5/24/2105 ’Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ Sir Walter Scott could not have written a more apt fictional parable than the legislative mayhem occurring inside of the Capitol this past week regarding the immediate future of the controversial and secretive National Security Agency’s (NSA) spying program. As we
5/22/2015 In the same week that Idiotic RFG questioned Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s faith, the Notorious RBG’s shout-out to the U.S. Constitution was a fabulously shining moment during a gay wedding she officiated. The ceremony was Sunday, May 17. It is widely known that RBG has been a staunch supporter of same-sex equality during her over
5/21/2015 The FDA announced yesterday that it is warning healthcare professionals of potential problems with Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam). Apparently, the Zerbaxa labels cause confusion over dosages. The risk stems from the vial label being approved with each individual active ingredients’ strength listed (e.g. 1 g/0.5 g). The product is not dosed like that, though,
5/21/2015 Earlier this month, the FDA posted an alert regarding Hospira’s LifeCare PCA3 and PCA5 infusion pumps. The computerized systems are used to continuously deliver anesthetic or therapeutic drugs and can be programmed remotely over a hospital’s Ethernet or wireless service. Both Hospira and the FDA learned of certain security vulnerabilities in Hospira’s PCA3 and
5/21/2015 Quite surprising to me, I found that SGLT2 drugs have negative history with FDA. Not surprising, especially after finding the history, is the warning FDA released earlier this week. It appears that canagliflozin, sold as Invokana, may have created problems in the clinical trials that should have prevented its release. Just as other
5/21/2015 As the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) “fast track” debate continues its push through the congressional gauntlet, my fellow colleague Jay and I have analyzed hundreds of texts and perspectives surrounding the trade deal. We have covered labor, patent and trademarks, mass-torts, environmental concerns, and the highly controversial Investor State Dispute Resolution (ISDS) system, and little
5/20/2015 Baseball is a game of eternal youth, and nothing may be more evident of that than listening to 95 year-old retired Supreme Court Justice, John Paul Stevens talk passionately about the future course of the sport. In a May 15th speech in front of the Sports Lawyers Association in Baltimore, Justice Stevens recalled his
5/19/2015 The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) May 15th warning of potential ketoacidosis among Type II diabetes patients who use a new class of oral treatments known as SGLT2 inhibitors should not be completely surprising. The first such medicine approved by the FDA in March, 2013 was Invokana (canagliflozin), manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals in conjunction
5/19/2015 Celebrating Indiana’s commitment to religious freedom, Bill Levin has founded the First Cannabis Church and is planning a reefer revival in early July. Levin’s plan is to hold the revival the same day the Religious Freedom Restoration Act officially begins. It’s a great test, both of Indiana’s prohibition policy and the extent of the
5/19/2015 Yesterday we wrote about the warning issued by the FDA regarding SGLT2 type 2 diabetes medications. Today, I want to share the treatment regimen for SGLT2-related ketoacidosis. Always consult your physician before making changes in any medication protocol. If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms of ketoacidosis, get to the emergency room