Since September 2009, the company has had about two dozen recalls of prescription and nonprescription medicines, replacement hips, contact lenses and diabetes test strips. These recalls include recalls from J&J’s subsidiary companies, such as DePuy. One of its consumer health products factories is still being upgraded a year after it was closed, and two others are under close scrutiny by federal regulators. Even Congress has been investigating J&J's handling of recalls. Weldon will face shareholders at J&J's annual meeting April 28.
Among the many products recalled by the corporate giant is the DePuy ASR XL hip device. This hip prosthesis is a metal-on-metal device which causes, among other things, pain, inflammation and swelling. The constant friction between the metal parts releases cobalt and chromium into the blood stream and body. This in turn results in metallosis, a dangerous form of poisoning which can lead to rashes, soft-tissue damage, pseudo-tumors and neurological disorders.
DePuy also manufactures a Pinnacle Hip System. Some of the Pinnacle hips are metal-on-metal, which are extremely similar to the ASR hip device. Lawsuits have been filed by patients who were implanted with the Pinnacle device alleging the Pinnacle has caused similar damages to those patients who were implanted with the ASR hip devices. Our firm is currently investigating claims for those people who have been implanted with DePuy hip replacement devices, both ASR and Pinnacle. If you would like a free case evaluation, please contact Booth Samuels at toll free 1-866-515-8880 or at booths@pittmandutton.com.
