Products with Health Risks

Recall of Device to Treat Irregular Heartbeats is Worrying Patients Who Have Them in Their Bodies

Emily Moore, BA and Langan Denhard Defibrillators are medical devices that treat irregular heartbeats and can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.  The 79,000 Americans who were implanted with the Riata or Riata ST Silicone implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads made by St. Jude Medical are left wondering what to do now that the FDA recalled the device in December 2011.  This recall was announced a year [...] | more

Statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) and the New Safety Warnings: What It Means for You

The FDA issued new safety warnings for statins in February 2012 about the increased risk for diabetes, memory loss and muscle pain, symptoms that we have been warning patients about for some time. | more

Arsenic and Lead in our juice (and you thought poisoned apples were only in fairy tales!)

Learn how much arsenic has been found in common foods and drinks (too much!)--and what laws are in place to protect your family from this known carcinogen (not many!). | more

Having Trouble Sleeping? Pills are not a Safe Solution

A compelling new study suggests that people who take sleeping pills are at an increased risk of dying or developing cancer within the next 2 and a half years. | more

Rock-a-bye Baby, Chemicals and All: The health risks posed by crib mattresses

In recent years, the safety regulations for cribs have increased yet little attention has been given to the safety of crib mattresses. A new study finds that an alarming number of mattresses contain chemicals that may pose serious health risks for infants. | more

Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

Understanding how birth control pills work and how the FDA determines whether they are safe and effective can help demystify the process of choosing the birth control pill that is right for you. | more

Are Bayer’s Birth Control Pills too Risky?

On December 8, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be discussing the benefits and risks of oral contraceptives containing drospirenone. While these products effectively prevent pregnancy, there are alarming risks that can be fatal. At this upcoming meeting, the FDA will specifically address the growing evidence that drospirenone increases the risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) more than other forms of progestin. | more

Not-Quite-Everything you Need to Know about Lap-Bands

Lap-Bands help many people lose weight rather dramatically - some lose 50-100 pounds in the first 6 months or year. Are Lap-Bands a lasting solution to obesity? Not necessarily. Are they safe? Often they aren't | more

Plastic Wrap and Plastic Food Containers: Are They Safe?

Until there is more conclusive research available about the safety of food and plastic contact, here are some tips to play it safe. | more

Can Cell Phones Harm Our Health?

The extensive use of cell phones is a relatively recent phenomenon, and since cancers usually take at least 10-20 years to develop, it will be years before research is likely to conclude whether cell phones cause cancer or not. However, the evidence indicates possible cause for concern. | more