IBD caused by Accutane Medication- Lawsuit #'s are high* So sorry you trusted them.. Sooo sorry

How exciting :) Another confidence building article!!! Makes me so amped up and pumped with enthusiasm to take those medications tonight.. I'm going to erupt with eagerness any minute now  (that was totally, 100% sarcasm) 

 How horrible    These poor people that now have IBD from a medication that at some point in the past, was said to be a good, SAFE option for ridding their face from that case of hormonal zits, probably wish they had just dealt with the ugliness of puberty pimples like everyone else did... or opted for Proactive. 

It's really not fair.  I get so angry reading this garbage.  You know the victims most likely feel cheated and lied to, I would.   They trusted their doctors' recommendations and just went with it.  So wrong!  It's like those drug commercials that are advertising a medication for say insomnia and at the end (or middle) of the commercial, announce the horrendous side-effects that seem to be a never ending list of shit that will most likely kill you.  Ok... after hearing the 1st 5, 10, 12 side-effects, you say to yourself with disgust..  These people are hands down serious right now.....  F*&% off Ambien! I'll happily suffer with counting my sheep... thanks, but no thanks.  Or wait, maybe scenario 2 happens.  

Scenario 2 goes like this -  Your eyes follow the wings of the butterfly and you're dazzled by the butterfly's stream of cool colors that lead Miss Sleepy Eyes safely and tranquilly into her warm cozy bed.  The woman smiles as she gently falls into the plush pillow of dreamland.  Mesmerized by the blue butterflies, soothing music and calm voice, you completely missed  the words of death the woman was spewing.   Effective marketing; gets the best of people all the time.   It's the epitome of WRONG. 

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The Painful Truth About Accutane Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease

Sarah Klein | July 1st, 2011 | Posted in Accutane Lawsuit News

The majority of Accutane lawsuits focus on two primary medical conditions:  Accutaneulcerative colitis and Accutane Crohn’s disease.  Both are considered inflammatory bowel diseases and cause those who development them considerable debilitation.  There is no cure for either disease leaving those who suffer only with limited options for symptom alleviation.  So far there are over 3500 Accutane lawsuits filed as part of a mass tort inNew Jersey, and many more awaiting trials as part of MDL 1626 centralized in the Middle District of Florida.

Accutane retrial beginning in August

In August, the retrial of the Kamie Kendall case is expected to begin.  Kendall’s case was originally in 2008 resulting in a $10.5 million award.  In 2010 however, the verdict appealled, reversed and a new trial was ordered.

At the time of her first trial Kamie Kendal was only 24 years old.  She had been suffering from the severe effects of Accutane ulcerative colitis for nearly a decade.  At age 12 she was prescribed Accutane and by age 14 had developed ulcerative colitis.

Understanding Accutane ulcerative colitis

This disease causes inflammation and sores, or ulcers, to form in the lining of the rectum and colon.  These ulcerations take place in areas where the inflammation has killed off the cells that usually line and protect the colon, leading to bleeding and pus formation.  The inflammation and irritation of the colon causes it to empty frequently resulting in diarrhea.

In Kamie’s case her Accutane ulcerative colitis became so unmanageable that she was forced to have her entire colon removed.  Of those who develop ulcerative colitis about 25-40% will require the removal of their colon in a procedure called a proctocolectomy.  This is usually due to complications such as massive bleeding, severe illness, colon rupture, or the failure of other treatments.

The other IBD: Accutane Crohn’s Disease

Accutane Crohns disease is similar to ulcerative colitis in that it is caused by inflammation and that they both occur in the bowel.  However the inflammation in this disease is found deeper within the intestinal wall and can occur in other parts of the digestive tract such as the small intestines, mouth, esophagus, and stomach.  Ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum.

The most common complication of Accutane Crohn’s disease is intestinal blockage caused by thickening of the intestinal wall from swelling or scar tissue resulting in a narrowing of the passage way.  Crohn’s disease can cause sores and ulcers to form which can tunnel through and affect other surrounding abdominal structures like the bladder.  These tunnels are called fistulas and are a common complication of the disease often needing surgery to repair.

More Accutane lawsuits heading to trial

For those suffering from either Accutane ulcerative colitis or Accutane Crohn’s disease, filing an Accutane lawsuit may be an option.   According to court documents, eight other Accutane lawsuits will go to trial this year with jury selection expected to begin on October 11, 2011.  Another jury will be chosen again beginning January 9, 2012 for the trial of four more Accutane lawsuits.

BENEFICIAL HERBS FOR DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS/DISEASES - Natural Intestinal Support & Relief

Man it's early!  I'm as awake  as the birds outside. 

So, what I have been doing for the past half hour or so, is looking up the ingredients in this intestinal support formula that I purchased.  I know what the benefits of some of the ingredients are, but clueless about at least 4-5 ingredients that the label lists (most of the contents that make me say "huh! never heard of that before" are mostly herbal ingredients that impel me to do research). A lot of the herbs that provide digestive system support, strength, protection, Intestinal pain/discomfort relief, ect., you will find below.  

This provides me and you with an easy source of reference for beneficial medicinal herbs for GI problems 

(As I read and discover more, I will add them to the list,  FEEL FREE TO ADD SOME TOO!  If you know of any helpful herbal treatments off the top of your head, add the info in the comment section and i'll add the info to the actual posting (Yes, of course stating that you are the contributor).

PLEASE NOTE:  Always contact your physician before adding any herbal remedy to your existing medication regime.  I have provided only a basic summary about each herb and it's beneficial effects on the digestive system.  When considering any alternative therapy (or conventional therapy for that matter) it's your responsibility to obtain knowledge and to educate yourself for your own safety.  Likewise, using that knowledge to choose the medication that would be the safest and most helpful to your disease (For both herbal/alternative or traditional medicine - Do your part - Research.  It Matters.

Here's the list so far... Check it out & hope it's helpful

Beneficial Herbs For Gastrointestinal Problems

Aloe Vera tea can help you fight digestive problems, such as ulcers. I also have ulcerative colitis and I've been applying Aloe Vera gel internally and it has been working for me. Aloe Vera tea regulates digestion, wards off fungal activity in the stomach and it also comes as a great ally to fight constipation.It is worth giving it a try. - Mafalda

Cat's Claw Traditionally cat's claw has been used as a homeopathic treatment for intestinal ailments such as:colitis, crohn's disease, gastric ulcers and tumors, parasites, gastritis, diverticulitis and leaky bowel syndrome. By stimulating the immune system, it can also improve response to viral and respiratory infection

It is also used to treat & prevent the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism, PMS, as well as diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, and prostrate conditions.

Presently, researchers recommend cat's claw to treat inflammatory problems such as arthritis, viral diseases ( HIV/AIDS), gastrointestinal illnesses( Crohn's disease, ulcers) and certain cancers.

Scientific studies reported that human volunteers who took cat's claw herb for eight weeks had improved DNA .Cat's claw herb exert is valuable on memory impairment induced by the dysfunction of cholinergic systems in the brain .

Cat's Claw is used for the treatment of followings disorders:

• Diverticulitis.
• Leaky bowel syndrome.
• Colitis.
• Hemorrhoids.
• Fistulas.
• Gastritis.
• Ulcers.
• Parasites.
• Intestinal flora imbalance.
• Environmental toxic poisoning.
• Organic depression.

Marshmallow Marshmallow contains anti-inflammatory effect, Marshmallow is very good for problems with the urinary system, including .cystitis, urethritis, urinary gravel and calculus. 

Marshmallows leaf if used internally cure the irritation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa and associated dry cough.

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Common cold/sore throat
• Cough
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Stomach ulcers
• Weight loss aid (marshmallow swells with fluid and gives a sense of fullness)
• Wound healin

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a long chain of polysaccharides that make a slippery substance when added with water. This mucilage is believed to ebb the digestive system. Slippery elm is also a excellent food supplement and is easy to digest, making it an good food during times of digestive discomfort & used as a gruel for infants, invalids and peoples with intestinal inflammation. Slippery elm also has astringent property, tightening the areas on which it contacts, acting an effective resistance to bacterial infection and alleviating diarrhoea.

-Externally Slippery Elm makes a wonderful medical dressing , applied locally,for taking out toxins, especially those areas which are associated with boils, spots or abscesses and can assist the removal of splinters.when applied to wounds, burns and inflammation of any kind show good results .Slippery Elm will help to reduce, heal and ebb swelling and pain.

-Internally Slippery Elm can be taken to cure many different types of digestive problems, for example:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ,Inflammation of the gut or colic , Colitis and diverticulitis, give an instant relief to acid indigestion or 'reflux' ,ulcers anywhere in the gut (stomach & intestines), if mixed with a banana and powdered Marshmallow .In diarrhoea,Slippery Elm mixed with a banana and powdered Marshmallow give good results. 

White Oak is taken for diarrhea & inflammation of the oral and genital areas.

White Oak is helpful in chronic diarrhoea & dysentery, either alone or in addition with aromatics.

liquorice root is very effective in cough , mouth ulcers,peptic ulcers and has been used for this purpose since ancient times, especially in ayurvedic medicine where it is also used in tooth powders . Modern cough syrups often include liquorice extract as an ingredient. Naturopathic medicinal uses include treatment of peptic, oral ulcers, hypoglycemia, diabetes and Addison's disease, which is a malfunction of the adrenal glands.

Used in following Symptom:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bladder
• Constipation
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Intestinal Inflammation
• Kidney Problems
• Liver Problems
• Sore Throat
• Spasms
• Ulcers
• Edema (peripheral, pulmonary), secondary to increased extra cellular fluid from water retention
• Hypertension
• Spasms/tetany
• Hyporeflexia, muscle wasting, weakness, flaccid paralysis
• Myoglobinuria/rhabdomyolysis
• Trousseau and Chvostek signs (from hypokalemia with alkalosis)
• Cardiac arrest, dysrhythmias (rare)
• Rales

Licorice used to strengthen and balance the female reproductive system. Some compounds found in licorice are thought to help the adrenal glands function more smoothly in conditions of stress and exhaustion. The adrenal glands are responsible for hormones that keep the body systems balanced.It is also used as an emulsifier to create foam in drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Yarrow in present times is used for the common cold & fevers. It is also beneficial for amenorrhoea, hypertension, dysentary and diarrhoea. Yarrow helps externally and internally to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduces heavy bleeding and ebb menstrual pain.It is valuable for nosebleeds.Take two to four droppers of tincture as a remedy. Yarrow is used for the mucous membranes and has a reliving effect on the digestive system.

Use leaves, stems and flowers of white & red flowered yarrow facilitate blood clotting.As an infusion can help to break a fever .A tea can be used to fight colds and flu made from yarrow with peppermint & elderflower .Yarrow can be used in mild cystitis.It helps to lower high blood pressure. Acting as a vasodilator it improves blood circulation.It is helpful to promotes digestion.

Yarrow's flavenoid compounds contain salycilic acid derivatives & antispasmodic action,make it useful remedy to treating pain .Yarrow is use for various disorders such as menstrual irregularities,menstrual cramps and pain, wound healing,inflammation ,muscle spasms,reduce high fevers,soothing external rashes, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids,liver and gallbladder conditions

Properties

• Antipyretic.
• Hypotensive.
• Astringent.
• Diuretic.
• Urinary antiseptic.
• Stops internal bleeding.
• Promotes menstruation.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Diaphoretic.
• Peripheral vasodilator.
• Haemostatic.
• Spasmolytic.
• Aromatic bitter.
• Digestive stimulant.
• Emmenagogue.
• Restorative.
• Anti-allergenic.
• Antispasmodic.

Chamomilla  are widely used to alleviate morning sickness, mastitis, menopausal symptoms, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea with a psychological component & hysteria .Internally it is used to treat to treat inflammation & spasms of the digestive tract. As a mouth rinse, it's taken for sore gums and oral inflammation.  

As a remedy chamomile is used for various disorders such as Bronchitis ,Colds ,Cough ,Fever, Skin inflammation ,Sore throat ,Tendency to infection ,Wounds and burns . Chamomile is use to ebb & relaxes at bedtime,relieves restlessness, teething problems, and colic in children,relieves allergies, relieves morning sickness during pregnancy,speeds healing of skin ulcers, wounds, or burns,treats gastritis and ulcerative colitis.

Products made from chamomile are widely used as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, and sedative property.Its extracts are used to ease pain and irritation, clean wounds and ulcers, and aid irradiated skin injuries, as well as cure cystitis & dental afflictions . The tea has anti-inflammatory actions,beneficial for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings.

Scientist recommended chamomile as medicine or therapy to treat various problems such as allergies, arthritis, boils, colic, cuts, cystitis, dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, earache, flatulence, hair, headache, inflamed skin, insect bites, insomnia, nausea, neuralgia, PMS, rheumatism, sores, sprains, strains, stress, wounds,acne ,blisters ,depression ,digestive problems ,gout ,indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome ,nervous tension, eczema & psoriasis

• Analgesic.
• Antibacterial.
• Antiseptic.
• Digestive Stimulant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Sspasmolytic.
• Vulnerary.
• Antimicrobial.
• Mild sedative.
• Carminative.
• Anticatarrhal.

Turmeric Evidence that turmeric is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease is limited. However, the results of a study by J. Epstein and colleagues published in the March 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Nutrition," show that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, suppresses the expression of inflammatory mediators in children and adults with inflammatory bowel disease. The authors therefore conclude that this compound may hold promise as a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Research published in the December 2004 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" also found that turmeric may help to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel diseases.

Boswellia Evidence that boswellia is an effective treatment for Crohn's disease is mixed. The results of a clinical trial by H. Gerhardt and colleagues published in the January 2001 issue of "Zeitschrift Gastroenterologie" show that boswellia extract displayed similar efficacy to mesalazine, a commonly used drug for inflammatory bowel diseases. The authors conclude that, considering both safety and efficacy, boswellia is superior to mesalazine in terms of risk versus benefit. In contrast, the results of a trial by W. Holtmeier and colleagues published in the February 2011 issue of "Inflammatory Bowel Disease" show that, although well-tolerated, boswellia is not an effective treatment for Crohn's disease.  (I use this and I have found it helpful... & it's safe)

Peppermint/Lavender/Chamomile Combo/Intesol An enteric-coated peppermint/lavender/chamomile combination (sold under the name Intesol) has been shown to provide relief of gastrointestinal disturbances through antispasmodic and carminative (relieving flatulence/gas) effects. This combination helps to relax the intestinal smooth muscle and support healthy colonic motility. Enteric-coated capsules allow targeted delivery of the active ingredients to the intestines (where the pain and cramping are located), not the stomach, for maximum effectiveness. (NOTE: Uncoated peppermint oil ingested orally has an undesirable side effect of relaxing the Gastroesophageal sphincter that allows food to enter from the esophagus to the stomach during digestion. Relaxation of this sphincter causes backflow of food and acid from the stomach into the esophagus, a condition called Gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. The enteric coating on this combination prevents this side effect.)

Fennel seed fights gas, cramps, and acid indigestion, and eases spasms in the intestinal tract.  Fennel is also said to act as a carminative, meaning it helps your body expel gas and sooth indigestion.

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family.  It is often mixed with other herbs to help promote relaxation. Evidence suggests that lemon balm can help treat indigestion, but its stress-soothing qualities alone can often be useful for this purpose.

Ginger  has long been used as a medicine in Asian, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic herbal traditions.  Health care professionals still recommend ginger to help prevent or treat nausea and vomiting. It is also used as a digestive aid for mild stomach upset.

         Artichoke Leaf In traditional European medicine, the leaves of the artichoke plant (not the leaves of the bud, which is the part you normally eat) were used as a diuretic to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder.  A large study designed to evaluate artichoke leaf as a treatment for dyspepsia found that it was significantly more effective than a placebo.

        Cayenne Oral use of cayenne reduces discomfort in your stomach, and can help alleviate pain, bloating, and nausea. 

REFERENCE PAGES

http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines,  

http://www.livestrong.com/article/356932-turmeric-crohns/#ixzz1R2ngwYMj, http://www.livestrong.com/article/366719-boswellia-for-crohns-disease/#ixzz1R2oVur9V

http://www.naturalpathhealthcenter.com

http://blogs.mercola.com

Must See Documentary-Making A Killing: The Untold Story of Psychotropic Drugging Video

****CLICK TO VIEW DOCUMENTARY****

A Must see video documentary that I saw the other night.... Mind blowing.  Even although this video is discussing psychiatric treatments and not related to digestive issues, when you watch the video, look deeper at how our system works.  Listen to what these experts say about the FDA. It gives a lot of insight into the goals of drug companies, the FDA and what their interests are.  Do they care about the safety of drugs?
Medicine, all fields of medicine, are not interested with finding the underlying issues of diseases and treating the root cause.  Medicine in our country, MANAGE diseases

If any of you reading this take psychiatric medications, or even if you have a friend or family member who takes meds for the treatment of a mental illness of any kind, you MUST watch this video.  I suggest that even if you have no interest in the area of psychotropic drugs or mental illness, watch the video anyway. This video exposes the integrity of the FDA and that integrity exists equally for all areas of medicine and for all medications the FDA must approve as a "safe" treatment option.

It's a long video, but trust me, you will not be bored.  It will clarify issues that maybe you've questioned in the past or maybe wonder about today.  I will also add a link to this video on my side panel.
I hope you guys take the time out of your day, when you can to watch this. Feel free to post your thoughts and opinions.  

http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/making-a-killing-the-untold-story-of-psychotropic-drugging/

Video Description:  Psychotropic drugs. It’s the story of big money-drugs that fuel a $330 billion psychiatric industry, without a single cure.

The cost in human terms is even greater-these drugs now kill an estimated 42,000 people every year.

And the death count keeps rising. Containing more than 175 interviews with lawyers, mental health experts, the families of victims and the survivors themselves, this riveting documentary rips the mask off psychotropic drugging and exposes a brutal but well-entrenched money-making machine.

Before these drugs were introduced in the market, people who had these conditions would not have been given any drugs at all.

So it is the branding of a disease and it is the branding of a drug for a treatment of a disease that did not exist before the industry made the disease.

Dramatic Increase In Food Allergies - Especially for Children

This article isn't encouraging at all.  We've been seeing food intolerances increase steadily over the years.  More children cannot tolerate certain foods and there's more kids that are suffering from immune system diseases than ever before.  
My fathers' generation have low numbers of people experiencing these problems.  My generation is were the obvious increase in lactose and gluten intolerances began and not much was done about it.  I was 16 when I became lactose intolerant.  A few people had this problem around the time that I started having problems with dairy.  Now it's common and expected among children and teens.  


Go organic and grow your own veggies/herbs.  No boxed foods and fast foods.  It will end up costing a lot more to eat this way, but worth it and necessary to be in good health.

Food Allergies Among Children Dramatically on the Rise

Childhood food allergies are apparently much more common in America than previously believed. A clinical study, recently published in the journal Pediatrics, found that about eight percent of children under the age of 18, almost 6 million, suffer from one or more food allergies. The numbers are twice as high as the latest data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2007, which showed a rate of just under four percent, or about three million kids.

The new findings came from online interviews that included 40,000 households all over the United States. Participants were recruited through random telephone calls. Based on the information gathered from the survey, experts now believe that allergies among the young, including food allergies, are dramatically on the rise.

“Based on our data, about one in 13 children has a food allergy,“ says Dr. Ruchi Gupta, assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and lead author of the report. “What’s more, nearly two out of every five affected children suffer from a severe food allergy. For these children, accidental ingestion of an allergenic food may lead to difficulty breathing, a sharp drop in blood pressure, and even death.”

Dr. Gupta, who also works as a pediatrician at Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital, acknowledges that her study provides only a snapshot of the prevalence of food allergies in America today and does not track developments over time. Still, she says, “eight percent is a pretty significant amount. […] We are seeing a lot more cases in schools than we used to see. It does seem that food allergy is on the rise.”

The CDC estimates that eight types of foods are responsible for 90 percent of all food allergies in children. They are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.

Allergy is a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system is hypersensitive or over-reactive. Ordinarily, the human immune system has the ability to distinguish between harmless substances in the environment and potentially harmful agents, such as viruses and bacteria. For a person with allergies, however, the immune system reacts swiftly and with great intensity to substances that are not dangerous as if they were. So, when an individual who has certain allergies eats, touches or inhales an allergen (a foreign substance he or she is allergic to), the immune system mistakenly responds with an all-out counterattack.

Many experts believe that the tendency to develop allergies is primarily hereditary. However, in addition to genetic traits, long-term exposure to certain health hazards in the environment, such as tobacco smoke, pesticides and other pollutants, can provoke allergic reactions. So can emotional factors and other stressors.

People who suffer from food intolerances are not necessarily allergic to these foods. The symptoms can be similar, but with intolerance the physical reactions are usually due to problems with digestion. For instance, people with lactose intolerance are unable to produce enough of a digestive enzyme needed to break down milk sugar. They are lactose intolerant, but the immune system is not involved in the resulting digestive distress.

There can be conditions, however, where food intolerances and allergies sort of overlap. Celiac disease, for example, generates an abnormal immune response to foods containing gluten, like wheat and some grain products. Despite of this, celiac disease is classified as a food intolerance, although it is triggered by autoimmune activity.

Another difference between food intolerances and allergies is that the symptoms of intolerances generally intensify with age, while those of allergies get worse with exposure.

Allergies should not be taken lightly, especially when children are affected. Possible reactions range from mild to severe. They include swelling of lips and face, hives, itching, flushing or eczema flare. The severest cases, known as anaphylaxis, are potentially life-threatening. Symptoms include wheezing, trouble breathing, vomiting, persistent coughing and dangerous swelling of the airways.

“Especially for kids with multiple food allergies, it complicates their lives and makes it really tough on these kids to avoid multiple foods to stay healthy and stay alive,” says Dr. Gupta.

Parents of children with serious food allergies are urged to always carry antihistamine as well as an epinephrine shot (EpiPen) with them. The most effective measure people can take against allergic reactions is avoidance. That means paying close attention to ingredient labels, taking precautions when eating at restaurants and bringing along one’s own food if safe alternatives are unavailable.

Many children outgrow their allergies or tolerate them better as they grow older, including those against milk, eggs and wheat, while peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish often remain a lifetime threat.

Timi Gustafson R.D. is a clinical dietitian and author of  “The Healthy Diner – How to Eat Right and Still Have Fun™,” which is available on her blog  http://www.timigustafson.com and at amazon.com. Her latest book, “Kids Love Healthy Foods™” is now available in e-book format, also at www.amazon.com

Crohns & Colitis Movie Trailer

Probiotics - Tested for Label Accuracy - surprising findings by ConsumerLabs.com

A Brief Probiotic Overview

This is a printout that I received from my nutritionist that she printed from the Consumer Labs website.  I do not have access to this site  and found this info helpful with choosing the Probiotics right for you.  So, sorry for the small print due to having to copy this info.  Hope it's readable and not too small.  If you can't read it, contact me and i'll e-mail you the original file.

The amount of Probiotic bacteria in the caps which is stated on the label by the manufacturer, is not the correct amount for most of the products tested.  How disappointing.  

Some of these products only provided 10% or 13% of the listed amount.  

PROBIOTICS TESTED FOR ACTUAL AMOUNT IN EACH CAPSULE

Permanent Optic Nerve Damage--> Thanks to Humira (aka Biologic Bull****)

I should probably create a page (when I make pages) that's titles "Lawsuits Due to Biologic Treatments".  This is like the 4th or 5th article i've posted in regards to biologic drugs producing long-term damage to someone.

The last paragraph of this article gets me.   "...Abbott downplayed the risk of Humira side effects, including the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelination, which can cause optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis or other nerve problems."  These aren't minor side-effects like dry mouth, these conditions will impact your life dramatically and forever.


 I wonder what other health risks Abbott Labs have downplayed.  Adding the nerve damage issues would just be a few more health problems that you risk developing by treatment with these biologic meds.  LOL when the freaking side-effect profile lists almost 100 possible negative consequences that may happen to you if your lucky, what's 105.  People must really be desensitized OR maybe patients trust their doctor and are completely clueless.  Unfortunately, to know all the important details of something, requires effort on your part.  You have to do your own research - Trust no one
___________________________________________________________


Vision Problems from Humira Result in Lawsuit Over Optic Nerve Damage - AboutLawsuits.com

Abbott Laboratories faces a product liability lawsuit over Humira, their blockbuster arthritis and Crohn’s Disease drug, which was filed by a woman who alleges that she has developed optic nerve damage and permanent vision problems from Humira.

The Humira lawsuit was filed by Jamie Bixby in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on May 20, 2011.

Bixby alleges that side effects of Humira caused her to develop optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that has left her with permanent impairment to vision in her left eye and a future risk of other nerve problems, including multiple sclerosis or loss of vision in her other eye.

Humira (adalimumab) is a “biologic” drug, which is part of a class of medications known as TNF blockers or tumor necrosis factor blockers. The medication was launched by Abbott Laboratories in 2003 for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, but was subsequently approved for other indications, including treatment of Crohn’s Disease.

According to allegations raised in the complaint, Abbott downplayed the potential risk of Humira vision problems, despite the fact that information was available to establish notice that the drug may increase the risk of optic neuritis and other nerve damage from central nervous system (CNS) demyelination.

Bixby began using Humira in April 2008 for treatment of Crohn’s Disease, after her doctor suggested that the medication may be a better option than the long-term use of the steroid prednisone, which had been managing her symptoms. No warnings were provided on the drug label or prescription information that Humira may cause permanent damage to her vision at the time she began taking the medication.

In May 2008, Bixby indicates that she began experiencing severe headaches and pain in her left eye, which led her to call the toll free number provided with her Humira packet to ask if the problems may be related to the use of Humira. According to allegations contained in the complaint, Abbott’s nurse told her that eye pain was not related to Humira and suggested she contact her physician.

When Bixby contacted her doctor, she was told by the doctor’s office that they were unaware that eye problems were a known issue with Humira and scheduled an appointment for the following week. However, the next day Bixby noticed that the vision in her left eye became blurry with blacked out areas, causing her to leave work and seek immediate medical attention at an eye clinic.

Bixby was diagnosed with optic neuritis from Humira in both eyes, though she only experienced vision problems in her left eye. Following her diagnosis, Bixby was admitted for inpatient treatment to receive 4 days of intravenous steroids.

“Unfortunately, because Abbott had not adequately warned Ms. Bixby or her physician about the risk of optic neuritis, the diagnosis and treatment came too late to prevent permanent vision impairment for Ms. Bixby,” the complaint states.

Bixby previously worked as a web designer, and claims that she continues to suffer from headaches and eye pain that impact her ability to look at a computer screen for significant periods of time. She also continues to suffer blurry vision and black holes in the vision from her left eye, and has extreme light sensitivity and changes to her depth perception that affect her ability to drive or ride a bike.

Plaintiff alleges that Abbott downplayed the risk of Humira side effects, including the risk of Central Nervous System (CNS) demyelination, which can cause optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, multiple sclerosis or other nerve problems.

Generic Biological Drugs Coming-Awww, what a drag for Abbott, J&J, Amgen Inc.

Biological Drugs = The most costly drugs in the world.... Here's some good news though

Healthcare law to allow generic versions of biotech drugs

The development of 'biogenerics' is expected to put the brakes on the profit bonanza from such drugs as Abbott Laboratories' Humira.

By Bruce Japsen

June 2, 2011

In 2001, Abbott Laboratories spent nearly $7 billion on the biggest acquisition in the company's 123-year history, primarily to get access to one drug: Humira.

Since then, the North Chicago drug giant has raked in more than $24 billion in sales from Humira, a pricey medicine derived from human cells and used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases. This year, Humira is forecast to have its biggest year ever, with some analysts projecting more than $7 billion in sales.

But the national healthcare law is intended to put the brakes on the profit bonanza from Humira, as well as many other biotechnology drugs, by opening up the sector to generic competition. That will make biotech drugs — also known as biologics, which are innovative treatments derived from living cells — affordable to more consumers.

Many patents on some top-selling biotech drugs will start to expire in the next few years. But when "biosimilars" or "biogenerics" will be available to U.S. consumers is unclear. The Food and Drug Administration is working on guidance on how the approval for this class of generic drugs will work.

"Biotech drugs are among the world's most expensive," said Sidney Wolfe, director of the health research group at Public Citizen, a consumer watchdog of the healthcare industry. "They have been good, but they have been expensive, so it is extraordinarily important to get biogenerics as quickly as possible."

The Affordable Care Act, signed into law by President Obama in March 2010, clears a path for the FDA to approve generic forms of biotech drugs. Biogenerics have been unavailable in the U.S. because they were not part of the 1984 landmark Hatch-Waxman Act, which allowed for cheaper generic versions of chemically derived drugs.

Thanks to the 1984 law, consumers have access to generic versions of many blockbuster treatments, including the cholesterol drug Zocor and the antidepressant Prozac, which can cost $3 to $5 a day. The generic forms of those drugs typically cost pennies a day.

But biotech drugs weren't developed until the 1980s, when technology cleared the way for geneticengineering on DNA, allowing drug companies to rake in huge profits from this relatively new class of treatments.

Humira is a monoclonal antibody, hailed for its ability to work like a smart bomb because of its ability to precisely attack disease cells. Abbott says more than 500,000 people worldwide are taking Humira to battle a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis, often halting progression of the condition.

But the innovation has come with a price. Humira costs patients, their employers and health insurance companies about $20,000 for one year of treatment. Doctors say costs can run higher depending on the patient and dosage needed.

The anti-anemia drug Epogen can cost more than $10,000 a year per patient, and biologic medicines for cancer and other life-threatening diseases can cost tens of thousands, sometimes more than $100,000 a year.

Although biotech drugs are very expensive for consumers, they can pay off for drug companies.

When Abbott engineered its $6.9-billion acquisition of Knoll Pharmaceuticals, which developed Humira, Wall Street analysts and investors thought the company spent too much. The drug industry at the time often touted the cost of researching and developing one drug at $800 million or more.

Knoll provided Abbott with a host of products, including the popular thyroid treatment Synthroid and the diet drug Meridia, which had a few years of good sales before the FDA requested that the company take it off the market because of heart risks. When Abbott bought Knoll in 2001, which was before Humira won FDA approval, Knoll was generating about $2 billion in sales.

"They have more than recouped their investment," Wolfe said of Abbott.

Miles White, Abbott's chairman and chief executive, recently indicated that Humira would continue to be a blockbuster, given that its first patents don't expire for another five years.

"Humira has been a phenomenally successful product with application in a lot of different disease categories," White said at the company's annual shareholder meeting. "Humira's got long legs, out until about at least 2016, when its first patents begin to expire."

White is banking on all of the FDA-approved indications for Humira, which has held up against competition from rival rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's treatments derived from biotechnology, such as Johnson & Johnson's Remicade and Amgen Inc.'s Enbrel. The patent for Remicade also is expected to expire in the next few years.

"It is yet unclear what kind of competition we'll experience from biosimilars or the equivalent of generics at some point later in time," White said. "So I think some of the concern about Humira is exaggerated and overblown."

One primary obstacle that could delay entry of a Humira rival lies with the FDA. The agency said it was continuing to work on the regulatory review process, which will require clinical trials, unlike the process used to approve generic copies derived from chemicals.

Neither Abbott nor the FDA is aware of a company that has begun to work on a biosimilar version of Humira, but some companies are starting clinical trials of biosimilars of other drugs. Lake Forest, Ill.-based Hospira Inc., for example, is selling a biogeneric of Epogen in Europe and last year began clinical trials in 20 U.S. hemodialysis centers.

Some analysts think it will be difficult for companies to replicate biologics as easily as pills and capsules derived from chemicals. Biologics are more complex to make, and there are not enough makers to drive prices down to the 60% to 80% discounts that are common among chemically derived pills and capsules, some analysts say.

"When Humira loses patent protection in 2016, it may become an albatross similar to Pfizer's Lipitor,"Morningstar Inc. analyst Damien Conover said in a recent report, referring to the generic competition that Pfizer's cholesterol pill faces in November. "However, since we believe the drug's biologic composition will dilute the impact of generic competition, we project an immediate sales decline of 20% following the patent loss, instead of the typical 80% crash."

The Body-rejects medicine, non-tolerant of food, flares sporadically=MY BODY

FRAGILE, BREAKABLE,VULNERABLE, EASILY DISTURBED.     CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL.  
FYI - I PREFER AMY.  TRUST ME, I DON'T LIKE IT EITHER

I'm sick of searching and searching, always looking for something.  This is my cycle living with the Crohn with a mind of it's own!  It's a stubborn disease and is very hard to determine what actually brought on pain, increase in symptoms or even a flare.  It's all about trial and error.
I must say, you'll experience a lot more errors and it can change it's mind at any time (always have to keep that in mind)
Today, I'm sorry I'm negative and bitchin.   I should be starting the day with a  better attitude,and I will after I'm done ranting.
My hope was crushed again! I think I had a negative reaction to the LDN I started taking a little over a month ago.  My fragile body was accepting the ldn and it was helping me!!  I haven't taken the ldn in over a week because I don't want to be alone when I take it , just in case... ya never know. I also dont want to take another trip to the ER again, Oh.... & I'd like a doctor to oversee & prescribe LDN  for me.  Not  have all these clueless doctors.  I'm just frustrated w/ searching, finding, flopping, repeat  GRRRRRR.

I'm still hopeful and have faith that things will turn out positive, eventually.  Till then, I just need to shut the F up and get reading.      I think i'll get on that :)