baycol for more than six (6) months.
  
• Liver enzymes - Baycol has been linked to a rise in liver enzymes which can cause Hepatitis-like conditions.
  

It is important that you to speak with your physician about any adverse effects associated with Baycol usage and to discuss alternative medications.

You can reach us at our toll free number (1-800-451-1002) to answer your questions. If you would prefer, please feel free to e-mail Attorney D. Michael Noonan at mnoonan@shaheengordon.com. Please be sure to include your name, address, telephone number if you wish to be called, e-mail address, and the exact nature of your question and description of your symptoms so that we can provide you with the specific information that you seek.

PPA (Phenylpropanolamine) - LINKED TO INCREASED RISK OF STROKE

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) has been widely used in popular cold remedies and appetite suppressants. Since at least as early as 1979, there have been reports that PPA use by young women in particular increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. In May 2000, the Yale University School of Medicine issued a report which definitively associates PPA use by young women with an increased risk of stroke. In November 2000, based in large part by the Yale report, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a health warning about PPA and began the process of banning PPA from all drug products.

Shaheen & Gordon is currently reviewing potential PPA claims. If you believe that you or a loved one might have suffered a stroke as a result of taking a drug that contained PPA, please contact Attorney D. Michael Noonan at 1-800-451-1002, or e-mail him at mnoonan@shaheengordon.com and be sure to include your name, e-mail address, your phone number and information about the medication taken, the dates, and the medical condition resulting.