Erica is our staff writer and oversees the overall content on Drugwatcher.
On November 23 of this year, the Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA) was re-introduced by Senator Cory Booker [D-NJ]. This bill would ban dangerous chemicals, like paraquat, one of the most toxic herbicides in the world. Studies have linked paraquat to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Chronic exposure to the […]
In 2015, Medtronic spent $43 billion to merge with Covidien. In the process, Medtronic managed to inherit its partner’s wide array of medical devices. Unfortunately, these devices also came with safety issues. In fact, Medtronic’s Covidien unit recently initiated a recall of Puritan Bennett 980 series ventilators due to a manufacturing error. But this isn’t […]
A hernia is an incredibly common medical condition. It can affect men, women, and even children. However, hernias usually don’t get better on their own. That said, surgery may be the only way to fix them. In a procedure to repair a hernia, mesh implants are often used. But since their fast-track approval, hernia mesh […]
The agricultural industry in the United States relies heavily on the use of chemical pesticides. With that said, it’s unfortunately not surprising how paraquat dichloride, a herbicide that has been banned in over 30 countries, is still being widely used across the U.S. Recent studies, however, have linked paraquat to an increased risk of Parkinson’s […]
The systemic pesticide sulfoxaflor can no longer be used on crops in California, a superior court in the state recently ruled. The decision is a win for pollinators, beekeepers, and several environmental groups. The lawsuit was filed by petitioners who claim that the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) violated state environmental law when it […]
It’s been popularly believed that IUDs only work entirely locally, in the uterus. However, a new, not-yet-published study suggests otherwise. According to the findings, some IUDs may have effects far outside the uterus and even affect breast tissue. The study authors say that their work is important in supporting what thousands of women and healthcare […]
It’s mind-boggling how a highly toxic pesticide that’s been banned in over 30 countries is still heavily used in the United States. But that’s the case for paraquat — a popular weed killer that has managed to be a household name in agriculture for several years now. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), […]
Millions of Americans take the drug called pentosan polysulfate sodium, popularly known as Elmiron. The prescription drug is meant for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC). In many cases, the vast majority of Elmiron users are often advised to take increasing doses of the drug for more effective relief of their symptoms. In 2018, however, the […]
When someone gets harmed by a dangerous drug or a faulty medical device, there’s a huge chance that the road to recovery requires a great deal of money. After all, one would expect medical bills and mounting expenses when dealing with health problems. In the United States, victims of dangerous drugs and medical devices are […]
Edge Pharma, LLC voluntarily recalled all lots of all drug products compounded and distributed at its Colchester, Vermont facility. All products are being taken off the market because of process issues that could affect the sterility of the medications and could also impact the safety and quality of its non-sterile products. The company, however, didn’t […]