Carah Wertheimer

A portrait of the author.

Carah Wertheimer

Carah Wertheimer is an editor and reporter based in Boulder, Colorado. Her areas of specialization include food, health, environment, social justice and community reporting. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, The Denver Post, The Daily Beast, the Boulder Daily Camera, Boulder Weekly and other publications.

Latest MedTruth Work by Carah Wertheimer

Image of a woman holding her stomach representing the Florida J&J pelvic mesh case.

Johnson & Johnson Pelvic Mesh Lawsuit Moves Forward Despite Lack of Details

Carah Wertheimer · May 14, 2021

A judge has decided that Theresa Drumheller does not need to provide more details about her pelvic mesh for the lawsuit to proceed.

Legal Developments
Image of a veteran with hearing loss representing the three veterans with 3M military earplugs hearing loss.

Jury Awards $7 Million to Three Veterans for Military Earplugs Hearing Loss

Carah Wertheimer · May 5, 2021

A federal jury has awarded $7.1 million to three army veterans who alleged that defective 3M military earplugs caused their permanent hearing damage. 

Legal Developments
Image of a nurse talking to an elderly man at a nursing home representing the rapid spread of COVID in nursing homes.

COVID-19 Nursing Home Outbreaks Spark Research Into Quality Concerns

Carah Wertheimer · April 30, 2021

The spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes has led to increased concerns about nursing home quality among researchers.

Research + Findings
Image of a father feeding his child baby food, representing the risk of toxic heavy metals in baby food.

Congress Responds to Baby Food Worries, New Bill Limits Toxic Heavy Metals

Carah Wertheimer · April 16, 2021

Lawmakers have introduced legislation limiting toxic heavy metals in baby foods.

Laws + Congress
Image of a doctor telling patient about breast implant surgeries and mesh.

Two Brands of Mesh Linked to Greater Risk of Breast Surgery Complications

Carah Wertheimer · April 7, 2021

According to the FDA, two brands of surgical mesh used in breast reconstruction surgery may be linked to a higher risk of complications.

Women's Health
Image of a doctor inputing medical records on a laptop.

New Free and Expanded Access to Your Medical Records Starts This Month

Carah Wertheimer · April 2, 2021

The law requires all health care organizations to create online portals where patients can access

News
Image of a woman at a nursing home representing the NYT investigation of the nursing home rating system.

Nursing Home Ratings Meaningless, New York Times Investigation Finds

Carah Wertheimer · April 1, 2021

A recent New York Times investigation of the nation’s popular five-star nursing home rating system found that the system is “broken,” offering at best a “distorted” picture of nursing home quality.

Research + Findings
Illustration of a uterus with Paragard copper IUD.

Paragard Video Ad Fails to Mention Risks, FDA Warns Manufacturer

Carah Wertheimer · March 12, 2021

The FDA has warned Paragard IUD manufacturer CooperSurgical for running ads that fail to disclose Paragard’s safety risks.

Women's Health
Illustration of a Paragard copper IUD representing the lawsuits transferred to a female judge in Georgia.

Paragard IUD Lawsuits Transferred to Female Judge in Georgia

Carah Wertheimer · January 26, 2021

Paragard copper IUD lawsuits filed by women from 23 states were grouped together and transferred to federal court in Atlanta late last year.

Legal Developments
Image of an elderly man with eye pain representing Elmiron lawsuits transferred from around the country to New Jersey.

Elmiron Lawsuits Transferred to New Jersey

Carah Wertheimer · January 13, 2021

Elmiron bladder medication lawsuits alleging vision damage are being transferred to a single New Jersey federal court.

Legal Developments
Image of a woman holding her stomach, representing fibroid surgery safety recommendations by the FDA.

Fibroid Removal Safety Recommendations Updated by FDA

Carah Wertheimer · January 7, 2021

The FDA has finalized safety recommendations for the use of power morcellators in surgeries to remove fibroids.

FDA Regulation
Image of a hand holding a Paragard copper IUD, representing the lawsuits.

Paragard IUD Lawsuits Best Handled by Female Judge, Attorney Says

Carah Wertheimer · December 8, 2020

A personal injury lawyer representing Paragard IUD clients suggested a female judge be assigned a pending Paragard class action lawsuit.

Women's Health
Image of an eye representing the Elmiron class action lawsuit blocked by Pennsylvania judge.

Elmiron Class Action Lawsuit Blocked by Pennsylvania Judge

Carah Wertheimer · December 4, 2020

A request from Elmiron manufacturer to stop a proposed national class action lawsuit from proceeding has been granted.

Legal Developments
Image of a pot of eyeshadow in a palm representing California becoming the first state to ban toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

California First State to Ban Toxic Chemicals in Cosmetics

Carah Wertheimer · October 7, 2020

California has become the first state in the nation to ban 24 toxic chemicals from cosmetics.

News
KN95 respirator mask from China.

Respirator Masks from China Put COVID-19 Health Care Workers at Risk

Carah Wertheimer · September 25, 2020

Relying on imported masks may put health care workers and patients at risk and should only be used as a “last resort” when treating COVID-19 patients.

News
Image of the new blood test that detects cancer up to 4 years before diagnosis.

New Blood Test Detects Cancer Up to 4 Years Before Diagnosis

Carah Wertheimer · September 18, 2020

A cutting-edge blood test can detect five common cancers up to four years before most people even know they have the disease.

News
Image of a woman with blue dyed hair representing the new study that says hair is not linked to cancer.

No Increased Risk of Most Cancers From Hair Dye, Study Says

Carah Wertheimer · September 14, 2020

A major study found no increased risk of most types of cancer in women who use permanent hair dye at home.

Research + Findings
Image of two elderly people representing the first drug to slow Alzheimer's disease under FDA review.

First Drug to Slow Alzheimer's Submitted for FDA Review

Carah Wertheimer · July 21, 2020

If approved, aducanumab would be the world’s first treatment to slow the clinical progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

News
A stock photo of talcum powder representing J&J's move to halt sales in the U.S. and Canada.

Johnson & Johnson Discontinues Talcum Powder in the U.S. & Canada

Carah Wertheimer · May 19, 2020

J&J will withdraw its signature talcum powder from North American markets, insisting the product is safe despite nearly 20,000 lawsuits alleging that asbestos-contaminated powder caused cancer.

News
A photo of a man looking out his window during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

MT Weekly: COVID-19 Testing Updates, Criminal Charges for Not Isolating

Carah Wertheimer · April 10, 2020

MedTruth is focusing on the coronavirus. Here’s a summary of the most important developments this week.

News
Image of Roundup sprayed on crops representing Bayer renegs on Roundup cancer claims.

Bayer Renegs on Roundup Cancer Claim Settlements, Blames Coronavirus

Carah Wertheimer · April 8, 2020

Bayer is backing out of draft settlements with U.S. law firms representing more than 45,000 plaintiffs who allege that their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma was caused by exposure to Monsanto’s Roundup.

Legal Developments
Illustration of pills representing off-label prescriptions.

1-in-5 Prescriptions Are Off-Label: What You Don't Know Could Hurt You

Carah Wertheimer · March 17, 2020

One-in-five U.S. prescriptions are written “off-label,” meaning in a manner that has not been approved by the FDA, including antidepressants, antipsychotics and seizure medicine.

Health Features
Woman on laptop reading MT weekly's latest topics on J&J Asbestos Settlement, EPA to Regulate PFAS.

MT Weekly: J&J Asbestos Settlement, EPA to Regulate PFAS

Carah Wertheimer · February 25, 2020

This week, MedTruth provides updates on the latest baby powder settlement, the EPA's new regulations on PFAS, plus a study on the impacts of chemical exposure during pregnancy.

News
Girl applying cosmetics that may damage DNA in breast cells.

Are Breast Cells Damaged By Sunscreen, Cosmetic and Personal Care Chemicals?

Carah Wertheimer · February 19, 2020

Chemicals in common personal care products may damage DNA in breast cells at acute exposures, according to a study.

Research + Findings
A photo of a woman of color on a laptop representing MT Weekly's coverage of the coronavirus, FDA halting illegal medical device shipments from India, the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into generic drug price-fixing.

MT Weekly: How Poor Sleep Affects Diet, Guilty Execs in Generic Price-Fixing

Carah Wertheimer · February 18, 2020

This week, MedTruth provides updates on the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into generic drug price-fixing, an FDA action to halt illegal medical device shipments from India, plus a women's health study on how poor sleep affects diet.

News
A photo of a person on a laptop representing MT Weekly's coverage of the coronavirus, risks of diabetes drug Avandia and concerns about general anesthesia during C-section.

MT Weekly: Coronavirus Updates, Risks of Diabetes Drug Avandia

Carah Wertheimer · February 12, 2020

This week, MedTruth provides updates on the coronavirus, risks of diabetes drug Avandia and concerns about general anesthesia during C-section.

News
Girl using personal care products linked to early puberty.

Early Puberty in Girls Linked to Personal Care Products

Carah Wertheimer · February 11, 2020

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in personal care products have been linked to early puberty in girls in a recent study.

Research + Findings
A photo of a morning table with a newspaper, coffee, cell phone and more, representing MT Weekly's coverage of the coronavirus, an HIV clinical trial and J&J developments.

MT Weekly: Trump's Medicaid Proposal, Judges Rule in J&J Cases

Carah Wertheimer · February 6, 2020

This week, MedTruth provides updates on the coronavirus, a discontinued clinical trial for HIV vaccines, Trump's Medicaid block grant proposal and recent J&J rulings.

News
A photo of a young boy drinking a water bottle, which may expose him to BPA.

Study Finds Much Higher BPA Exposures, FDA Dismisses Safety Concerns

Carah Wertheimer · January 29, 2020

A study published in December 2019 raises serious questions about the accuracy of the FDA’s methods for testing BPA levels in humans.

Research + Findings
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro at the People's Rally in Washington D.C.

5 Powerful Quotes About Patient Safety by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

Carah Wertheimer · January 28, 2020

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has fought for equal pay for women, the creation of middle-class jobs, and wellbeing for veterans, along with public health and patient safety issues.

Health Features
A photo of a Macbook and coffee, representing MedTruth Weekly, which focuses on the Coronavirus in the U.S., a shortage of surgical gowns, FDA panel on testing for asbestos in cosmetics and the sentencing on opioid executives.

MT Weekly: Deadly Coronavirus Enters U.S., FDA Endorses Cosmetic Asbestos Testing

Carah Wertheimer · January 27, 2020

This week, MedTruth summarizes international efforts to contain the deadly Wuhan Coronavirus, an FDA panel recommendation for asbestos detection in cosmetics, and the sentencing of corrupt executives involved in prescription opioid crimes.

News
Woman using skin cream that causes a mysterious allergic reaction.

Breakthrough Discovery Sheds Light on Longstanding Skin Rash Mystery

Carah Wertheimer · January 22, 2020

Why do cosmetics, shampoos and skincare products cause skin rashes in some people? A Science Immunology study answers: specific ingredients in personal care products trigger an immune response.

Research + Findings
Young woman reads MT Weekly on her laptop, learning about Talc-Cancer Link Challenged, Supreme Court to Address Contraceptives

MT Weekly: Talc-Cancer Link Challenged, Supreme Court To Address Contraception

Carah Wertheimer · January 21, 2020

Last week's recap of medical includes the latest update on the Supreme Court's plans to address religious and moral exemptions to the Affordable Care Act, a recent study denying the link between talc and ovarian cancer, U.S. binge drinking figures and preventative measures taken by the CDC to protect the nation from disease that broke out in China.

News
Person reading a newspaper, representing MT Weekly news.

MT Weekly: End of Essure, Virus Outbreak, Allergan's Alleged Anti-Litigation Clause

Carah Wertheimer · January 14, 2020

The end of Essure, a mysterious virus, a drop in U.S. cancer death rate and more news to begin 2020.

News
Woman with anxiety after hysterectomy looks out window, thinking about adverse mental health conditions caused by female surgery

Hysterectomy May Cause Adverse Mental Health Conditions, Study Says

Carah Wertheimer · January 8, 2020

A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic on post-hysterectomy patients indicates that removing a women’s uterus may have more impact on her mental and physical health than previously thought.

Research + Findings
Photo of women celebrating the removal of birth control Essure from the market.

2020 Kicks Off With Global End of Controversial Birth Control Essure

Carah Wertheimer · January 7, 2020

Controversial birth control Essure finally removed from the market, bringing celebratory remarks from the harmed patients who call themselves the "E-sisters."

News
A photo of a person's hand scrolling through their iPhone getting the latest MT Weekly news on the new FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn.

MT Weekly: Hair Dye Linked to Breast Cancer, Senate Recommends FDA Commissioner

Carah Wertheimer · December 9, 2019

While recent reports reveal increased prevalence of measles deaths and prediabetes in adolescents, one recent study indicates a link between hair chemicals and risk of breast cancer. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephen Hahn has been recommended as the next FDA Commissioner after a 18-5 vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Here's last week in medical.

News
A photo of a woman sitting on a chair and looking out a window, wondering about the connection between major depression and physical illness like UTIs and high cholesterol.

More Than 20 Physical Illnesses Linked to Depression

Carah Wertheimer · December 3, 2019

A recent study has linked depression to physical illnesses, such as asthma, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, urinary tract disorders and more.

Research + Findings
A photo of a child drinking BPA chemicals from a plastic water bottle, drawing attention to the risk of childhood obesity in BPA free children's dinnerware.

Childhood Obesity: Is BPA Free Any Better?

Carah Wertheimer · November 26, 2019

A 2019 study measures if BPA free replacement chemicals, such as BPS and BPF, can still play a role in childhood obesity.

Research + Findings
Woman checks MT Weekly on her phone, investigating foodborne illness outbreaks and Sackler family opioid news in China

MT Weekly: Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, Sackler Steers Opioids to China

Carah Wertheimer · November 25, 2019

While the U.S. observes urgent calls for bans on vaping products, the Sackler family catapults the opioid crisis abroad, with their affiliate company Mundipharma promoting OxyContin in China. Additionally, last week brought about several foodborne illness outbreaks, new findings on the rising prevalence of anal cancer, and a promising HIV vaccine discovery.

News
Woman looks up from phone after reading this week's MT Weekly discussing plague outbreak and metal implants

MT Weekly: FDA Talks Metal Implants, Plague Outbreak in China

Carah Wertheimer · November 18, 2019

Last week, the FDA held a meeting addressing the patient and medical perspective on metal-containing implants. In addition, China responded to reports of a couple treated for the plague in Beijing, and the U.S. found a decline in cigarette use. Unfortunately, vaping among adolescents has increased 20% in 2018.

News
A photo of a man reading MT Weekly on his ipad, which reports on a recent ban protecting intersex children.

MT Weekly: Protecting Intersex Children, Drug-Delivering Drones

Carah Wertheimer · November 12, 2019

MedTruth Weekly delivers the latest developments in medical research, regulation, legislation and legal actions. The best way to be an advocate for yourself is to know the facts. Staying informed starts here.

News
Pregnant woman thinking about premature birth prevention drug Makena

FDA May Withdraw Premature Birth Prevention Drug From Market

Carah Wertheimer · November 8, 2019

Premature birth prevention drug Makena may be withdrawn due to an FDA advisory panel vote.

FDA Regulation
Photo of a person on their computer reading about the opioid deaths reported on in this week's MT Weekly.

MT Weekly: Opioid Deaths by Ethnicity, Female Smoking Trends

Carah Wertheimer · November 5, 2019

Last week observed one study reporting a 103% increase in opioid deaths, with black Americans in large metropolitan areas most affected. Additionally, lifestyle interventions have been proven to reduce Alzheimer’s risk, women may be less likely than men to quit smoking, and the number of vape-related illness cases nears two thousand.

News
A photo of an elderly woman clutching her chest from heartburn before taking Zantac (ranitidine), which may cause NDMA carcinogenic toxins.

FDA Wants Recall of Zantac and Axid Amid Cancer Concern

Carah Wertheimer · November 5, 2019

Zantac, a commonly used heartburn medication, can contain the carcinogenic toxin NDMA, prompting the FDA to issue a voluntary recall.

FDA Regulation
A photo of an elderly woman clutching her chest from heartburn before taking Zantac (ranitidine), which may cause NDMA carcinogenic toxins.

FDA Wants Recall of Zantac and Axid Amid Cancer Concern

Carah Wertheimer · November 5, 2019

Zantac, a commonly used heartburn medication, can contain the carcinogenic toxin NDMA, prompting the FDA to issue a voluntary recall.

FDA Regulation
Box of Alzheimer's medication Aricept, which increases risk of rare muscle condition.

Alzheimer’s Drug Aricept May Increase Risk of Rare Muscle Condition

Carah Wertheimer · November 5, 2019

Research suggests Alzheimer’s drug donezepil, known as Aricept, increases hospitalization for a rare muscle condition called rhabdomyolysis when compared to similar drugs.

Research + Findings
Photo of man reading MT Weekly, MedTruth's Weekly recap of the previous week.

MT Weekly: Black Box on Breast Implants, Talc Pulled From Shelves

Carah Wertheimer · October 29, 2019

In last week's news, the FDA released a new black box warning to inform consumers about the risks of breast implants after a flurry of patient advocate reports. Additionally, talcum powder was pulled from many store shelves after asbestos was reportedly found in one of Johnson & Johnson's baby powder bottles. One dietary study tracking subjects for ten years reveals that trans fat is linked to dementia.

News
Elderly couple with memory loss

5 Significant Risk Factors for Memory Loss

Carah Wertheimer · October 23, 2019

Recent research on dementia, including Alzheimer's, is revealing specific risk factors for memory loss. These five factors may put you at a higher risk for developing a memory loss-related condition.

Research + Findings
A photo of a woman on her computer perusing FDA website after issuing Black Box Warnings on Breast Implants. 

FDA Recommends Black Box Warnings on Breast Implants 

Carah Wertheimer · October 24, 2019

The FDA has just released a 21-page document articulating the risks and benefits associated with breast implants to ensure that all consumers have access to "complete information" on the medical devices. This is the agency’s first update to breast implant consumer information practices since 2006. All members of the public and professionals of the medical world are invited to comment within the next 60 days for any revisions to the draft before the document is finalized.

FDA Regulation
A photo of the Supreme Court to represent Riegel v. Medtronic case which set the precedent for lawsuits filed by patients harmed by Class III medical device.

Riegel v. Medtronic: How the Landmark Case Limits Patient Rights

Carah Wertheimer · October 17, 2019

In 2008, a complex case set a legal precedent that dictates how Class III medical devices are approached. It's the landmark Supreme Court ruling, known as Riegel v. Medtronic, that changed everything. Now, those harmed by Class III medical devices struggle to seek legal recourse.

Legal Developments
Photo of talcum powder in a petry dish after baby powder recall on Johnson & Johnson talcum powder products last week.

Asbestos Contamination? 30,000 Bottles of J&J's Baby Powder Recalled

Carah Wertheimer · October 21, 2019

In recent months, we've worked to collaborate on behalf of consumer product safety. Help us put the #TruthOnTalc by signing our petition demanding Johnson & Johnson add an adequate warning label.

News
A photo of electrical cables with a sunset in the distance, representing PG&E power shutdowns to prevent wildfires.

Northern Californians Still Without Power, As Fire Burns in the South

Carah Wertheimer · October 11, 2019

Pacific Gas and Electric intentionally cut power to residents in Northern California counties. Simultaneously, as wildfires rage, Southern California Edison cut power to prevent wildfires in Southern California.

News
San Francisco city hall representing Gavin Newsom granting access to Truvada without a prescription

California Governor Grants Access to HIV-Prevention Drugs Without a Prescription

Carah Wertheimer · October 10, 2019

San Francisco governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill to grant California residents access to HIV-prevention drugs PrEP and PEP without the requirement of a prescription.

Laws + Congress
Group of chickens next to a barn representing eating chicken over beef to reduce risk of breast cancer

Worried About Breast Cancer? Science Says Eat More Chicken, Less Red Meat

Carah Wertheimer · October 8, 2019

Research shows that women who consumed poultry rather than red meat had a significantly lower risk of breast cancer.

Research + Findings
Person on computer reads about FDA potential re-approval of glyphosate

FDA Receives Thousands of Public Comments on Glyphosate, Re-Approval Pending

Carah Wertheimer · September 10, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration received 114,855 public comments regarding the safety of Monsanto’s herbicide Roundup, which is currently under review for renewed registration.

FDA Regulation
a pregnant woman offered opioids during pregnancy holds her baby bump

Study Finds Nearly Half of Pregnant Women Prescribed Opioids Shortly Before or After Delivery

Carah Wertheimer · August 29, 2019

A study tracked pregnant women prescribed opioids shortly before or after delivery to note prescription re-fill behaviors and continued use following pregnancy. While opioid use can be effective during delivery, researchers say other pain management options should be considered.

Women's Health
Boy vaping representing first vape-related death occurs in Illinois

Illinois Reports First Vape-Related Death

Carah Wertheimer · August 27, 2019

Doctors across the nation have noticed an influx of patients admitted to hospitals with severe lung diseases and respiratory problems linked to vaping. Illinois, in particular, noted 22 such cases just last week. One of those 22 died last Thursday—marking the first vape-related death in the nation.

News
An elderly man clutching his chest, representing a new test to detect coronary artery disease without GBCAs.

New Screening for Coronary Artery Disease Developed, Without Contrast Agents

Carah Wertheimer · August 12, 2019

A new test to detect coronary artery disease in just 15 minutes with a basic MRI is currently being developed by Boston researchers. It wouldn't require the use of controversial, potentially toxic gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs).

MedTech
Photo of podium in courtroom after news that many baby powder asbestos cases dismissed potentially.

Will J&J Get 12,000 Baby Powder Asbestos Cases Dismissed?

Carah Wertheimer · August 5, 2019

Johnson & Johnson may be relieved of 79% of all lawsuits filed against them for the health hazards of their talcum powder. After invoking a validation process known as the Daubert test, scrutinizing expert testimony and information, 12,000 asbestos cases now await a decision from Judge Freda Wolfson.

News
A photo of textured breast implants resting on the table following the recall of breast implants by Allergan upon FDA request.

Global Recall of Breast Implants Linked to Rare Form of Cancer

Carah Wertheimer · July 24, 2019

Breast implant maker Allergan issued a recall of breast implants today following a request from the FDA. The agency placed this request upon discovering a link between the Allergan implants and a rare form of immune system cancer, BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).

News
A Photo of a Kratom Plant

Feature Article

Carah Wertheimer · July 23, 2019

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam porttitor neque tortor, convallis congue sem auctor sit amet. Donec vel urna odio. Aenean sit amet pretium tellus. Proin ligula lacus, ultrices scelerisque enim sed, tincidunt consectetur purus. Suspendisse lobortis sollicitudin massa a aliquam. Mauris eget imperdiet dolor. Donec ultricies leo a elit luctus bibendum. Nunc iaculis justo nec pulvinar convallis.

CATEGORY MISSING
Two women discussing the emotional side effects of birth control

Birth Control Risks: Decreased Ability to Read Emotions

Carah Wertheimer · March 18, 2019

Common birth control risks are generally well-known. However, a recent study suggests that “the pill” might also be impairing the mind's ability to accurately read the emotions of others.

Women's Health
Doctor holding medical device representing FDA medical device regulation

FDA Attempts to Update Medical Device Regulation

Carah Wertheimer · February 11, 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is updating its medical device regulation process to better align with the rapid pace of technological advancement.

FDA Regulation
Photo of Estrogel on a woman's hand despite FDA criticism about the female estrogen product.

Estrogel Maker Ascend Therapeutics Under FDA Fire Yet Again

Carah Wertheimer · October 29, 2018

The FDA reprimanded Ascend Theraputics for misleading consumers about the lowest effective dose of Estrogel. Higher doses may increase the risk of Estrogel side effects, such as uterine cancer.

FDA Regulation
Photo of child reaching for pills depicted the way children in opioid epidemic are affected.

Data Shows Rising Number of Children Poisoned in Opioid Epidemic

Carah Wertheimer · October 25, 2018

The opioid epidemic in the United States is taking an increasingly devastating toll on children and adolescents, including the youngest Americans – preschool and kindergarten children.

Research + Findings
A woman suffering with surgical staples pain

FDA Issues Letter on Increasing Danger of Surgical Staples

Carah Wertheimer · March 21, 2019

There have been more than 9,000 serious injuries and 32,000 malfunctions related to surgical staples. On March 8, the FDA issued a letter to healthcare providers expressing concern for the issue and recommending safety measures for safety.

FDA Regulation
illustration of the capitol building

Big Pharma, Big Money: When Pharma Contributes Cash to Congress

Carah Wertheimer · November 26, 2018

Pharma executives contribute thousands of dollars to members of Congress, with powerful and influential members receiving large-scale donations through various workarounds.

Health Features
A photo of an agricultural field in relation to the debate between Monsanto and the EPA about Roundup, glyphosate and cancer.

Roundup and Cancer: EPA Sidesteps Science Claiming "No Link"

Carah Wertheimer · May 8, 2019

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reaffirmed its 2017 assessment that glyphosate, the herbicide in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller, does not cause cancer. Recent scientific studies and court cases say otherwise about the controversial herbicide.

Research + Findings
Illustration of Desperate Housewives' Marcia Cross after Marcia Cross posts about talcum powder and cancer.

Desperate Housewives' Marcia Cross Addresses Baby Powder and Cancer

Carah Wertheimer · April 24, 2019

Desperate Housewives star, Marcia Cross, posted on Instagram this past March sharing nostalgic photos with her friend who recently died due to Ovarian Cancer. In her post, Cross honors her friend, speaking out on female use of baby powder and cancer.

Women's Health
A couple looking at the damage caused by California’s Camp and Woolsey Wildfires.

Billions of Dollars of Damage Caused By California’s Camp and Woolsey Wildfires

Carah Wertheimer · December 12, 2018

California fire damage has caused billions of dollars in losses, leaving families without homes statewide.

News

Too Big to Succeed? The Bayer Monsanto Merger

Carah Wertheimer · October 5, 2018

The Bayer Monsanto merger is the single largest cash transaction in history. The companies will control one-quarter of the global market, raising anti-trust concerns on both sides of the Atlantic.

News
A photo of a teething baby after FDA teething gels warning for babies is released.

Benzocaine and Babies: FDA Warns Teething Gels May Be Life-Threatening

Carah Wertheimer · November 30, 2018

A recent FDA warning alerts families that baby teething gels with benzocaine may cause a rare but serious blood disorder.

FDA Regulation
Farmer spraying Roundup representing verdict in San Francisco

Second Jury Links Roundup to Cancer, $80 Million Verdict

Carah Wertheimer · March 30, 2019

Today the jury ordered Monsanto to pay $80 million in damages for 70-year-old Edwin Hardeman’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, who sprayed his 56-acre property with Roundup for 26 years.

Legal Developments
A photo of the Monsanto headquarters to depict the recent happenings in the Monsanto Roundup trial

San Francisco Jury Calls Roundup a "Substantial Factor" in Cancer Case

Carah Wertheimer · March 21, 2019

In the recent Monsanto Roundup trial, six jurors in a San Francisco federal court unanimously decided that Roundup (glyphosate), the world’s most widely-used herbicide, was likely a “substantial factor” in causing Edwin Hardeman's non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Legal Developments
A photo of Billie Copley next to a photo of Jennifer Snowden, two women injured by transvaginal mesh.

Stories Not Statistics: Faces of Transvaginal Mesh

Carah Wertheimer · May 31, 2019

For Pelvic Pain Awareness Month, MedTruth is sharing patient stories. We're recognizing two transvaginal mesh survivors living with chronic pain. For Billie Copley, 44, and Jennifer Snowden, 34, transvaginal mesh implants have changed their lives forever.

Patient Stories
A photo of a woman with transvaginal mesh after news of Transvaginal Mesh Sales Halted by FDA.

FDA Stops Sales of Transvaginal Mesh

Carah Wertheimer · April 19, 2019

The FDA gave transvaginal mesh companies Boston Scientific and Coloplast 10 days to submit plans to withdraw their products from the market - officially ending transvaginal mesh sales. Unfortunately for many, the damage has been done.

FDA Regulation
Woman getting her finger pricked for Alzheimer's blood test

Blood Test Detects Alzheimer's 20 Years in Advance

Carah Wertheimer · February 8, 2019

Created by Australian and Japanese researchers, this revolutionary Alzheimer's blood test is able to detect the disease 20 years before symptoms begin.

Research + Findings
A justice statue indicating cases to watch 2019

3 Legal Cases Fighting Dangerous Products in 2019

Carah Wertheimer · March 7, 2019

Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder, Monsanto's Roundup and the chilling opioid crisis have recently been in the headlines as legal teams attempt to get justice for thousands of injured individuals. Here's our breakdown of the top three legal cases to watch in 2019.

Legal Developments
A physician being paid out by a pharmaceutical company

Former Sloan Kettering “Top Doc” Resigns, Pharma Ties Exposed

Carah Wertheimer · January 22, 2019

Dr. Jose Baselga was forced to resign as chief medical officer of New York’s prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after failing to disclose millions of dollars in payments from drug companies,

News
Man in pain due to Polypropylene Mesh Hernia

What is Polypropylene? The Plastic in Your Mesh

Carah Wertheimer · February 15, 2019

Polypropylene mesh was first used surgically in 1958 for the repair of an abdominal wall and is known as a “first generation” mesh. The "second generation” meshes combine two types of plastic with other materials such as the metal titanium, while “third generation” meshes are derived from animal tissues.

News
Gay men discussing Truvada for HIV prevention

Mutual of Omaha Insures Those Taking HIV-Prevention Drug Truvada, Denies Discrimination

Carah Wertheimer · February 12, 2019

Truvada insurance coverage is no longer denied by Massachusetts company Mutual of Omaha, though discrimination against Truvada users remains an industry-wide practice.

News
Talcum Powder Warning Label

New Talcum Powder Warning Label Case in California

Carah Wertheimer · February 6, 2019

Johnson & Johnson's legal troubles have taken a new turn, now focused on the talcum powder warning label. Under California's Proposition 65, companies must issue warnings if products expose customers to known cancer-causing agents.

Legal Developments
Photo of couple laying in bed discussing the Natural Cycles App.

Can the Natural Cycles App Turn Your Smartphone Into Safe, Reliable Birth Control?

Carah Wertheimer · April 2, 2019

The Natural Cycles App, the first non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical digital birth control, sure sounds good. Available for Android and iPhones, the app is 93 percent effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies and can be used for pregnancy planning, to the tune of $99.99 per annual subscription.  There are no known side effects.

MedTech
Illustration of various foot, stomach, and shoulder pains representing neuropathy from chemo.

Tasigna Patients: Be Aware of Chemo-Induced Neuropathy

Carah Wertheimer · October 18, 2018

Cancer patients taking the oral medication Tasigna can reduce the risk of developing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy by better understanding the condition.

Health Features
A physician prescribing based on opioid legislation

Can Opioid Legislation Stem the Free Flow of Drugs?

Carah Wertheimer · March 18, 2019

As the opioid crisis continues to intensify, the numbers paint a grim picture. Unfortunately for those impacted by opioid addiction, U.S. opioid legislation to resolve the epidemic is unlikely to improve anytime soon.

Laws + Congress
Dog and cat impacted by the opioid crisis

Inside the Opioid Crisis: Pet Prescriptions & Vets

Carah Wertheimer · March 25, 2019

Pet owners desperate to get opioids are intentionally harming their animals. Recent studies surrounding the opioid crisis reveal an increase in the abuse and misuse of veterinary opioid prescriptions.

FDA Regulation
A photo of a rally protest where people take a stand for the Medical Device Safety Act.

Why You Should Care About the Medical Device Safety Act

Carah Wertheimer · April 17, 2019

Advocates and individuals harmed by Essure, mesh, breast implants and hip replacements are lobbying representatives to support the Medical Device Safety Act, a bill that would allow consumers to get justice from manufacturers for medical device injuries.

Health Features