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Valproate, the active ingredient found in many popular anticonvulsant medications, has recently become the target in yet another onslaught of public scrutiny. Already widely protested for its association with congenital birth defects, valproate is now being blamed for prohibiting the proper development of cognitive abilities in children. Infants born to mothers who undergo valproate…

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an orally administered, non-steroidal, ovulatory stimulant intended to assist in the process of ovulation in women who are unable to do so themselves. In doing so, Clomid may assist in the treatment of infertility and help women become pregnant. Unfortunately, the prolonged use of Clomid may coincide with catastrophic complications….

Several sports products, containing dimethylamylamine (DMAA), have recently become the subject of great concern. While boasting the ability to enhance workouts through focus an energy, regulatory agencies question the status of their ingredients. To no avail, previous tests have been unable to determine if DMAA is a synthetically engineered drug or a natural derivative…

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by a blood clot that develops in the veins and travels to the lungs. The subsequent blockage proves to be detrimental to the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body. As a growing concern amongst Americans, pulmonary embolism represents a severe, life-threatening problem. Unfortunately, outside factors may increase the rate…

According to Bayer AG’s Stockholder’s Newsletter for the first quarter of 2012, the company has paid $142 million to settle 651 Yaz and Yasmin lawsuits. The average settlement per case was about $218,000. With an estimated 11,900 lawsuits involving about 14,000 plaintiffs pending against the company, it is possible that Bayer may have to…

The Boy Scouts of America, one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations, has seemingly become a popular target for sexual predators. However, a recent investigation revealed that officials neglected to report hundreds of cases of alleged sexual abuse between 1970 and 1991. In an attempt to reconcile their lack…

Unlike typical contraceptives that are administered orally, Mirena (generic: levonorgestrel) is indicated for intrauterine contraception for up to five years. Subsequently, it is placed in the uterus where it releases hormones that assist in the prevention of pregnancy. Of significant concern, however, are recent reports that suggest the use of Mirena may coincide with…

The debate as to whether or not metal-on-metal hip replacement systems provide their recipients with a positive risk/benefit profile has plagued the medical device industry for years. Unfortunately, however, the current debate may be nearing its final days. According to cumulative data collected from foreign registries, metal-on-metal hip replacements exhibit an increased propensity for…