Gardasil
It all started 2 years ago when Merck & Co. started administering Gardasil, a cervical-cancer vaccine, to girls and women. Over 8,000 adverse reactions have been recorded by the Federal health officials. Gardasil was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration in June 2006 for females ages 9 to 26. Sold worldwide, it's been given to more than 8 million US girls and women, Merck says. The vaccine is aimed at warding off strains of the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which can lead to cancer. The vaccinations cost a total $360. Securities and Exchange Commission documents show Merck made $1.5 billion in Gardasil sales last year.
However, Gardasil has produced such bad reactions in girls and women who have taken the drug, that it has been linked to 18 deaths. Schools have been administering the drug, saying that it protects girls from cervical cancer. However, there have been cases reported of pancreatitis, immune system disorders, lethargy, paralysis, seizures and brain damage after receiving the shot. Most of these cases have been seen in teenage girls due to the high push for schools to administer it.
The most common side effect of Gardasil is fainting. In which Merck spokeswoman Kelley Dougherty said the company "actively monitors" reports of side effects. The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, run by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has collected thousands of reports of health problems after Gardasil shots. Of these fatalities they included a heart rhythm disorder, severe allergic reactions, and d the 10 confirmed deaths, there was no common thread and that Gardasil was not to blame. "An event report does not mean that a causal relationship between an event and vaccination has been established - just that the event occurred after vaccination," she said. A Post analysis of adverse- event reports filed through April 30 found that about 20 percent followed injections of Gardasil, plus up to seven other vaccines at the same time - including shots to prevent flu, chicken pox, hepatitis and tetanus. Almost 6,300 cases involved Gardasil alone. Under a federal law passed in the late 1980s, victims of vaccines may file a claim under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, but cannot sue the pharmaceutical.
Administration of Gardasil in schools makes for parents, teachers, and students alike to think that the drug is safe. Since Gardasil has been in the market it has been linked to over a dozen deaths and many serious illnesses. Victims of this drug is mainly teenage girls that given the drug to prevent cervical cancer. It is affecting the lives of these girls and their families to the point.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical error contact a malpractice lawyer at Napoli, Bern, Ripka. We will evaluate your situation, recommend the actions to take, and help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve. We will also help you make a difference for future patients. Napoli Bern Ripka LLP is an experienced firm in the medical negligence field and can provide you with the right information on how to proceed with your case. If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of Gardasil side effects such as kidney failure, heart attack, or stroke you may be entitled to compensation.
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