Doctors issue warning on Vytorin and Zetia, question effectiveness

An established group of doctors – many part of the same group that first exposed the risks associated with Vioxx – has published an austere warning on the cholesterol drugs Vytorin and Zetia in the New England Journal of Medicine. About 4 million Americans currently take the drugs, accounting for $5 billion in sales last year alone for the pharmaceutical companies Merck (Vytorin) and Schering-Plough (Zetia).

At the moment, no evidence exists to show that Vytorin and Zetia help patients…The drugs could even be harmful.

- Yale University cardiologist Dr. Harlan Krumholz

The doctors involved with the study say that there is no evidence showing the drugs can slow the buildup of plaque in the arteries and in fact, may speed it up. They are now recommending that doctors not prescribe the drugs, unless used as a ‘last resort.’ This is obviously a very troublesome blow for Merck and Schering-Plough, who were quick to respond that they would continue to market the drugs as they have been.

This is yet another instance that demonstrates the much bigger problem of pharmaceutical companies that put the health and well-being of millions of people on the line in order to maximize profit on their drugs. As we have seen with Vioxx and others, there is much cause for scrutiny and caution. We will continue to monitor this case. If you are currently taking Vytorin or Zetia, please consult with your doctor as to whether you should continue taking these drugs.

Bungee Cords are Weapons

We are now representing a woman that has lost the sight in her eye as a result of the release of a bungee cord with a hook that struck her eye. Our research confirms that the industry has known about this eye injury hazard for decades through peer reviewed medical literature, expert forensic analysis and numerous claims resulting from hundreds of trips to the emergency rooms across this county.

There are several alternative designs that are in use that eliminate this hook release hazard and people need to be told that when they use this product they need to position themselves away from the hook and to wear safety glasses.

I have spoken to attornies across the country that have brought these claims and we have the research and safety studies which prove that a bungee cord with at hook at the end is defective and unreasonably dangerous.

I hope that anyone reading this is now aware of this serious risk of eye injury. If you know of anyone that has sustained this injury, have them contact me for a free confidential consultation.

Yamaha’s Rhino ATV and Rollover Accidents

Many people are injured while riding on various types of All Terrain Vehicles. ‘3-Wheeler’ ATV’s (long not in production for safety reasons) come to mind as being some of the most defective-by-design ATV’s that caused many injuries. We consistently represent people injured by dangerous products and associate with experts on this type of ATV.

Aggressive and improper operation will always put ATV riders at risk for injury, however, the large number of people who have been seriously hurt or killed while operating Yamaha’s Rhino indicates a defective design. The narrow wheelbase, small wheels, and top-heavy design of this ATV has led to the many riders experiencing sudden rollovers

In the event that you or someone that you know has been involved in an accident while operating a Yamaha Rhino or other type of ATV, I am happy to discuss your case and give you candid answers regarding your situation.