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Johnson & Johnson Recalls/Lawsuits

September 6, 2018

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Consumers who are unaware of major health-related product recalls may experience serious complications from using them. There have been claims that they may cause cancer, severe allergic reactions, metal poisoning, and other serious health problems. One company that has been involved in countless recalls and lawsuits is Johnson & Johnson.

Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiaries produce prescription and over-the-counter medications, medical devices, and well-known consumer products. In fact, most people in the United States, as well as other countries worldwide, use their products, or have done so in the past.

Be Vigilant About Product Safety

Consumers need up-to-date information to make educated decisions about their health choices, to avoid damaging or deadly effects from using defective products. Johnson & Johnson produces a very large range of items, from shampoos and bandages to surgical implants to pain medicine. Being aware of the safety issues with any of these can protect consumers from making the wrong choices.

Products in Question

The following are samples of Johnson & Johnson products whose safety has been brought into question:

• Johnson’s Baby Powder is one of its best-known products and is used by many on a daily basis. It is talc-based, which has been thought in recent years to cause cancer. Although the company denies this, they have paid out compensatory and punitive damages to claimants.
• Surgical mesh is used to support weak or damaged tissue, and Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Ethicon has been named in thousands of lawsuits for their Gynecare TVT Abbrevo vaginal mesh and Physiomesh hernia mesh products.
• J&J subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics manufactures hip replacement systems. Over 7,000 complaints have been filed in a mass tort action against their Pinnacle Acetabular Cup System, but no recall has occurred yet. Symptoms include hip pain, problems moving, metal poisoning, and the need for revision surgeries.

Prescription Drug Lawsuits

Additional claims have been filed against other Johnson & Johnson prescription drugs, including over 20,000 against the prescription drug Xarelto. Some claimants experienced cases of uncontrollable bleeding and were awarded damages. J&J is appealing these verdicts.

Invokana was implicated in increasing the risk for more severe health problems. A third drug, Concerta, which treats ADHD, was blamed for causing serious depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and thoughts of suicide. Risperdal is used to treat certain psychological disorders. There have been claims that this drug can lead to stroke, heart attacks, and enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia).

Product Recalls

Johnson & Johnson has recalled many of its products over the years. In 2014, the FDA issued a recall for Ethicon’s power morcellator, a surgical instrument used for abdominal procedures including fibroid removal and laparoscopic hysterectomies. It was reported that these instruments could cause and spread uterine cancer in women.

In June of 2017, they recalled a heart device made by one of their subsidiaries, Sterilmed. The reason for the recall was a faulty valve within the device. The FDA later issued a Class I recall in January of 2018. According to Sterilmed, the problem has been fixed.

Knowing that one company can be responsible for so many concerns, you as the consumer can discuss matters with your doctor to best maintain your health and safety.

Philadelphia Medical Device Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Advocate for Victims of Defective Health and Medical Products

The Philadelphia medical device lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler help patients adversely affected by defective medical devices, drugs and health products. If you or someone you love needs guidance with a health or medical product claim, arrange a consultation now calling 215-569-4000 or you can contact us online today.