All Topics

• Ocean King Enterprises Inc. Recalls Seafood Dips Due to Possible Contamination

  Jenny Albano | August 16, 2007 10:00 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Ocean King Enterprises Inc., in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling certain Ready-to-Eat Seafood Dips because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria can cause serious and potentially fatal infections in the young, elderly, and those with weak immune systems.The products were distribute through A&P warehouses in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey and were...

• Car Accidents and Injuries to Children

  Jamie Sheller | August 16, 2007 9:53 AM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Children involved in car accidents should be carefully checked for injuries, particularly those related to seat belts. Such injuries could be easy to miss in children and doctors must be especially vigilant in examining a child involved in a car accident. A review of 10 years of medical literature showed an increased risk of "seat belt syndrome" in children who were inappropriately belted...

• Another Botulism Recall

  Jamie Sheller | August 03, 2007 6:11 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Less than two weeks after canned meat products were recalled due to reports of botulism, the FDA has recalled green beans because of fears of botulism toxin. The product at issue in this recall is 14.5 ounce cans of French cut green beans manufactured by Lakeside Foods Inc. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Though there had been no reports of botulism linked to the beans as of August 1, the product has...

• Anemia Drugs Need New Warnings

  Jamie Sheller | March 22, 2007 7:04 AM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Cancer and kidney disease patients have an increased risk of serious problems, including death, with the use of anemia drugs. The FDA has issued new warnings about the anemia drugs, including Procrit, Epogen and Aranesp, ordering more careful prescribing. According to the FDA, studies show that overuse of the anemia drugs can lead to blood clots, strokes and heart attacks in patients with...

• Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

  Jamie Sheller | March 09, 2007 12:07 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Though nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is primarily a skin disorder, it may affect other organs. The disease affects people with renal insufficiency. NSF can be diagnosis with clinical findings and tissue diagnosis. Originally the disease was termed nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy because it was thought to be largely focused on the skin. However, the name was later changed to nephrogenic...

• Drug Guides Required For All Approved ADHD Medications

  Jamie Sheller | February 24, 2007 1:31 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  The FDA is requiring drug guides for all medications approved to treat ADHD. The guides are for use by patients, families and caregivers, and will carry information about the cardiovascular and psychiatric risks of the drugs. In May 2006, the FDA ordered revision of the labeling for ADHD drugs to address concerns about the risks of adverse cardiovascular and psychiatric symptoms. There have...

• Recall of Dietary Supplement Containing Erectile Dysfunction Drug

  Jamie Sheller | February 03, 2007 2:37 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Liviro3, a dietary supplement made by Ebek, Inc. has been recalled. Though Liviro3 is not FDA approved to treat erectile dysfunction, it contains tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug. Tadalafil may lead to dangerously low blood pressure. It may also interact with the nitrates in some prescription drugs, such as drugs used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and high...

• Some Lotions and Shampoos Linked to Breast Growth in Boys

  Jamie Sheller | February 01, 2007 7:45 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  Rare cases of enlarged breasts in young boys have been linked to lavender and tea tree oils used in some soaps, shampoos and body lotions. Based on a preliminary study, the oils appear to disrupt boys' hormonal balance. The rare condition is called gynecomastia and it seems to clear up once the boys stop using the products containing lavender or tea tree oil. These two oils are plant based...

• Distractions Increase Teen Driver Risks For Accidents

  Jamie Sheller | January 27, 2007 6:15 PM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  A recent study of teen driving habits was conducted by the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance Co. Though teenagers may be heeding warnings about drinking and driving, every year thousands of fatal car accidents are caused, in whole or in part, by teens driving with distractions. The distractions include cell phones, hand-held games and other passengers. The risk of a...

• Possible Increased Fracture Risk With Antidepressant Use In Patients Over 50

  Jamie Sheller | January 24, 2007 6:21 AM | 0 CommentsPhiladelphia, PA

  A Canadian research study looking at antidepressants has demonstrated that during five years of follow-up, "people aged 50 and older who took antidepressants, including Zoloft, Prozac and other top-sellers, faced double the risk of broken bones . . . compared with those who didn't use the drugs." According to the researchers, animal studies indicate that antidepressants may possibly directly...