April 22, 2001 -Woman Sues Bayer, Claiming Alka-Seltzer Plus Gave Her a Stroke

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A woman has filed a lawsuit against the maker of Alka-Seltzer Plus, saying she suffered a stroke and became disabled last year, hours after taking the medication. The ingredient PPA (phenylpropanolamine) was removed from Alka-Selzer and other cold remedies and diet medications last year after the federal government banned its use in nonprescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration's action came after a five-year Yale University study found a small increase in the risk of stroke among young women using products containing the decongestant. But the Utah lawsuit brought by Marlus Hardy, 60, alleges that Alka-Seltzer Plus maker Bayer Corporation promoted the use of products containing PPA "long past the time it should have voluntarily halted sales, while hiding the dangerous risk of hemorrhagic stroke" in order "to reap continuing profits." Hemorrhagic stroke is a condition in which a blood vessel bursts in the brain, killing brain tissue and leading to disability or death.

Bayer Corporation, an Indiana firm with its principal place of business in Pennsylvania could not be reached last week for comment. Hardy allegedly suffered the stroke last Sept. 10, "hours after taking the medication," said Hardy's attorney. She was treated at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden "for acute care and rehabilitation," according to the lawsuit filed in 2nd District Court.

According to Hardy's attorney she now suffers severe and permanent brain damage, which renders her completely dependent on others for her care. She cannot walk, "has limited control of her trunk and limbs and needs 24-hour a day assistance from her two sons who have quit their jobs to care for her full time."

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of taking any drug or supplement, call The Law Offices of Rosenberg, Kirby, Cahill & Stankowitz now at (732) 341-3337 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to review your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

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