Group Action Lawyers
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Tag: investigations

drugs alert
March 25, 2019
Are you suffering with valsartan side effects?

If you’re suffering with valsartan side effects, you may want to read this article and take heed of some important information about the drug.

Last year, a Class 1 Medicines Recall was initiated by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The recall stems from potential contamination that comes from the production process that could be incredibly serious for anyone affected. In fact, in the US, lawsuits have been active for some time now. When members of the Group Action Lawyers attended a conference in the U.S. last year, it was clear to us just how serious this issue could be.

If you’ve been taking the medication here in the UK and you’ve suffered problems or side effects, we may need to speak with you.

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drug recall
December 07, 2018
Valsartan recall widens

The Valsartan recall widened last month following updated advice from the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority (MHRA).

Batches of products containing Valsartan that were supplied by Teva UK Ltd and Mylan are being recalled in the UK. This follows on from a drug alert earlier this year that was issued after the discovery that some Valsartan products were contaminated. Legal cases are already underway, and this latest recall involves further batches of the product.

An immediate suspension and quarantine of the additional affected products has been ordered.

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unsatisfactory safety information
July 25, 2018
Slime borax ingredient ‘toxic’ to children

The levels of a slime borax ingredient contained in the popular children’s toy has been found to be at potentially ‘toxic’ levels in eight of the leading slime products.

According to research conducted by consumer action group Which?, eight of the 11 leading slime products tested contained amounts of boron – a chemical in borax – deemed to be unsafe, leaving children at risk of irritation, diarrhoea, vomiting and cramps.

According to the research, the levels of the dangerous chemical may not be clearly listed on the ingredients and may be described as ‘contact lens solution’ which contains borax.

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unsatisfactory safety information
June 01, 2018
EpiPen failures not to be ignored

Recent data surrounding reported EpiPen failures should not be ignored. Data reviewed has found that, in the last few years, there has been hundreds of reports of EpiePen failures that have led to a number of hospitalisations, and potentially some deaths.

One issue reported after a failed delivery from an EpiPen was the needle sticking out of the device at an angle, preventing delivery of lifesaving adrenaline that can stop an allergic reaction from killing someone.

Given the importance of lifesaving devices, these reported EpiPen failures cannot be ignored.

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apple battery controversy
March 14, 2018
We now know Apple are slowing down batteries to “prolong lifespan” and “prevent sudden shutdown” – but, is this acceptable?

When Apple admitted that their updated software is slowing down older models, many were outraged. The frequency of new models being released is far too much for some; especially when the cost of a new model can easily set you back a lot of money and equate to more than £100 a month.

For a phone!

So, is Apple’s explanation that they introduced the feature for the iPhone 6 and later models to protect problems occurring with batteries acceptable?
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baby products
January 24, 2018
80% of baby formula reportedly contains arsenic!

Scientific studies into baby food have allegedly found that a shockingly high-level of baby formulas tested contained arsenic.

To be precise, some 80%!

Arsenic poisoning is extremely serious as it can attack the blood cells and can be fatal. For a baby or an infant, the thought of them ingesting arsenic is literally horrifying. Not-for-profit organisation The Clean Label Project believes that the labelling of food and products should be completely transparent, and it was this organisation that reportedly tested a variety of baby foods, formulas, drinks and snacks for toddlers to see just what they contained.
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January 15, 2018
Hypoallergenic moisturisers may contain toxic chemicals

A recent scientific study found that a number of moisturisers marketed as “hypoallergenic” may not actually be so hypoallergenic in reality.

A medical journal reportedly discovered that some products labelled as “fragrance free” or “hypoallergenic”, which should therefore be suitable for people suffering from sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, may still carry toxic chemicals that irritate the skin.

This surely goes against the whole idea of such products in the first place.
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us metro system lawsuits
January 12, 2018
U.S. Metro ventilation records may have been falsified

Lawsuits are expected to be brought against the U.S. Metro system over reportedly “deadly smoke” choking dozens back in 2015 at L’Enfant Plaza.

An internal review found that four important maintenance records for the transport ventilation systems may have been tampered with; a discovery prompting investigations into the department’s documentation practices.

An internal report confirmed that the office of Quality Assurance, Internal Compliance and Oversight (QICO) “identified several instances of maintenance record modification.”
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tesla autopilot investigation
January 10, 2018
Regulators say Tesla Autopilot to take partial blame for fatal 2016 crash

Investigators have suggested that Tesla’s auto-driving system is to take some of the blame for a fatal 2016 crash. They have recommended that the ‘Tesla Autopilot’ system be declared as a contributing factor in the tragic incident because it allowed the driver to go for long periods of time without looking at the road or taking control with the steering.

This news may serve as a stumbling block with the U.K. set to allow for autonomous vehicles to be on the roads in the next few years. Are they safe? What are the dangers? Who is liable if things go wrong? These are questions that need answering before such technology is allowed on our very busy roads.
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steel maker concerns
December 29, 2017
Kobe Steel admits to falsifying data over its product standards, affecting 500 firms

Japan’s third largest steel maker, Kobe, has revealed that they falsified information about the standards and safety of their steel products.

Kobe supplies steel to major companies across the globe, such as manufacturers of cars, aircrafts, trains and even space rockets.

The scandal has prompted major corporations to double-check their products. Some of Kobe Steel’s consumers and users include: Central Japan Railway; Hitachi (its trains are used in Britain); Mazda Motor Corp; Subaru Corp; Toyota Motor Corp; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; Honda; General Motors; Daimler; Airbus
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kratom legal high dangers
December 22, 2017
Regulatory advice on Kratom drug after 36 deaths

Regulators have issued an advisory warning on 14th November to stop people taking Kratom after 36 deaths have been possibly associated with the drug.

Already banned in several countries, the “pick-me-up” natural drug is created from picked Kratom leaves from jungles all over South East Asia. It was originally used by farm labourers to help them get through working on the fields.

Kratom’s active ingredient is Mitragynine – a chemical that has adverse effects such as nausea; loss of appetite; constipation; dry mouth; trouble sleeping; and brain fatigue. Kratom itself can produce side effects of seizures, itching, increased sensitivity to pain, sweating, liver damage and addiction.
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complaints
December 11, 2017
Investigation into Fiat Chrysler over rollaway crashes

Regulators have been conducting an investigation into Fiat Chrysler after receiving complaints of some of their vehicles reportedly rolling away when the driver exited the car.

Some one million Fiat Chrysler Ram 15000 pickup trucks and Dodge Durango vehicles are affected by what is believed to be a defective rotary shifter. In a bit to add a new dimension to cars (and to free space for more/larger cup holders and storage areas), Fiat Chrysler moved away from traditional mechanical gear-shifts in favour of smaller electronic versions.

However, some customers have reportedly found it difficult to use the new feature, with many suspected to not even be aware of how to use it as intended.
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