News for 2010

Fleet Phospho-soda kidney damage lawsuits consolidated, settled in MDL

fleet phospho soda package 454 144x150 Fleet Phospho soda kidney damage lawsuits consolidated, settled in MDLJudge Dan Polster of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio recently issued a settlement order consolidating Fleet Phospho-soda laxative litigation. The order is Oral Sodium Phosphate Solution (OSPS) MDL 2066. The settlement will resolve most cases involving injuries caused by Fleet Phospho-soda.

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Too many colonoscopies performed on those at low risk for colon cancer

colonoscopy 150x150 Too many colonoscopies performed on those at low risk for colon cancerPeople considered “low risk” for colorectal cancer are having too many colonoscopies, and not enough patients considered “high risk” for the disease are having timely follow-up procedures, according to researchers with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

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People should be more proactive with their health

health checkup 150x150 People should be more proactive with their health“In the emergency room, I end up diagnosing a lot of cancer,” says Dr. Mylissa Graber, medical director of the emergency department at West Palm Beach’s Good Samaritan Medical Center. “People don’t go to the doctor, don’t follow up on getting their tests done, and show up when (diseases) are pretty advanced,” she said to the Palm Beach Post.

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Lawsuits citing kidney injury from OsmoPrep commence

judge gavelLawsuits began last month for four people who say the prescription bowel cleanser OsmoPrep caused them kidney damage that resulted in dialysis. OsmoPrep, made by Salix Pharmaceuticals, is a type of laxative called oral sodium phosphate, or , used to cleanse the intestines prior to procedures such as colonoscopy. Salix Pharmaceuticals began marketing OsmoPrep in 2006. The drug generated more than $30 million in sales in 2008.

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Study shows need for thorough polyp removal, continued surveillance

polip 150x150 Study shows need for thorough polyp removal, continued surveillanceA new study by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Epidemiology confirms the need for continued colonoscopy surveillance in patients at risk for colorectal cancer, especially those with a history of precancerous polyps. It also highlights the importance for polyps, especially those that are precancerous, to be completely removed since cancer may develop at the site of polyp removal if residual tissue remains.

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Drinking warm water prior to colonoscopy proves effective

pouring water in glass thumb2801669 150x150 Drinking warm water prior to colonoscopy proves effectiveA new study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that drinking warm water prior to having a colonoscopy may help the bowel to relax and improve one’s comfort level during the procedure as well as offer more complete results, according to a Reuters Health report.

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