Temodar Lawsuit

A Brief Guide to Finding a Temodar Lawsuit:

The prescription medication Temodar is intended for the treatment of certain types of brain tumors. To ensure safe use, prescribing physicians must monitor patients for all signs of Temodar side effects, which can occur at any level of Temodar dosage. Even with the presence of dangerous side effects (discussed below), the ability to file a Temodar lawsuit is unexpected.

Temodar Side Effects:

Important things to consider regarding the side effects of Temodar:

• The bulk of Temodar patients do not experience any Temodar side effects

• Side effects of Temodar are often predictable as they relate to duration and onset

• Temodar side effects are typically reversible and will dissipate after treatment is complete

• The following Temodar side effects are observed in over 30% of patients: constipation, headache, fatigue and vomiting

• Less common Temodar side effects (occurring in 10-29% of patients) include: decrease in blood counts (white and red blood cells, as well as platelets, may decrease) and Nadir

• Delayed Temodar side effects include: swelling; dizziness; problems with balance; central neurotoxicity; weakness on one side of body; excessive sleepiness; skin rash; and seizures.

Temodar Lawsuit History:

Two Temodar lawsuits were filed against the drug’s parent companies, regarding illicit marketing and sales practices. In 2006, Schering-Plough, the former Temodar manufacturer, faced a Department of Justice investigation which uncovered mis-marketing and illegal sales practices. The Temodar lawsuit found that the company marketed Temodar for unapproved forms of brain cancer, bribed doctors and promoted the sale of its Temodar products. For these charges, the company was ultimately forced to pay $435 million fines.

Following the resolution of this Temodar lawsuit, the drug was purchased by Merck. In 2011, the Department of Justice issued a subpoena seeking materials concerning marketing of Temodar dosage products. This Temodar lawsuit was issued as part of an investigation which could lead to a Temodar concerning marketing abuses committed by Schering-Plough. In the past, similar Temodar lawsuits have included a fund for victims of adverse effects as a condition of settlement.

Pending the outcome of this investigation, Temodar lawsuits for those harmed by the drug are limited. The manufacturer's prescription information strongly warns that Temodar dosage is likely to result in damage to the fetus in pregnant women. As a precaution, male and female patients should use birth control to prevent Temodar side effects on a fetus from occurring.

Following a course of treatment, men taking Temodar should allow six months to pass before attempting to conceive a child. While a Temodar lawsuit can potentially be filed regarding birth defects, it will be hard for two parents to obtain compensation.

As stated above, treatment with a Temodar dosage can also lower blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. As a result, a physician should monitor your blood cell count on a regular basis for the presence of Temodar side effects. If a doctor detects a decrease in the white blood cells known as "neutrophils," they should adjust your Temodar dosage accordingly. Failure to do so, resulting in serious infection or death, could be grounds for a Temodar lawsuit regarding malpractice.

Physicians are especially cautioned to be alert to any signs of pneumocystis pneumonia. The Temodar side effects associated with this condition include chills and fever. Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience such a response. Physicians who fail to carefully monitor and respond to such Temodar side effects may be guilty of malpractice.

The possibility of filing a successful Temodar lawsuit will vary depending on whether the Department of Justice files any charges in the future. The FDA has no plans to update their current advisory regarding dangerous potential Temodar side effects. Since there is no prominent Temodar lawsuit to refer to, it will be difficult to know what you can expect from litigation unless you consult a lawyer.

Sources:

1. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021029s021,022277s005lbl.pdf