Hardesty, Tyde, Green & Ashton, P.A. blog

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Breast Implants, Get the Facts!

Just last week the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a new line of silicon breast implants for use in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Interestingly, the FDA is approving the same substance that created the need for mass removal of hundreds of thousands of leaking implants causing a variety on health problems not to mention additional corrective surgery(s). It is crucial that the patient educates themselves on the facts and risks of the different type of implants. Additionally, and every bit as important, is the selection of a qualified plastic surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon has the education, experience and reputation to give you the best chance at a good outcome. Sadly, patients/clients have sometimes based their decision on price and in the process have been swayed by photo albums showing the physicians alleged "results." Unfortunately, the "results" in pictures can be far different in reality. Pick you surgeon with great care and learn more about the variety of implants at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/

posted by Attorney W. Marc Hardesty at 4:39 AM

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Beware:Tamiflu

The Food and Drug Administration has ordered new cautionary language for the flu drug Tamiflu. Doctors and patients are advised to be on the lookout for abnormal behavior in people taking the drug. Currently, more than 100 recent cases of delirium, hallucinations and other unusual psychiatric behavior have been reported in Japanese patients. Patients and doctors need to be aware of the possible side effects of this medication. Don't be afraid to discuss this very important alert with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA has mandated that a warning be included about the side effects which can include suicidal tendencies. To learn more regarding Tamiflu view this link:http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6484627

posted by Attorney Michael S. Tyde at 8:18 AM

Monday, November 20, 2006

Botox Patients Beware

Botox injections have become common place in the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Botox can be temporarily effective in creating a youthful appearance if used correctly by trained and licensed physicians. The temporary effect of Botox also leads to repeated procedures that are rather expensive. The fact that the injections must be repeated to keep the patients wrinkles at bay has created a lucrative industry and unfortunately a "black market" for Botox and counterfeit Botox. The dangers are apparent in that the Botox purchased by a dishonest practice or unlicensed provider can have varying solution strengths which effect the proper dosage and ultimate outcome. Worse yet, counterfeit Botox, can include a multitude of harmful or totally ineffective ingredients. Obviously, the results can range from a patient simply paying for nothing to suffering from permanent disfigurement, serious illness or death. Before undergoing this procedure a patient should completely investigate the physician or clinics credential and reputation. To learn more regarding the Botox black market view this link: http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/health_medical/article1996326.ece

posted by Attorney W. Marc Hardesty at 12:39 PM

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Public Citizen Calls for Investigation of Implant Manufacturer

The Public Citizen research group has recently called on the FDA to investigate Mentor Corporation for its alleged failure to send the FDA important data regarding safety problems with Mentor's silicone gel breast implants. Mentor is currently seeking FDA approval to market silicone gel breast implants once again. Public Citizen contends that a former Mentor scientist has disclosed safety concerns about the new implants, including silicone gel leakage, which were not brought to the FDA's attention. The letter from Public Citizen to the FDA is available at www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7476.

posted by Attorney Frank Ashton at 4:20 AM

Monday, November 13, 2006

New Procedures Needed to Protect Heart Attack Patients

Less than 1/3 of American hospitals currently have procedures in place to rapidly provide life-saving treatment to heart-attack patients according to a recent Yale University study. The treatment typically involves performing a balloon angioplasty and inserting a stent to keep the artery open. Failing to provide this treatment within 90 minutes of a patient's arrival in the ER can increase the risk of death by 42%.

posted by Attorney Frank Ashton at 6:58 AM