3 studies confirm diet drug, heart link

Article Abstract:

Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories has withdrawn from the market the diet drugs Redux and fenfluramine at the request of the Food and Drugs Administration due to heart-valve concerns. Researchers from the Hennepin County Medical Center, University of Minnesota, have learned that 22.7% of patients who took the drugs had heart-valve abnormalities, as compared to 1.3% of the control group. Boston Collaborative Drug Surveillance Program researchers have learned that there were no incidence of heart-valve problems among those who took the drug phentermine alone, but there were 11 cases among those who took either Redux or fenfluramine. Doctors at Georgetown University Medical Center found that there was a minor increase in the incidence of minor heart-valve problems in patients who took Redux.

Comment:

Withdraws from the market the diet drugs Redux and fenfluramine due to heart-valve concerns

Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing, Drugs, American Home Products Corp. Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories Div.

FAA warns pilots: Cool your jets if taking Viagra before flying

Article Abstract:

The FAA cautioned pilots to let at least six hours pass from consuming the Viagra anti-impotence medication before attempting to fly an aircraft because the drug may affect their perception of the blue and green lights of runway lights and cockpit instruments. Research indicated that the body needs that much time to metabolize the drug out of the human bloodstream. The Air Line Pilots Association's John Mazor observed that the FAA is probably trying to be more careful with this warning because it imposes more severe restrictions than those for antihistamines.

Comment:

The FAA cautions pilots to let at least six hours pass from consuming the Viagra anti-impotence medication before flying

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing, Public affairs, Air Transportation, Prostate Disorder Preparations, Air transportation industry, Civil aviation, Prostate agents

Compaq recalls computer batteries

Article Abstract:

Compaq Computer Corp has announced the recall of 55,000 battery packs used in its Armada E500 and V300 notebook computers after receiving reports that they could be a fire hazard. The recall includes battery packs with codes TCGK 00001-10500, TCGK 20001-21800, TCGK 40001-83100 or TCHK 40001- 44700. Compaq Computer is offering owners of this recalled battery packs free replacements.