A new study conducted by a Johns Hopkins researcher says that the popular anti-smoking drug Chantix may be responsible for increasing the risk of heart attacks and other serious heart problems in healthy, middle-aged smokers. Dr. Sonal Singh, the study’s lead author, is calling for the Food and Drug Administration to issue a stronger warning on the Chantix medication label.

Dr. Singh says that it is important for consumers to seek methods to help them quit smoking, and that most smokers wish to quit their bad habit in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, however, they may be taking a drug that increases the risk of the very problem they are trying to avoid. The study was released in the Canadian Medical Association Journal and says that the risk has increased by 72 percent for healthy, middle-aged smokers.

Singh reviewed 14 clinical trials and said the risk is significantly higher than the U.S. FDA indicated when it warned about a small increase in cardiovascular impacts for those using the drug Chantix. FSA officials responded by saying more analysis was necessary before the agency would move to change its position on Chantix safety. The FDA has also asked Pfizer to conduct a randomized study of possible psychiatric and cardiovascular risks associated with using Chantix.

An Orlando injury lawyer can provide guidance if you have been injured due to using the anti-smoking drug Chantix or another defective product.

According to The Madison St. Clair Record, a Montgomery County man is suing Louisville Ladder and R.P. Lumber after he says he fell off the ladder and fractured both ankles. William and Celene Harrelson filed a lawsuit April 15 in Madison County Circuit Court against the two companies.

Harrelson says he had worked at the U.S. Minerals plant and used an extension ladder manufactured by Louisville Ladder when the fall occurred. The side rails of the upper section of the ladder failed, causing Harrelson to fall approximately 15 feet, fracturing both of his ankles. Harrelson developed arthritis in his ankles and incurred medical costs due to the fall, as well as lost wages and emotional pain, suffering, mental distress and disability.

The Harrelsons blame Louisville Ladder for a defective product that caused his fall, saying it negligently improperly constructed the ladder, and manufactured the defective product using materials that did not meet design specifications and improperly designed the latter. R.P. Lumber is named as a defendant in the suit because they sold the ladder even though it had a damaged side rail and missing bolts and screws, says the complaint. The couple, with the help of their personal injury lawyer, seek a judgment of more than $400,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.