Health Alerts
News that may affect you directly including health related warnings, recent discoveries and more.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced a series of important changes pertaining to the marketing of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs, including COX-2 selective and prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter (OTC)) non-selective NSAID medications. As part of that announcement, FDA has asked Pfizer, Inc. to withdraw Bextra (valdexocib) from the market because the overall risk versus benefit profile for the drug is unfavorable. Pfizer has agreed to pull the drug off the market. full story »

Source: Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2005/NEW01171.html.

Naproxen, an over-the-counter pain reliever sold under the brand name Aleve or as a generic, has been found to increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also available by prescription. The study, designed to see if taking Aleve could prevent Alzheimer's disease, was stopped after results showed that those taking Aleve had an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those not taking it.

Recent findings from studies on one type of NSAID, the COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex, have raised concerns about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke of other NSAIDs. The FDA advises people taking naproxen products to follow the instructions for the recommended dose and not take naproxen for longer than 10 days without their doctor's direction. If you are concerned about taking naproxen, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you. full story»

Source: Healthwise, Inc.

BOISE, Idaho�A recent study found an increased risk of heart attacks in people using Celebrex�a COX-2 inhibitor used to treat arthritis and pain. The study, designed to see if Celebrex could prevent colon cancer in people with colon polyps, found 2 ½ times more heart attacks in people taking the drug compared to people who did not. Celebrex is in the same class of drugs as Vioxx, which was recently withdrawn from the market because of similar safety concerns. If you are taking Celebrex, talk to your doctor about whether it is right for you. full story»

Toys are one of the many marvels of childhood, but their safety is oftentimes overlooked. The right toys can help babies and children develop coordination, creativity, imagination and prepare them for future learning. However, there are some toys that can cause as much harm as good. And, as parents and adults, it is our responsibility to make sure the little ones are playing with safe toys. full story»

CPSC Announces Holiday Season Decorating Safety Tips - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is issuing safety tips for holiday decorations. Holiday decorations, like candles, lights and Christmas trees, add a joyous and festive mood to the holiday season. But when these decorations are not used properly, they can cause fires, injuries and death. full story»

CPSC Urges Annual Furnace Inspection to Prevent CO Deaths - As the weather turns colder, consumers need to be aware of an invisible killer that can seep through the home, causing serious injury or death. In Benton Harbor, Mich., three family members were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a malfunctioning furnace or gas water heater. In Salt Lake City, Utah, a man was hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after the furnace in his condominium malfunctioned. These incidents are not old news; they occurred just last month. full story»

CPSC Urges Annual Furnace Inspection to Prevent CO Deaths - As the weather turns colder, consumers need to be aware of an invisible killer that can seep through the home, causing serious injury or death. In Benton Harbor, Mich., three family members were hospitalized due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a malfunctioning furnace or gas water heater. In Salt Lake City, Utah, a man was hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning after the furnace in his condominium malfunctioned. These incidents are not old news; they occurred just last month. full story»

CPSC Recommends Fresh Batteries for Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Tips for Every Home - �When you change your clock for Standard Time on October 31, remember to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries,� urged Hal Stratton, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. �Keep cigarettes, matches, lighters, and candles away from children who might unintentionally start a fire.� full story»

FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Vioxx as its Manufacturer Voluntarily Withdraws the Product - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today acknowledged the voluntary withdrawal from the market of Vioxx (chemical name rofecoxib), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) manufactured by Merck & Co. FDA today also issued a Public Health Advisory to inform patients of this action and to advise them to consult with a physician about alternative medications. Merck is withdrawing Vioxx from the market after the data safety monitoring board overseeing a long-term study of the drug recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, among study patients taking Vioxx compared to patients receiving placebo. full story»

BOISE, Idaho -- A recent large study* indicates that people who take the antibiotic erythromycin along with certain common medications may increase their risk of sudden cardiac death. The study showed that the risk of sudden cardiac death is five times greater when erythromycin is taken with some medications that inhibit certain liver enzymes--such as certain calcium-channel blockers, certain antifungal medications, and some antidepressants--than when these medications are not taken together. To help prevent dangerous drug interactions, always tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Be sure to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.

*Ray WA, et al. (2004). Oral erythromycin and the risk of sudden death from cardiac causes. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(11): pp.1089-1096.