Health Highlights: Feb.1, 2013

Triaminic, Theraflu Cough/Cold Syrups Recalled Due to Safety Cap Problems

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Lawsuit Claims Zoloft Not Effective 

A lawsuit claiming that the antidepressant Zoloft is ineffective is being described as frivolous by drug maker Pfizer Inc. and psychiatric experts.

Plaintiff Laura A. Plumlee says Zoloft didn't help her during three years of treatment. The lawsuit alleges that the antidepressant is not more effective than a dummy pill and that patients who took the drug should be reimbursed for their costs, the Associated Press reported.

Pfizer says clinical studies and the experience of millions of patients and their doctors prove that Zoloft is effective in treating depression. A number of experts agree.

The lawsuit's claims are "ridiculous" and without merit, Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association, told the AP.

Drug companies frequently face lawsuits charging that their drugs harmed patients, they hid medicine risks from the public, they marketed drugs for unapproved uses, and other issues. However, experts believe that a lawsuit claiming that patients should get their money back because a drug doesn't work might be a first.

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Triaminic, Theraflu Cough/Cold Syrups Recalled Due to Safety Cap Problems 

About 2.3 million units of Triaminic and Theraflu cold and cough syrups have been recalled by Novartis Consumer Health Inc. due to potential problems with the child-resistant caps.

Some of the caps may be faulty and a child can remove them even with the tamper-evident plastic seal still in place, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

The agency said there have been four cases of children opening the caps and accidentally consuming the medication. One of the children required medical attention. Eight other children were able to open the caps but did not consume the syrup, ABC News reported.

The recall includes six kinds of Theraflu Warming Relief syrups and 18 kinds of Triaminic syrups.

The syrups contain acetaminophen, which can cause liver injury or liver failure if consumed in large amounts, Henry Spiller, a toxicologist and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center, told ABC News. Some of the syrups also contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine, which can cause seizures or heart rhythm problems after an overdose.

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Health Highlights: Jan. 29, 2013

FDA Issues Warning on Unapproved Flu Product ... Proposed Study Would Examine NFL Players' Health Issues ... Ground Beef Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

FDA Issues Warning on Unapproved Flu Product

A Florida company has been sent a warning letter about marketing an untested inhaled formula as a flu remedy, federal officials say.

Flu and Cold Defense LLC is making misleading and unproven claims about its GermBullet inhaler, according to the letter issued by the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, the Associated Press reported.

The company's website states that "an FDA recognized virology lab" tested the product and "confirmed that it has the potential capability to kill cold and flu viruses." Ads describe the product as "proprietary blend of 11 organic botanicals."

The FDA said the GermBullet inhaler has never been reviewed as safe and effective and that the company is violating drug safety regulations. The letter, dated Jan. 24, was posted on the FDA's website Tuesday. The company was given 15 business days to correct its claims, the AP reported.

The GermBullet is sold online through retailers such as CVS.com and at a few small pharmacies and natural food stores in Florida.

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Proposed Study Would Examine NFL Players' Health Issues

The NFL Players Association is negotiating a $100 million, 10-year study with the NFL to "diagnose, treat and prevent injuries and illnesses," in players, according to CNN.

If a deal is reached, the study would be conducted by Harvard University researchers.

"No one has ever studied these players before," Dr. Lee Nadler, dean for clinical and translational research at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the proposed study, told CNN. "There have been postmortem studies looking at the brains of previous players, but not the players today."

This study is unique in that it will look at the "whole player across his whole life, not just the brain," Nadler said.

In a statement, the NFL said it looked forward to learning more about the study, CNN reported.

"We have no higher priority than player health and safety at all levels of the game," the league said.

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Ground Beef Linked to Salmonella Outbreak: CDC

Sixteen people in five states have become ill after eating salmonella-tainted ground beef, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

There have been nine reported cases of illness in Michigan, three in Wisconsin, two in Illinois and one each in Arizona and Iowa. Of the those who became sick, 53 percent have been hospitalized. There have been no deaths.

Investigators have determined that the likely cause of the outbreak is salmonella-contaminated ground beef produced by Jouni Meats, Inc. and Gab Halal Foods, the CDC said.

On Jan. 24, Jouni Meats recalled about 500 pounds of ground beef products. On Jan. 25, Gab Halal Foods recalled about 550 pounds of ground beef products.

Consumers should not eat recalled ground beef products. Instead, throw out any remaining ground beef or return it to the place of purchase, the CDC said.

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