Category: Products
Patient information leaflet errors
Patient information leaflet errors can, in the worst-case scenarios, cause severe problems for those who have used the wrong medication or used meds incorrectly due to the error.
When these scenarios happen, a recall will usually be launched and announced via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Information about the recall will normally be distributed so that patients can be made aware, but this won’t always stop an adverse incident from occurring.
With this in mind, here’s a little advice about what to do if you have suffered harm as a result of following the incorrect information for medication or a product in general.
Vaginal mesh scandal: new warning from expert over plastic material
The vaginal mesh scandal has hit the news again this week as we continue to represent victims claiming compensation for pelvic mesh procedures that have gone wrong.
The invasive surgical procedure was under a widespread pause last year following further reviews into the safety and efficacy of the devices. In April this year, revised guidelines were released by NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), which many have argued do not go far enough.
We know from years of experience and from the clients that we help that the impact of mesh gone wrong can be absolutely awful.
Stanmore hip implant recall
The Stanmore hip implant recall published earlier this year relates to the potential for some Modular Femoral Heads being contained in the incorrect packaging.
The urgent Field Safety Notice issued by Stanmore Implants – who are a part of the Stryker Corporation – outlines the issue and the potential dangers. It may be that patients could be fitted with the incorrect implant heads if the problem is not identified by surgeons and medical staff at the time of an operation.
As with most medical implant problems, this recall is a serious matter, and we have seen the damage that can be done to patients when things go wrong with hip implants.
Ethicon surgical staplers medical device alert
A medical device alert has been issued and published by the MHRA in relation to Ethicon surgical staplers, which have reportedly caused injury to some patients.
It’s understood that there’s a risk that some of the devices manufactured from March 2018 have not been working properly. Reported issues include the devices misfiring or failing to fire the staples during surgery. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) say that there has been increased complaints of malformed stables with some devices being returned.
With this issue involving invasive surgery, the alert is one that needs to be taken incredibly seriously.
Knee replacement bearing recall
A knee replacement bearing recall has been initiated by Biomet UK Limited after the discovery that there’s a risk of some of their bearings being placed in the wrong packaging.
According to the available Field Safety Notice published by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), left-handed bearings may have been placed in packaging for right-handed bearings. The discovery was reportedly made after a complaint had been received, and the recall that has been put in place affects products distributed this year.
Recalls involving medical devices and medical implants can be quite common. In some cases, the risk of any actual harm to patients is relatively low. However, in some instances, the problems that people can suffer with can be severe.
Legal advice for TVT surgery claims
Following the criticism over the new guidelines that came out last month, we’ve received further enquiries from people asking for advice about TVT surgery claims.
With the issues surrounding vaginal mesh in the news again, here’s some advice for you if you’ve yet to speak to anyone about your options for compensation.
One of the first things we often remind people about is to make sure that you seek advice as soon as you can. There can be a number of timeframes to start a case in a legal action of this nature. Leaving it too late can be the difference between receiving tens of thousands of pounds or getting absolutely nothing as a victim of TVT surgery gone wrong.
Xarelto compensation settlements
Big news! Xarelto compensation settlements are taking place, with almost £600m in damages set to be paid out by Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson.
The settlements are for around 25,000 lawsuits in the U.S., where Bayer and J&J have reportedly agreed to settle the litigation for $775m. The Group Action Lawyers continue to fight for justice for UK victims who are suffering side-effects of taking the drug, that’s also known as Rivaroxaban. You can read more about the UK action here.
While the companies maintain that the claims are without merit, and the settlement is made without an admission of liability, this is a huge result. The two companies are set to be sharing the burden of the cost as they jointly-developed the drug.
Elbow implant problems and Stryker recall
If you’re suffering with elbow implant problems, you may want to read this. The recent Stryker recall could be linked to any complications you’re experiencing.
Back in November 2017, a Field Safety Notice was filed for a recall of the rHead Radial Head and the Uni-Elbow prosthesis. In February this year, a medical device alert was put out by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). Urgent actin is to be taken, and any patient suffering should seek medical advice.
The problems that could be caused that are linked to this recall can be serious. Having recovered over £1.3m in damages for victims of the PIP implant scandal, as well as representing Claimants in hip implant cases and other medical device actions, these kinds of claims are one of our primary specialisms.
Are you suffering with valsartan side effects?
If you’re suffering with valsartan side effects, you may want to read this article and take heed of some important information about the drug.
Last year, a Class 1 Medicines Recall was initiated by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The recall stems from potential contamination that comes from the production process that could be incredibly serious for anyone affected. In fact, in the US, lawsuits have been active for some time now. When members of the Group Action Lawyers attended a conference in the U.S. last year, it was clear to us just how serious this issue could be.
If you’ve been taking the medication here in the UK and you’ve suffered problems or side effects, we may need to speak with you.
TVT mesh claims: join the action
You can join the legal action we’ve launched for women who are making TVT mesh claims having suffered problems and complications following their surgery.
Although different women can suffer in different ways, and each person has their own claim for compensation, we’re acting for a group that may either form into one action or remain as a multi-party action. These kinds of medical group actions are what we specialise in. We’ve recovered over £1.3m in compensation for a similar medical group action, and we’ve been appointed to the Steering Committee leading what’s set to be one of the biggest consumer actions in the UK.
When it comes to group actions, our expertise speaks for itself. Women who have yet to start TVT mesh claims may be eligible for our help today.