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Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC partner Aaron Heckaman recently provided an important update and overview on Philips CPAP and Pfizer Xeljanz litigation. Currently, multidistrict litigation (MDL) has been formed for users of Philips’ now recalled CPAP, Bi-Level PAP, and mechanical ventilators. While an MDL has not been formed yet, claims related to Pfizer’s Xeljanz continue to be investigated.
Individuals affected by these products are strongly encouraged to contact Bailey Cowan Heckaman PLLC for a free consultation. The trial lawyers at BCH Law have decades of experience handling complex dangerous drug and defective device litigation, including the successful representation of thousands of Fen-Phen and Seroquel users.
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a dangerous drug or medical device, contact our office at (888) 367-7160 to discuss your legal options.
Several models of Philips CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines were recalled after reports that the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam used in its devices was prone to degradation resulting in life-threatening, permanent injuries to users. The foam would break down into potentially toxic particles that could be inhaled or ingested.
Millions of CPAP and BiPAP machines, as well as several ventilator models, were affected by the recall. All devices were manufactured prior to April 26, 2021. If you currently have or previously used a recalled CPAP machine, you need to contact a drug and medical device injury lawyer to discuss a potential legal claim.
It is alleged that Philips knew that their product was defective six years before issuing a recall. On March 10, 2022, the FDA issued a notification order which determined that the recalled products present “an unreasonable risk of substantial harm to the public health.”
An MDL was formed in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The Honorable Joy Flowers Conti is presiding over the MDL and has appointed a 12-member plaintiffs’ steering committee in addition to lead counsel. In total, there have been 24,000 causes tolled. There are 102 class actions and 162 personal injury claims regarding Philips CPAP devices.
Individuals with qualifying injuries and proof of exposure are encouraged to contact our office immediately. Qualifying injuries may include but are not limited to kidney, liver, or lung disease, respiratory failure, cancer, pleural effusion, and chemical poisoning.
Between 2012 and 2018, Pfizer’s Xeljanz was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and ulcerative colitis. In 2019, concerns over an increased risk of pulmonary embolism and death resulted in a safety communication being released by the FDA.
Shortly after the release of the safety communication, Pfizer was required to put a black box warning label on the drug, and its use was limited to the treatment of ulcerative colitis in adults. A subsequent black box warning was mandated after initial trial results showed Xeljanz users had an increased risk of serious heart-related problems and cancer.
Currently, an MDL has not been formed for Xeljanz litigation. However, clients who have taken Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR for the treatment of arthritis for a minimum of six months are encouraged to contact our office.
To qualify, Xeljanz users must have taken a 10 mg dose twice per day and must have suffered a pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, or other blood clot-related injury while taking the drug. It is not known how many individuals were affected by this potentially dangerous drug.
If you sustained injury after taking a dangerous drug such as Pfizer’s Xeljanz or a defective medical device like Philips CPAP machines, contact our office. We offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call (888) 367-7160 to speak directly with an experienced attorney.
