Headlines

When the risk of severe, potentially deadly skin reactions is found in association with one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications, you would think that warning the public would be a priority. But a year and a half after publishing an initial consumer update on the risk, the FDA is only now asking that a warning be placed on all acetaminophen-containing medications, including over-the-counter drugs.

Nine months of negotiations, an agreed-upon set of purchase terms and clinical trials already in progress according to FDA requirements—if a drug manufacturer has completed all of these in anticipation of purchasing the rights to a drug, is that proof enough that it was prepared and intended to enter the pharmaceutical market with it?

GM’s ignition switch defect has now been linked to 38 deaths. The ignition switch problem was so obvious that customers, journalists and even GM employees were reporting the problem a decade before GM finally admitted the issue and recalled the cars.

I am still amazed that I am writing this post and we are here today. However, I am gratified that the Supreme Court did not fall into BP’s game and indulge it by hearing its appeal of the Business and Economic Damages Settlement Agreement.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some truly incredible people, but unfortunately it is often under very difficult and painful circumstances. Even though some are either dealing with aggressive lung cancer or coping with the loss of a loved one from this horrible disease, one thing all of them seem to have in common is a need and capacity for hope.

It is right and proper that on Veterans Day we honor those who selflessly served our country, who bravely protected our freedoms, and who fearlessly confronted our enemies. On this day and throughout the year, we offer thanks to all veterans for all you have done and continue to do for your flag, your country and your fellow citizens.

In a series of recalls ominously similar to those made by General Motors earlier this year for a faulty ignition switch, 10 major vehicle manufacturers, including Honda and Toyota, have issued recalls on more than 7.8 million vehicles that may contain defective airbags that could explode on impact and shoot metal shrapnel at the occupants.

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer might not have the same name recognition as breast or colon cancer, but of the top 25 cancer killers today, it’s the only one with a five-year survival rate at six percent.

The statistics of GM’s recalls this year are staggering. There are more than 70 different vehicle recalls ranging from defective ignition switches to faulty tie rods and brakes, all affecting more than 26 million cars in the U.S. alone.

Even low levels of lead in the blood (5 micrograms per deciliter µg/dL) can result in lower IQ, hyperactivity, hearing problems and anemia, and in rare cases has led to seizures, coma and even death. To put that into context, accidentally eating a chip of lead paint about the size of a period (.) can cause an elevated blood lead level of 20 µg/dL in a young child.