Drugs

Zofran (ondansetron) and its dissolvable sister drug Zuplenz are drugs originally developed to treat nausea in cancer patients. GlaxoSmithKline, the drug company responsible for Zofran, in an effort to capitalize on another segment of the market, encouraged the prescription of this medication for nausea in pregnant women.

Xarelto is a blood-thinning drug which is used to reduce the risk of blood clots and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation or “AFib” (irregular heartbeat) or patients who are recovering from certain surgical operations.

Viagra and the related drug Revatio (sildenafil), both formulated and sold by the drug company Pfizer, are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary hypertension. Millions of men have utilized these medications to remedy these conditions and improve their day-to-day quality of life.

Thousands of American women have undergone surgery for the insertion of products known as transvaginal mesh or surgical mesh implants. This surgical procedure is done, typically in older women, to correct for the effects of pelvic organ prolapse, when the internal body structure requires additional support to prevent the sagging of organs such as the urethra, cervix, and rectum. Transvaginal mesh is intended to repair this issue and ensure fewer health problems going forward.

Testosterone is a male sex hormone that naturally decreases in the body as a man ages. This dip in testosterone levels can cause symptoms such as such as fatigue, depression, low libido, decreased muscle mass, and increased body fat.

Risperdal (risperidone) is an antipsychotic drug prescribed by doctors for the treatment of certain mental and mood disorders. This powerful drug is approved for patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism.

Pradaxa (dabigatran) is a drug used daily by patients with an abnormal heart beat to prevent stroke and blood clotting.

Unfortunately, Pradaxa has been linked with numerous problems, including serious and potentially fatal bleeding. Pradaxa is also not recommended for patients with who suffer from active bleeding or have mechanical heart valves. Moreover, the Mayo Clinic has provided warnings about the lack of studies conducted regarding Pradaxa’s potential effect when used by children, elderly patients, or pregnant women.

Morcellation surgical tools are used to during laparoscopic gynecological surgeries to remove tissue. However, it was discovered that these tools are capable of spreading cancerous cells in patients who have an undetected form of cancer. Spreading cancerous cells to other areas of a patient’s body can reduce the patient’s chances of surviving a fight against cancer.

An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter is a small cage-like medical device that can be inserted by doctors to stop dangerous blood clots from traveling to the blood vessels of the lungs. Their structure allows them to catch fragments of clots that form in the legs or pelvis before these blockages run the risk of causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). These metal filters are surgically implanted in patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners or have seen little success with those drugs.

Benicar (olmesartan) is a powerful drug prescribed by doctors to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure). However, many people who have been prescribed this medication have reported serious side effects, including severe gastrointestinal issues.