News
Information changes fast, and it’s mission to bring you the most prevalent information in public health and patient safety. Our news section also includes our flagship weekly newsletter, MT Weekly, covering medical breakthroughs and more. Staying informed starts here.
MT Weekly: Talc-Cancer Link Challenged, Supreme Court To Address Contraception
Carah Wertheimer · January 20, 2020
Landmark Study: No Association Between Powder and Ovarian Cancer
NewsMT Weekly: End of Essure, Virus Outbreak, Allergan's Alleged Anti-Litigation Clause
Carah Wertheimer · January 14, 2020
The end of Essure, a mysterious virus, a drop in U.S. cancer death rate and more news to begin 2020.
NewsExposure to Heat During Storage Causes Zantac Contamination
Benjamin Duong · January 14, 2020
Heat is the culprit causing carcinogenic NDMA contamination in Zantac, according to recent testing by Emery Pharma. A citizen petition requesting a total suspension of ranitidine products has been submitted to the FDA.
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Pre-Qualification Program for Generic Insulin
Benjamin Duong · January 9, 2020
Insulin in the U.S. is costly, with a lack of generic insulin leaving diabetics with few options. The WHO is launching a pilot program to prequalify generic insulin products in hopes of increasing access to this vital drug.
News2020 Kicks Off With Global End of Controversial Birth Control Essure
Carah Wertheimer · January 7, 2020
Controversial birth control Essure finally removed from the market, bringing celebratory remarks from the harmed patients who call themselves the "E-sisters."
NewsMT Weekly: Hair Dye Linked to Breast Cancer, Senate Recommends FDA Commissioner
Carah Wertheimer · December 9, 2019
While recent reports reveal increased prevalence of measles deaths and prediabetes in adolescents, one recent study indicates a link between hair chemicals and risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephen Hahn has been recommended as the next FDA Commissioner after a 18-5 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Here's last week in medical.
NewsMT Weekly: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, Sackler Steers Opioids to China
Carah Wertheimer · November 25, 2019
While the U.S. observes urgent calls for bans on vaping products, the Sackler family catapults the opioid crisis abroad, with their affiliate company Mundipharma promoting OxyContin in China. Additionally, last week brought about several foodborne illness outbreaks, new findings on the rising prevalence of anal cancer, and a promising HIV vaccine discovery.
NewsFormer FDA Adviser Draws Attention to Complications With LASIK
Emma Schkloven · November 22, 2019
Dr. Morris Waxler, a retired Food and Drug Administration advisor who voted to approve LASIK in the 1990s, is now calling for the medical device to be removed from the market.
NewsMT Weekly: FDA Talks Metal Implants, Plague Outbreak in China
Carah Wertheimer · November 18, 2019
Last week, the FDA held a meeting addressing the patient and medical perspective on metal-containing implants. In addition, China responded to reports of a couple treated for the plague in Beijing, and the U.S. found a decline in cigarette use. Unfortunately, vaping among adolescents has increased 20% in 2018.
NewsMT 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.
NewsMT 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.
NewsVaping 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.
NewsMT 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.
NewsMT Weekly: Australia Fights BIA-ALCL, Ireland Refuses Recourse to Mesh-Injured
James Parker · October 21, 2019
Last week in medical brought about delay in an opioid trial against Purdue Pharmaceuticals and the Sackler family while the two determine how much of the settlement the Sacklers should pay. Meanwhile, actions were made against BIA-ALCL in Australia and Ireland, where warnings were sent to the public. Ireland's mesh-injured population is denied financial compensation for their harm.
NewsAsbestos Contamination? 30,000 Bottles of J&J's Baby Powder Recalled
Carah Wertheimer · October 21, 2019
In recent months, we've worked to collaborate on behalf of consumer product safety. Help us put the #TruthOnTalc by signing our petition demanding Johnson & Johnson add an adequate warning label.
NewsInternal Emails in Monsanto History Spark Questions of Ethics and Safety
Nicole Knight · October 16, 2019
Monsanto has been under scrutiny in recent years for the health risks of primary herbicide in Roundup, glyphosate. For years, the company paid their team of researchers and scientists to promote the safety of the product, but recent internal emails have revealed such an assertion cannot be made about the chemical.
NewsMT Weekly: Research Sheds Light on BIA-ALCL, Australia Joins Litigation Against Monsanto
James Parker · October 14, 2019
Groundbreaking new research on breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) reveals complete removal of tumor growth during explant procedures may be safest. Meanwhile, limits on nicotine levels in e-cigarettes are proposed to protect the youth and Australia takes action against Monsanto.
NewsNorthern Californians Still Without Power, As Fire Burns in the South
Carah Wertheimer · October 11, 2019
Pacific Gas and Electric intentionally cut power to residents in Northern California counties. Simultaneously, as wildfires rage, Southern California Edison cut power to prevent wildfires in Southern California.
News18 Confirmed Deaths, More Than 1,000 Sick With Vape-Related Injuries
Nicole Knight · October 10, 2019
After the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received reports of the 18th confirmed death related to vaping, they demand advertising data from six major manufacturers of vaping and e-cigarette products. Multiple states have officially called bans on the sale of e-cigarette and vaping products, while the Trump Administration deliberates over whether to take national action. One thing is clear: the specific health risks of vaping remain a worrisome mystery.
NewsChronicon, First-Ever Chronic Illness Conference, Comes to New York
MedTruth Editors · October 9, 2019
On October 28, medical professionals and social influencers will gather to bring visibility to the topic of chronic illness. As one of the most prevalent health conditions the U.S. population, the event is a long-anticipated one. The first-ever chronic illness event, spearheaded by chronic illness advocated Nitika Chopra, is bound to be illuminating and inclusive for all who will be in attendance.
NewsMT Weekly: Descovy Approved for PrEP, Overseas Action Against Breast Implants
James Parker · October 7, 2019
Johnson & Johnson sidesteps opioid trials, agreeing to a settlement of $20.4 million for affected counties in Ohio. Meanwhile, Descovy has been approved by FDA for HIV prevention, a court verdict falls in favor of California couple affected by J& J talc powder, and more bans are proposed on e-cigarattes and breast implants.
NewsMT Weekly: Arrests on Devil’s Highway and JUUL Labs’ New CEO
James Parker · September 30, 2019
Last week saw 38 arrests in Massachusetts along land known as the "Devil's Highway," where opioids are regularly sold. Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson aims to evade cases against their talcum powder and transvaginal mesh to no avail. JUUL Labs' new CEO, Crosthwaite, has announced roll back on television ads and lobbying efforts while a federal investigation of their company is conducted. And in the fight against HIV, researchers may have found a new way to combat dormant HIV cells.
NewsEPA, State of California Debate Labeling Glyphosate As Carcinogenic
Emma Schkloven · September 5, 2019
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California have once again come down on opposite sides of the ongoing Roundup debate.
NewsIllinois Reports First Vape-Related Death
Carah Wertheimer · August 27, 2019
Doctors across the nation have noticed an influx of patients admitted to hospitals with severe lung diseases and respiratory problems linked to vaping. Illinois, in particular, noted 22 such cases just last week. One of those 22 died last Thursday—marking the first vape-related death in the nation.
NewsBayer Invests Billions in Search of Glyphosate Alternatives
Emma Schkloven · August 14, 2019
Bayer, which purchased agrochemical corporation Monsanto, will invest $5.6 billion over the next 10 years into finding alternatives to its widely-used weed killer Roundup.
NewsCanada Removes Transvaginal Mesh From Market, Still Available for Some
Nicole Knight · August 9, 2019
Health Canada announced the removal of transvaginal mesh from the market following a safety review. However, transvaginal mesh will still be available for women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in some cases.
NewsWill J&J Get 12,000 Baby Powder Asbestos Cases Dismissed?
Carah Wertheimer · August 5, 2019
Johnson & Johnson may be relieved of 79% of all lawsuits filed against them for the health hazards of their talcum powder. After invoking a validation process known as the Daubert test, scrutinizing expert testimony and information, 12,000 asbestos cases now await a decision from Judge Freda Wolfson.
NewsMT Weekly: Historic Breast Implant Recall, Talc Trials Kept in State Courts
James Parker · July 26, 2019
In this week's news, Johnson & Johnson is officially denied transfer into federal court and Allergen announces breast implant recall from the market worldwide. Meanwhile, the opioid crisis wages on, California's latest mesh trial proceeds, and solutions for HIV are sought around the globe.
NewsGlobal Recall of Breast Implants Linked to Rare Form of Cancer
Carah Wertheimer · July 24, 2019
Breast implant maker Allergan issued a recall of breast implants today following a request from the FDA. The agency placed this request upon discovering a link between the Allergan implants and a rare form of immune system cancer, BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).
NewsLawmakers Consider Prohibiting Roundup in Australia
Nicole Knight · July 17, 2019
Following the country's first ever cancer lawsuit against Roundup-manufacturer Monsanto, Australia faces public outcry against the weedkiller. Worker protests with walkouts have the government reconsidering their tolerance and use of Monsanto's Roundup in Australia.
NewsAntibiotic Resistance, Citrus Farmers and EPA-Approved Health Hazards
Nicole Knight · July 4, 2019
Since its discovery in 1943, doctors have relied on the antibiotic streptomycin to treat tuberculosis and deadly bacterial infections around the globe. Following EPA approval of the antibiotic use by citrus farmers, advocates raise concerns surrounding disease outbreak and antibiotic resistance.
NewsFewer Women Included in Clinical Trials, Leading to Disparity
Nicole Knight · June 14, 2019
Science shows the immune systems of men and women respond differently to disease. However, women remain underrepresented in medical research for vaccines, routine drugs and life-saving medications.
NewsColorado Reduces Cost of Insulin to $100 for Insured Patients
Lauren Styx · May 29, 2019
The cost of insulin has been known to reach $1,000 or more, often forcing diabetic patients to take drastic and dangerous measures to obtain the medication. Colorado's newest law addressing co-payment insulin costs now sets the cap at $100 a month for insured patients.
NewsLos Angeles County, Key West Ban Monsanto's Roundup Herbicide
Emma Schkloven · May 28, 2019
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has placed a temporary moratorium on glyphosate while the city’s Department of Public Works investigates health and environmental concerns related to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide.
NewsResearchers Develop New Blood Test to Detect Cancer in 10 Minutes
Tess Francke · April 11, 2019
It's a quest to detect multiple types of cancer in its early stages with the simple blood test that would take under 10 minutes to report results. Researchers say it will be at least five years before there is sufficient data to show whether it can work.
NewsRising Cost of Insulin Leads To Lethal Rationing For Type 1 Diabetics
Lauren Styx · March 20, 2019
The unaffordable cost of insulin has left many diabetics in desperate circumstances, having to choose between their medication or their mortgage. Advocates say insulin is a life-saving medication, and it needs to be more accessible in the U.S.
NewsHeavy Metals in Hemp Call for Greater Safety Standards
S. Nicole Lane · February 25, 2019
The 2018 Farm Bill will remove hemp from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which means that hemp will be an agricultural commodity.
NewsImplant Files: A Hard Look at Medical Devices in America
Nicole Knight · February 20, 2019
The Implant Files, the product of a massive, nearly year-long investigation, have exposed glaring failures in medical device safety and governmental regulations intended to protect patients around the globe.
NewsWhat is Polypropylene? The Plastic in Your Mesh
Carah Wertheimer · February 15, 2019
Polypropylene mesh was first used surgically in 1958 for the repair of an abdominal wall and is known as a “first generation” mesh. The "second generation” meshes combine two types of plastic with other materials such as the metal titanium, while “third generation” meshes are derived from animal tissues.
NewsOlder Women Are Overdosing on Opioids At Alarming Rates
Nicole Knight · February 13, 2019
American women are dying of opioid overdoses at a rate nearly five times higher than two decades ago, according to an alarming CDC report.
NewsMutual of Omaha Insures Those Taking HIV-Prevention Drug Truvada, Denies Discrimination
Carah Wertheimer · February 12, 2019
Truvada insurance coverage is no longer denied by Massachusetts company Mutual of Omaha, though discrimination against Truvada users remains an industry-wide practice.
NewsMajor Takeaways from the 2019 ADA Standards of Care
Benjamin Duong · January 25, 2019
The key patient takeaway from the ADA standards of care is that patients have more control over the treatments and management strategies that they receive from their health providers.
NewsCourt Halts Trump's Contraception Rules Limiting Birth Control Access
Nicole Knight · January 23, 2019
A federal judge in Pennsylvania stepped in to halt a new Trump administration rule that was expected to limit women’s access to birth control nationwide.
NewsFormer Sloan Kettering “Top Doc” Resigns, Pharma Ties Exposed
Carah Wertheimer · January 22, 2019
Dr. Jose Baselga was forced to resign as chief medical officer of New York’s prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after failing to disclose millions of dollars in payments from drug companies,
NewsTruvada, PrEP Medication for HIV, Linked to Side Effects
S. Nicole Lane · January 15, 2019
Truvada, a popular HIV prevention medication, has been linked to issues with kidneys and bones, among other side effects.
NewsReuters Exposes How Johnson & Johnson Covered Up Asbestos in Talc
James Parker · December 18, 2018
An investigation shows Johnson & Johnson hid the fact that trace amounts of asbestos has been detected in their talc for decades.
NewsBillions of Dollars of Damage Caused By California’s Camp and Woolsey Wildfires
Carah Wertheimer · December 12, 2018
California fire damage has caused billions of dollars in losses, leaving families without homes statewide.
NewsCalifornia Fires: Air Quality, Pollution, Toxic Devastation
Nicole Knight · December 5, 2018
A new government analysis of California’s 2018 wildfire season suggests the fires spewed carbon dioxide into the air, along with other pollutants dangerous to long-term health.
NewsThe Effects of Stress in the U.S.
Nicole Knight · December 4, 2018
Americans feel more stressed out today than in recent history, which can aggravate existing medical conditions.
NewsDrugstore Pharmacists Refuse to Fill Prescriptions Based on Beliefs
Nicole Knight · November 19, 2018
Civil rights lawyers are drawing attention to discrimination when pharmacists refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception, hormones and other medications.
NewsToo Big to Succeed? The Bayer Monsanto Merger
Carah Wertheimer · October 5, 2018
The Bayer Monsanto merger is the single largest cash transaction in history. The companies will control one-quarter of the global market, raising anti-trust concerns on both sides of the Atlantic.
NewsHow the Confirmation of Kavanaugh Could Affect Women's Health
S. Nicole Lane · October 4, 2018
The result is essential to the future of women’s health in the United States. If confirmed, Kavanaugh would be responsible for the lives of women all over the country.
NewsSackler Family Profited Off Opioid Epidemic, Creates New Drug to Treat It
S. Nicole Lane · September 22, 2018
The Sackler family owns Purdue Pharma, the company behind Oxycontin—the leading drug of abuse. Now, they're trying to treat it.
NewsGena and Chuck Norris Raise Awareness About Dangers of MRI Dye
S. Nicole Lane · September 11, 2018
Actor Chuck Norris and his wife Gena are speaking out about the effects of gadolinium toxicity poisoning, which may be caused by contrast agents used during MRIs.
NewsNetflix's The Bleeding Edge Exposes Essure, Mesh and Other Dangerous Devices
Ashley Lombardo · August 4, 2018
A new Netflix documentary, The Bleeding Edge, delves into the hidden dangers of the multi-billion dollar medical industry.
NewsPressure Cooker Recall: The Dangers of Defective Pressure Cookers
James Parker · June 8, 2018
A pressure cooker recall has been issued for multiple models that may explode, shock, or burn consumers. Because pressure cooker injuries can be serious, it's incredibly important to research recalled models and understand potential dangers.
NewsWinning Verdict in California Woman's Fight Against Talcum Powder
Ashley Lombardo · June 5, 2018
A California woman recently won $21.7 million in compensatory damages and an additional $4 million in punitive damages after using talcum powder.
NewsNew Calorie Labels in Restaurants May Be Useful in the Fight Against Obesity
James Parker · June 1, 2018
Since early May, all restaurants with more than 20 locations are required to add calorie labels to their menus.
NewsHow the Opioid Crisis is Affecting the Cherokee Nation
Ashley Lombardo · May 18, 2018
American Indians are disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis, specifically in states like Oklahoma.
NewsIs Scalp Cooling a Treatment for Taxotere Hair Loss?
James Parker · May 14, 2018
The emergence of a new therapy known as scalp cooling may help women worried about permanent hair loss from Taxotere and other chemotherapy drugs.
NewsTrump Outlines Opioid Initiative To Tackle National Crisis
Ashley Lombardo · April 10, 2018
The Trump administration has outlined a controversial plan to tackle the U.S. opioid crisis, expanding education, enforcement and treatment options.
NewsCDC Funding Shortage May Lead to Global Pandemic
Ashley Lombardo · February 13, 2018
The CDC funding is about to run out, and 39 countries will be left with no way to study or treat illness that could potentially have global repercussions.
NewsNew Procedure May Become A Hip Replacement Alternative
Ashley Lombardo · January 22, 2018
A necessary advancement in hip surgery is being performed in an Ohio hospital, with hopes it will ease the burden of hip implant risks by offering a hip replacement alternative.
NewsMT Health Tips for 2018
Ashley Lombardo · January 18, 2018
A new year should bring a new plan to support a new you. Here are some pieces of sage wisdom to bring more stability to your health.
NewsRecreational Cannabis Kicks Off in CA, DOJ Issues Memo
Ashley Lombardo · January 18, 2018
California is the sixth state to legalize recreational cannabis. As local governments work to issue business licenses, a DOJ memo reignites the debate between state rights and federal policies.
NewsMT Weekly: Nursing Homes Treat Residents With Music, Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Ashley Lombardo · January 13, 2018
In this week's first 2018 edition of MedTruth Weekly, U.S. vaginal mesh devices skip clinical trials, Fitbit is all aboard the diabetes medtech train, and more.
NewsNew Zealand Fully Bans Transvaginal Mesh
Ashley Lombardo · January 10, 2018
New Zealand's staunch health advocacy has led to a full vaginal mesh ban and continued efforts to improve medical device safety for women.
NewsChildhood Hip Replacements are Becoming an Issue Abroad
Ashley Lombardo · November 29, 2017
Hip replacements are on the rise, not just for adults. The spike in childhood hip replacements is caused by an unsurprising health issue.
NewsWhat Happened in the California Talcum Trial
Ashley Lombardo · November 14, 2017
Expert testimony may have linked talcum powder to adverse effects, but deciding what evidence will be admissible is up to the courts.
NewsIs the Opioid Crisis a Public Health Emergency?
Ashley Lombardo · November 8, 2017
Though President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency, the administration may cut Medicaid without funding aid programs.
NewsWhy Diabetes Drug Prices Are So High
Ashley Lombardo · October 9, 2017
The cost of insulin per patient has more than tripled. MedTruth explores why diabetes drug prices are so high.
NewsXarelto Reversal Strategies and Bleeding Management
Ashley Lombardo · October 3, 2017
Xarelto reversal strategies are very important: patients need help with bleeding management in the event of a problem.
NewsBayer Halts Use of Essure Outside U.S.
Ashley Lombardo · September 25, 2017
Bayer has halted sales of one of its previously best-selling birth control solutions in all countries outside the United States.
NewsFaulty Manufacturing Sparks EpiPen Recall
Ashley Lombardo · September 19, 2017
Mylan issued a statement announcing an 80,000 EpiPen recall. Manufacturing flaws could lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
NewsConsumer Reports Warns Women About Essure Risks
Ashley Lombardo · September 6, 2017
The nonprofit suggests that women should understand Essure risks of using this birth control device and ask lots of questions.
NewsDoes Roundup Cause Cancer?
Ashley Lombardo · August 29, 2017
Roundup, Monsanto's herbicide, is at the center of an ongoing controversy related to reports linking glyphosate exposure to cancer.
NewsWhat You Need to Know About the AHCA
Ashley Lombardo · May 24, 2017
The American Health Care Act (AHCA), rejected by the Senate, was the Trump administration's first attempt to repeal Obamacare.
News5-Hour Energy Found Guilty of Misleading Advertising
Ashley Lombardo · April 25, 2017
Living Essentials LLC, the manufacturers of 5-Hour Energy, will pay $4.3 million in penalties for misleading advertising.
NewsExtended Wear Contacts May Come With Sight-Damaging Risks
Ashley Lombardo · March 27, 2017
Millions of people sleep in overnight contact lenses, despite the risk of vision-damaging infection known as microbial keratitis.
NewsAntidote for Xarelto’s Extreme Bleeding May Be on the Horizon
Ashley Lombardo · February 28, 2017
Portola Pharmaceuticals is manufacturing an antidote for the extreme bleeding side effect linked to Eliquis and Xarelto.
NewsHealth Canada Publishes Alert On IVC Filters
Ashley Lombardo · January 12, 2017
Health Canada's IVC filter safety alert warns patients about hundreds of reports linking the devices to serious health complications.
NewsHow Will Trump's America Affect Birth Control?
Ashley Lombardo · November 30, 2016
President Donald Trump and his administration have proposed controversial policy changes to birth control and reproductive rights.
NewsHow Duodenoscopes Spread Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Ashley Lombardo · November 2, 2016
Duodenoscopes, commonly reused medical devices, may become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A duodenoscope infection may be fatal.
News9 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Nursing Home
Ashley Lombardo · October 24, 2016
Our checklist of nursing home questions can help to find the right fit.
NewsHealth Risks Linked to Overprescription of Testosterone Therapy
Ashley Lombardo · October 10, 2016
Testosterone therapy risks may include stroke, heart attack and other potential complications.
NewsNo Antidote to Reverse Extreme Bleeding Linked to Eliquis
Ashley Lombardo · October 5, 2016
The blood thinner Eliquis is linked to an extreme bleeding side effect. Despite the danger of hospitalization, no reversal agent exists.
NewsErin Brockovich Takes On Essure
Ashley Lombardo · August 12, 2016
Consumer rights advocate Erin Brockovich speaks out against Essure, a permanent contraception device linked to life-changing side effects.
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