Medicines and Information Concerning the Cardiovascular System

Safety Recalls from the FDA:

Patients with a Boston Scientific/Guidant CONTAK RENEWAL 3 and 4, VITALITY, or a VITALITY 2 implantable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators should contact their healthcare provider about a possible flaw in the devices which may cause accelerated battery depletion.

FDA analysis of safety data taken from patients using Zelnorm (for irritable bowel syndrome) has shown an excess number of serious cardiovascular events. The manufacturer of Zelnorm, Novartis has agreed to stop marketing the drug.

Permax, a drug used by those with Parkinson's has been shown to cause serious damage to heart valves and has been withdrawn from the market. (March 29, 2007)

V.MAX, and Rhino Max supplements should not be taken because an ingredient in them may interact with nitrates and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. (March, 19 2007)

A trial of Actimmune or Interferon Gamma 1-b for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been discontinued because it was shown that patients who received Actimmune did not benefit and had a slightly higher death rate. March 09, 2007

Defibtech Lifeline and ReviveR Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been recalled due to a failure of the self-test to detect a low battery. March 07, 2007

Patients taking ADHD drugs and who also have a history of heart problems are avised by the FDA to work with their health care provider to develop a compresenive treatment plan which includes a careful health history. Some of these medications have been associated with sudden death in patients who have a history of heart problems.February 21, 2007

Xolair (omalizumab) Patients receiving Xolair for asthma may have experience anaphylaxis, either immediate or delayed occuring from two to 24 hours after receiving treatment. Feb, 21 2007

Source - http://www.fda.gov/Medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#chronological

From the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

For children with mild to moderate persistant asthma "inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective initial daily therapy." Source - http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2007/inhaledsteroids.htm

Submissions, Critiques, Edits, and New Information Welcome

Last Updated 4/18/2007 5:42:34 AM