Allan Sigel and Westrup, Klick & AssociatesNEWSLETTER
Until July 2000, CORTEF Oral Suspension ("Liquid CORTEF"), which was produced by Pharmacia & Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, was used quite liberally to treat Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia ("CAH"). At first, Pharmacia & Upjohn used a thickening agent called "tragacanth gum" to suspend the active ingredient in Liquid CORTEF. Regardless of the success of the tragacanth gum formulation, Pharmacia & Upjohn introduced a reformulated product to the market on July 15, 1998. The new formulation of Liquid Cortef used an alternative thickening agent called "xantham gum". However, resuspension of this new Liquid Cortef proved more difficult.
Despite several reports of the new formulation’s lack of effectiveness and/or resuspendability, Pharmacia & Upjohn did not recall Liquid Cortef until July 2000. Thus, the reformulated version of Liquid Cortef may not have adequately controlled CAH in patients during the two-year period between July 1998 and July 2000.
CAH is a serious disorder present at birth and characterized by an over-production of the hormone, androgen. The goal of treatment for CAH is to return the androgen hormone levels to normal. In the salt-losing form of CAH, newborn infants develop symptoms, such as vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte changes, and cardiac arrhythmias. Untreated, this condition can lead to death.
Some CAH patients may not have received their prescribed dose of Liquid Cortef as a result of Pharmacia & Upjohn’s formulation change. During the time Pharmacia & Upjohn marketed their reformulated product, injuries may have been caused due to the poor control of CAH.
Our law firms are available to represent patients, who wish to pursue a class action proceeding against Pharmacia & Upjohn for damages caused by the reformulated Liquid Cortef. To inquire about your legal rights, please do not hesitate to contact our offices.
Sincerely,
Law Offices of Allan A. Sigel, P.C.
1125 Gayley Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90024-3403Westrup, Klick & Associates
444 West Ocean Boulevard, Suite 1614
Long Beach, California 90802-4524Toll-Free Number (888) 268-6884; Telecopier (562) 435-4856