They are not alone!!

Apparently, there are more "sport supplements" which are being recalled. This is in addition to yesterday's shocker.

There is this one, for Advanced Muscle Science. Also, this recall from Fizogen is in effect.

All for the same key ingredient: aromatase inhibitors (AI). oh, brother.

The FDA has told Fizogen and Advanced Muscle Science that the particular AI "does not meet the definition of a dietary ingredient." Well, it's good that the Food and Drug Administration recognizes this.

Holy CRAP!!

Wow, I am about to sound terribly naive, but... here goes:

OK, so being a breast oncoplastic surgeon, I am quite familiar with the medication Arimidex (generic: anastrazole). This medication is used as adjunctive therapy in post-menopausal breast cancer patients whose tumors manifest estrogen receptor positivity. In short, the medications decreases the amount of estrogen that a woman's body makes. The less estrogen that is present, the less the cancer "feeds," and this slows down or altogether stops cancer growth.

In case you think that this medication is the "white knight" in the middle of the dark nightmare of breast cancer, don't forget that it has its own host of risks. In fact, the active ingredient will chomp away at bone, leading to osteoporosis (why we are crazy about bone density tests and why dentists hate it when we use this--it can cause mandibular necrosis) and it can cause liver dysfunction (why we check liver function when you are on it).

Imagine my surprise, when I got this FDA alert today: G.E.T. Issues Vouluntary Recall of ArimaDex. Not only is voluntary misspelled, but I was aghast that Arimidex was misspelled... and then I actually READ what was in front of me. First off, I don't know who "G.E.T." (Genetic Edge Technologies) is, but Arimidex is made by AstraZeneca. The real shocker is that this (ArimaDex) medication "may (actually) contain an Aromatase Inhibitor." Oh. My. God.

The same active ingredient that is in the breast cancer drug is now available OVER THE COUNTER in your local sports supplement store!!!! In fact, I cannot place enough exclamation points behind that sentence. I am beyond appalled, flabbergasted... I don't even know the correct word. I think I want to cry, in fact.

I just googled this stuff, and it actually says that this is an "Estrogen blocker...(that has) been shown to enhance and maintain testosterone levels." um, well, yes. Even Amazon is selling it.

Please, please, spread the word--this is NASTY stuff. And yes, it has all of the risks I mentioned above... and more: kidney failure, adrenal insufficiency, not to mention decreased sperm function.

no one left behind

Just in case you thought that Whole Foods qualifies as a "local, small farm." It does not, and certainly the Whole Foods chain is not immune to its own FDA recall.

Granted, this is a preemptive recall of sorts--no one has reported getting ill, yet. But, during "routine sampling," the cheese in question was found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

buy local, know your food, support small farms

watch out, furry ones

While the rest of the world blogs about docs stuck in chimneys (seriously?! what a dumb-ass) and fancy new google tools (well, not entirely new), I'd like to turn your attention to this: ANOTHER FREAKIN' CAT FOOD RECALL!!

I don't know why this aggravates me so... oh, yeah, because their livelihood is in our hands--completely. And, wouldn't you know it? Salmonella is the culprit, yet again!

As for the huge egg recall, I'll just say, "I told you so." Yes, I have been touting the benefits of buying from local, small farms for a long time. Yes, it may be a little more expensive, but what price is your health? I speak from experience--I have had Salmonella poisoning before. Once on vacation: bad Chinese, and once more recently: the tomato recall. Granted the vacation bug was so, so much worse than the tomatoes, but, then again, I ate only one of the tainted fruits.

As for the Iams? Again? Iams cat food was recalled previously, and not that long ago--in fact, just a month ago. grrrrr

babies... and recalls...

Another day of recalling. This time on NeoProfen, which is an injectable ibuprofen.

This is a form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory which is used in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus. In this congenital malformation, there is aberrant blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. This type of blood flow is actually normal in fetal anatomy, but the connection normally closes soon after birth. The abnormality is relatively common in the United States, occurring in 8 per 1000 births.

The injectable medication in question has a specific patient profile, including gestational age and weight. In this case, the medication did not meet a quality standard, and this recall will result in a shortage, since the lots that are being recalled are the only lots available.

People that need to know: parents of patients, pediatricians, neonatal cardiologists, pediatric surgeons, and anesthesiologists.

Benadryl, Motrin, Tylenol and Children's Tylenol recall

Yes, it has been ages since I last wrote--I have been super busy (as is everyone, I know)... Hopefully, I will have a chance to write something "real" soon.

For now, I have another FDA recall that needs attention. This one is a recall of very common medicines, and not only in the US, but also in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Fiji, Trinidad, Tobago, and Jamaica.

In other words, it's big. Fortunately, it seems to be a voluntary recall, mainly for a smell that has infiltrated the medicines from being on the same pallet as a chemical when they were shipped. Either way, it's there--you make the decision. Also, please let your loved ones in the other countries know.

Seriously?!

So, I am still getting my little FDA recall emails daily. If I posted on all of them... well, let's just say I really wouldn't have much of an audience. But, from time to time, there is a recall that is simply striking, for one reason or another.

Take, for instance, this one! I mean, seriously?! PEPPER is being recalled?? The stuff you ask the guy at the restaurant to grind a little of onto your salad?! The stuff that makes you sneeze?! The stuff that seems so innocuous that one of the OR techs puts it on her baby's thumbs to make him stop sucking them?! (It doesn't work, by the way--the toddler apparently loooves pepper.)

And, wouldn't you know it? Salmonella is again to blame. What are they doing at the pepper factory, exactly--grinding pepper with the same grinder they use for chicken parts? I mean, really?? It just seems a little insane, no? Many of you don't know, but I recently decided to dive in and become vegan. It is an interesting exercise--one that makes you really think about what you are eating. I am doing this for my own reasons, and certainly I am not a fervent PETA activist (although I have developed a fondness for this cult that surprises even me)... but, shouldn't pepper be safe? I mean, it is one of the things that vegans, even raw foodists, can use because it is of plant origin and it DOES NOT NEED TO BE COOKED!

If you haven't noticed, I am thoroughly perplexed. If any of you have any input on this insanity, please, share the light. In the meantime, I guess I will stick to non-peppery spices: anise, curry, and the such.

More...

So, it seems that Hydroxycut is now being recalled. This is a product that is quite well-known and advertised. I have seen it touted in the majority of magazines aimed at women, that I can say for sure... certainly in all of the women's fitness magazines. Now, it has been linked to serious liver injuries--including one that required a transplant, and one death secondary to liver failure. This is big!


Here are the products being recalled:

Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets
Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
Hydroxycut 24
Hydroxycut Carb Control
Hydroxycut Natural

Hydroxycut Cleanse and Hoodia are not being recalled at this time. And again, I will say, "Eating right and exercising are head and shoulders above any 'magic' pill."

Just What We Need...

Boy, I sure haven't been here in a while. But, when I saw a certain FDA alert come across my email, I simply could not resist but put something here about it.

Apparently, there is a nail polish remover that could cause chemical burns to fingers. As if hand surgeons did not have enough to worry about, what with manicures and people accessorizing their fingernails.

Most chemical burns peel within a week like a sunburn would, but it is important to take a few steps if you should get a burn. First, stop using the product (simple, but important). If the chemical is dry (ie: lime), brush as much of it off as possible--wear a glove or do this with a towel so you do not burn the brushing hand. Next, take off any jewelry, rings, or contaminated clothing. Flush the affected body part with running cool water for at least 15 minutes. Apply a cool, wet cloth to relieve pain, and then dry and wrap loosely with a dry sterile dressing. Flush with more cool water if intense burning is still experienced. In the following days, wash the area with soap and water, dry thoroughly and apply a loose dry sterile dressing to the area until it heals. Once the skin has grown in, you can start massaging the area to lessen the chance of scar formation.

Seek emergency care if the victim feels faint, has shallow or rapid breathing, or is pale. Also, seek emergency care if the burn is over a joint, on the face, hands, or in the groin or is larger than 8 cm. If you are not sure what to do, call 911 or your poison control center.

FDA recalls in the New Year

First of all, a wonderfully happy and blissful 2009 to one and all!!

So I know that mum's the word around here, lately, and I do hope to get up and running again, soon.

In the meantime, it seems mighty big that peanut butter is getting recalled left and right, so I thought I would let everyone of you [3 or so people that check in here :)] know.

So, here are the facts: Peanut Corporation of America (and here) is doing a recall of peanut butter for fear of Salmonella contamination. Likewise, Kellogg (yes, THAT Kellogg) is recalling--preemptively--all peanut butter-containing products. There was also a recall of peanut butter by King Nut 2 days ago for the same reason.

Since peanut butter is a major indulgence for many, I thought I would post about this. As always, stay safe and healthy!

Time for an FDA recall alert

Well, I suppose that with this sort of thing, you just have to try it out for a few years, and see what happens.

There has been a worldwide (of course) recall on the HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System, which have been in use since November of 2003. The failure rate has been deemed unacceptable. Apparently the leads that connect the pump to the controller wear down significantly enough to affect pump function. "The estimated probability of the need for pump replacement due to percutaneous lead damage is 1.3% at 12 months, 6.5% at 24 months and 11.4% at 36 months." (as per the FDA site) THAT is significant!!

Left ventricular assist devices are essentially used to buy time for "CHFers" (Congestive Heart Failure patients) who are awaiting transplant, or they may even be used indefinitely in patients who are not candidates for transplant.

Yikes-- Salmonella strikes again

News flash!  There has been a tomato recall.  

Considering that tomatoes are heavily consumed in the spring and summer months, this is a big deal.  Considering that this has (ehem) affected yours truly, this is an even bigger deal.  

I went to my friendly neighborhood grocery/ specialty store this morning and bought a bunch of stuff including, said, tomatoes.  I went about my day, having a tomato with lunch.  About two hours ago, it started... that uncomfortable feeling in the gut, dry mouth, running for the toilet.  ("What the h...?") 

And then, I checked my email, and found my U. S. FDA email.  I ran to the 'fridge, and checked my tomatoes against the list.  ALAS, mine were from Mexico---aaargh.  That explains it.  

So, I called that aforementioned neighborhood grocery/ specialty store to alert them.   "Yes, thank you, we have pulled all of our tomatoes already."  I told her that I bought some this morning, and they were from Mexico.  Her answer?  "You can bring them back for a full refund."  Well, what could she say?  She was not aware of my discomfort, and the fact that I had to stop my pilates (twice) to run to the bathroom.  

But, now you are aware, and maybe you have not yet eaten the tomatoes that you purchased this morning.  PLEASE check them against the list.  If you are not sure where your toms are from (as in, they are not clearly marked), call your store to find out.  Do not take a chance.  If you are young and healthy, it will likely be a nuisance; however, if you are immunocompromised in any way (elderly, ill, or very young), it could be very serious.  

OOPS!!

There is a new FDA recall--this one is again a big deal in the medical world.  Apparently, Medicis realized they accidently mislabeled a bottle of azathioprine--an immunosuppressant--with minocycline--an antibiotic!!  Then, it went out with the lot of antibiotics, of course.  So, now they are recalling the minocycline, which they brand as Solodyn.  (They brand azathioprine as Azasan.)

Here is their own recall page.

If you may have taken the implied medication, please contact your physician immediately.  

Listeria in Pennsylvania Milk

Well, the (written) boards were last weekend, so I can breathe a little now.  Maybe, I'll even be a little more present here.  :)

First thing that I need to let you know about, though, is another FDA recall--this one is specific to Pennsylvania, but quite frightening, so please be aware.  If you buy milk from these farms, then please make sure to check when you purchased the products, as they may be tainted with the unfriendly bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.  

If there is a chance that you may have been exposed, or have reason to believe that you are ill as a result of Listeriosis, please contact your physician immediately for care.  

More, and Final, Updates on the Cantaloupes

The FDA has finally put together this list, as the recall is continuously expanding.  So, if you are a concerned consumer, then please check back to that link, specifically.  It will have the most up-to-date info on the melons and bugs, as well as what is being done about them.  

Oh, and that will be the last that I will say on this topic.  :)

Cantaloupe Recall Update

Apparently, the recall is continuing and branching out.  These cantaloupes were sold mainly on the East Coast, but may have been distributed out.  There is a common sticker of "Mike's Melons."  (The sad fact is that the recall states that the sticker 'may have fallen off.')

Further, and you knew this was coming, there are now some recalls of fruit mixes that may have included the aforementioned melon.

The infecting organism remains Salmonella;  please look at my prior blog for information on this bug.  

Cantaloupe Recall

Apparently, there has been a cantaloupe recall, as this fruit is contaminated with Salmonella.  

Please note that the link covers ALL Salmonella infections, although, obviously, the one of concern, is nontyphoidal.  This usually presents as a diarrheal illness, often with fever and general malaise.  In the young and elderly, it can become much more serious.  Please see your physician, if you recently consumed the product and are experiencing any of these symptoms.  

The cantaloupe was sold in the U.S., as well as in Canada.  Please make sure to check what you are buying.  

Continued Heparin Recall

So, maybe for now, (since I have so little time) I'll just do little blurbs here and there about FDA recalls. 

It appears that the heparin recall has not yet ended. Please be aware, and check this out. Wait, there's more--look here, too, for Baxter's information on their continued recall.

Spelt Bread Recall

Not able to write much these days.  A little here and there, but this is very important:

Here is another FDA recall.  This one is for humans, and is on Spelt Bread from the Food for Life Baking Co.  If you know anyone with celiac disease (patients, family, friends), please pass this on, as it may seriously affect their health.  

Cat Vitamins

I wasn't going to write any more right now, really.  But then, this came across my email:  "The Hartz Mountain Corporation Recalls Vitamin Care for Cats Because of Possible Health Risks."  Please check this out,  if there is a chance that your furry ones would be affected.  We have to help those who cannot help themselves.  

 http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/hartz03_08.html