Numerous Fleet Phospho-Soda Lawsuits Were Filed Most Dealing With Serious Side Effects
Since the December 2008 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning and subsequent recall, many consumers who have used a certain over-the-counter laxative have sought legal advice from a Fleet Phospho Soda lawyer or law firm. The majority of lawsuits, over 140 since 2004, involve serious side effects as a result of using the product, including kidney failure and phosphate nephropathy. One of the FDA’s primary concerns was that the medicine’s warning label did not accurately indicate the possibility for severe injury, especially when taken at higher doses. Many men and women are now seeking legal advice because they have experienced Fleet Phospho side effects, in some cases leading to life-threatening conditions. The product was used primarily as a powerful laxative for patients preparing for colonoscopies and other medical procedures. It was also available in prescription strength doses, marketed as Visicol and OsmoPrep. These are now prescribed very sparingly, and require a “black box” warning alerting patients to the serious health concerns involving use of the drug. More serious symptoms associated with use of the laxative include: rectal bleeding, lack of bowel movement after use, seizures, sores and/or ulcers around the rectum, drowsiness, mood changes, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, uneven heart rate, limited or lacking urination, swelling, weight gain, feeling short of breath, and in some cases phosphate nephropathy. This is a severe disease most often connected to use of OSP - the family of drugs that this drug belongs to - and can cause kidney failure and, if left untreated, death. The disease can strike days or weeks after initial use of the medicine. It begins as crystallization within the renal tubules of the kidneys, which leads to kidney failure. In many cases, a transplant has been required in order to save the patient’s life. While the condition is relatively rare, it has life-threatening consequences. Occurrence of this disorder is most prevalent among individuals with pre-existing or underlying conditions. Those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, heart conditions, advanced age, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis, a perforated bowel, a bowel obstruction, and other conditions should avoid use altogether. It is not recommended for children under the age of twelve or pregnant women. There are also many medications that, when used in conjunction with the product, posed a more serious risk. These include: narcotics, diuretics, NSAIDs, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, anti-psychotics, blood pressure medications, and some common migraine drugs. If you or a loved one has suffered any serious side effects after use, we recommend that you consult an attorney. Because there have been so many product liability lawsuits, an experienced attorney can help determine if any past, present, or pending lawsuits relate to the symptoms you or your loved one have exhibited. It is also essential that you collect all relevant information and receive medical attention if any issues are still outstanding. Your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment are central to proper legal proceedings. If your attorney determines you are eligible for a product liability lawsuit, you may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and damages.
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