Medical Alerts

As I was preparing to post on a different subject this evening, I was checking my facts on one of my favorite sites. They have begun posting alerts - you know, certain medication being withdrawng, etc. What struck me however, was that this list was long enough to go through three screens on my computer!

Here are just some examples (from Medscape):

Guidant ICD Recommendation Increases Risk of Malfunction 7/25/2005

Reprogramming atrial therapy devices to 0% data storage may increase risk of latching malfunction.

FDA Announces Class 1 Recall of 206,000 Colleague Volumetric Infusion Pumps 7/21/2005

Pumps subject to multiple malfunctions that may result in failure to deliver critical medications or fluids to patients.

Off-Label Use of Abortion Drugs Linked to Silent Infection, Septic Deaths 7/20/2005

Physicians urged to consider atypical presentation of infection in afebrile patients presenting with malaise and possible abdominal pain, according to the FDA.

Raptiva Linked to Risks of Hemolytic Anemia, Infection, Thrombocytopenia 7/20/2005

FDA notifies healthcare professionals of postmarketing adverse events related to efalizumab use.

Expert Panel Advises Physicians on Natrecor Use 7/19/2005

Nesiritide use should be limited to patients with acute congestive heart failure and dyspnea at rest; off-label diuretic and intermittent/scheduled use not recommended, according to the FDA.

As Many as 28,000 Guidant Pacemakers May Need Replacement 7/19/2005

Defect may cause sudden loss of pacing or inappropriate sustained maximum sensor rate pacing, according to the FDA.

FDA Investigates Deaths Linked to Fentanyl Patch 7/18/2005

Agency warns patients that safety instructions for patch use must be followed exactly.

FDA Updates Information and Guidance on Recalled Guidant ICDs 7/15/2005

FDA issues recommendations for care of patients with PRIZM2 and CONTAK RENEWAL devices.

Palladone Suspended Because of Alcohol Interaction 7/14/2005

Hydromorphone HCl extended-release capsules can have fatal effects when taken with alcohol.

Reports of Sudden Vision Loss Added to Labeling for Viagra, Cialis, Levitra 7/8/2005

Causative role of erectile dysfunction drugs in vision loss is unclear due to risk factor overlap, according to FDA.

Dietary Supplement Contains Glyburide, FDA Warns 7/5/2005

Inappropriate use of glyburide, which is normally available by prescription only, can have serious and life-threatening consequences in some people, according to the FDA.

FDA Provides Update on Recall of Guidant Implantable Defibrillators 7/1/2005

Original recall now designated as class 1, additional devices withdrawn under class 2 recalls.

So what is a consumer to do?

When your healthcare provider wants you to start something new, ask questions! How long has it been out? What kind of problems have there been? What alternatives are there? Yes, we have been trained, yes we should know the answers to this, but in the end, it's your body and your life.

You always have the right to say yes or no.

Barbara C. Phillips, NP
OlderWiserWomen™