Category Archives: Drug Safety Information Podcasts

FDA approves first drug formulated for children with rare brain tumor

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Afinitor Disperz (everolimus tablets for oral suspension), a new pediatric dosage form of the anti-cancer drug Afinitor (everolimus) used to treat a rare brain tumor called subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA). Afinitor Disperz is the first approved pediatric-specific dosage form developed for the treatment of a pediatric tumor.

FDA issues new safety alert on Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a new warning to consumers about the potential health risks of two products marketed as natural dietary supplements for treating arthritis, muscle pain, osteoporosis, bone cancer, and other conditions. The products, Reumofan Plus and Reumofan Plus Premium, contain several potentially harmful active pharmaceutical ingredients that are not listed on the product labels.

FDA recommends X-ray or other imaging on implanted heart defibrillators with St. Jude Medical Riata leads to help guide treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended today that patients who have implantable heart defibrillators with Riata and Riata ST leads, manufactured by St. Jude Medical, should have X-rays or other imaging alternatives to check for abnormalities in the insulation surrounding the lead, which is a wire attached to the device that is inserted into the heart.

FDA warns of risk of death from codeine use in some children following surgeries

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a Drug Safety Communication concerning three children who died and one child who experienced a non-fatal but life-threatening case of respiratory depression after taking the pain reliever codeine following surgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) and/or adenoids (adenoidectomy).