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Make sense of medical risks.
Keep current on preventative progress and patient safety strides.
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MT Weekly: Protecting Intersex Children, Drug-Delivering Drones
Carah Wertheimer · November 12, 2019
MedTruth Weekly delivers the latest developments in medical research, regulation, legislation and legal actions. The best way to be an advocate for yourself is to know the facts. Staying informed starts here.
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Vaping Epidemic Worsens, Contents of THC Vaping Liquids Scrutinized
Emma Schkloven · November 5, 2019
In recent years, many have turned to electronic cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. Unfortunately, vape-related illnesses have since been on the rise, with vape-related fatalities reaching a total of 34 in the United States. As officials and the CDC look into causality, some believe thickening agents within vaping liquids such as THC oil may be responsible for the rise in lung illnesses.
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MT Weekly: Opioid Deaths by Ethnicity, Female Smoking Trends
Carah Wertheimer · November 5, 2019
Last week observed one study reporting a 103% increase in opioid deaths, with black Americans in large metropolitan areas most affected. Additionally, lifestyle interventions have been proven to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, women may be less likely than men to quit smoking, and the number of vape-related illness cases nears two thousand.
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MT Weekly: Black Box on Breast Implants, Talc Pulled From Shelves
Carah Wertheimer · October 29, 2019
In last week's news, the FDA released a new black box warning to inform consumers about the risks of breast implants after a flurry of patient advocate reports. Additionally, talcum powder was pulled from many store shelves after asbestos was reportedly found in one of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder bottles. One dietary study tracking subjects for ten years reveals that trans fat is linked to dementia.
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FDA Recommends Black Box Warnings on Breast Implants
Carah Wertheimer · October 24, 2019
The FDA has just released a 21-page document articulating the risks and benefits associated with breast implants to ensure that all consumers have access to "complete information" on the medical devices. This is the agency’s first update to breast implant consumer information practices since 2006. All members of the public and professionals of the medical world are invited to comment within the next 60 days for any revisions to the draft before the document is finalized.
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Chronic Illness Defined: The Spoon Theory and Social Media
Lauren Delisle · October 24, 2019
Chronic illness affects six in 10 adults living in the United States -- a figure that is only expected to increase in coming years. Despite stigmas that stand in the way of societal treatment and comprehensive care methods, holistic and functional practitioners of medicine are working alongside patient advocates to make the world an easier place to live for those coping with chronic illness. Learn more about the movement to make invisible illnesses visible.
News
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Hear from real patients and explore evidence-based features.
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Health FeaturesSeptember 10, 2019
Suicide, Stigma and a System Delaying Mental Health Care
By Lauren Delisle
In January, 17-year-old Melody Saenz attempted suicide. Her experience with New York mental health services epitomizes the difficult journey to seeking mental health care, as pervasive stigmas, ill-equipped emergency departments and financial burdens add complex layers to finding treatment and recovery.
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Patient StoriesJuly 25, 2019
Healer Crowdfunds Explant Surgery for Breast Implant Illness
By Nicole Knight
While more information on breast implant illness (BII) is sought by the FDA, some patients suffering from BII symptoms crowdfund explant surgery through platforms like GoFundMe. Miami-based healer Daniela Sage was among them, utilizing the power of social media to remove toxic implants.
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Patient StoriesMay 31, 2019
Stories Not Statistics: Faces of Transvaginal Mesh
By Carah Wertheimer
For Pelvic Pain Awareness Month, MedTruth is sharing patient stories. We're recognizing two transvaginal mesh survivors living with chronic pain. For Billie Copley, 44, and Jennifer Snowden, 34, transvaginal mesh implants have changed their lives forever.
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Research + FindingsJuly 3, 2019
Could Esketamine Become an Effective Treatment for Depression?
By Lauren Styx
Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray developed by Johnson & Johnson, was approved by the FDA in March 2019. As the subject of the successful AJP study, the drug could be an important development for patients in desperate need of options. But it also raises concerns about cost and safety.
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Health FeaturesAugust 20, 2019
Is Suicide an Adverse Effect of LASIK Surgery?
By S. Nicole Lane
Sudden and tragic deaths following a popular eye procedure may indicate that suicidality is an adverse effect of LASIK surgery. Many doctors now believe that the procedure may cause neurological issues that lead to suicidal ideation. Patients experiencing complications feel they were not properly warned.
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Patient StoriesJune 28, 2019
Cobalt Toxicity: The Poison in Her Hip Replacement
By S. Nicole Lane
Frances was 39 when she had cobalt alloy hips implanted. Within weeks, her skin broke out in boils. Within months, she faced effects ranging from memory loss and visual disturbances to severe tinnitus and PTSD-like rage/anxiety attacks. The effects of cobalt toxicity on the brain are evident.
Current Investigations
Breast Implants
Roundup
JUUL
Truvada
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Riegel v. Medtronic: How the Landmark Case Limits Patient Rights
Carah Wertheimer · October 17, 2019
In 2008, a complex case set a legal precedent that dictates how Class III medical devices are approached. It's the landmark Supreme Court ruling, known as Riegel v. Medtronic, that changed everything. Now, those harmed by Class III medical devices struggle to seek legal recourse.
Legal Developments -
Johnson & Johnson Reached $20.4 Million Settlement With Ohio Counties in Landmark Opioid Case
Tess Francke · October 9, 2019
Johnson & Johnson reached a $20.4 million settlement with Cuyahoga and Summit counties in Ohio. The company resolves all claims by the counties without admission of liability.
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Judge Orders J&J to Pay $572 Million to Remediate Opioid Damages in Oklahoma
Tess Francke · September 5, 2019
After a nearly two-month trial, Judge Thad Balkman of Cleveland County District Court ruled Johnson & Johnson had intentionally played down the dangers and oversold the benefits of opioids. The company will pay $572 million for the community destruction caused by prescription painkillers.
Legal Developments -
The EPA Will Not Ban a Pesticide That Can Harm Kids’ Brains
Nicole Knight · August 28, 2019
The EPA has decided not to ban the pesticide chlorpyrifos despite evidence that the chemical harms children's brains. It is relevant to note that Dow Chemical, manufacturer of the chemical, donated significantly to the Trump administration's inaugural events.
Legal Developments -
Seven Plaintiffs Refile J&J Talc Lawsuit to Prosecute Claire's and Others
James Parker · August 1, 2019
Judge George H. Wu of California granted case dismissal to seven plaintiffs in a talc lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson for their failure to label talc products. The plaintiffs will refile - adding more cases to their complaint and holding other companies liable.
Legal Developments
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New Talcum Powder Warning Label Case in CaliforniaLegal Developments
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