Shuttlesworth Law Firm, LLC - June 2019

NOT JUST PRESCRIPTION MEDS 3 DANGEROUS OTC MEDICATIONS

UNLIKELY PRO ATHLETES WHO BEAT THE ODDS SOMETIMES ALL IT TAKES IS THE POWER OF WILL

Over 47,000 people overdosed on opioids last year, and while the opioid crisis is nothing short of a tragedy, you should know that opioids are not the only drug that can lead to overdose. In fact, there are many over-the-counter medications that, if defective or if used with incorrect instructions, can lead to a number of negative side effects and in some cases, death. Here are a few of the most dangerous over-the-counter medications. ACETAMINOPHEN This drug is found in a variety of different medications, from Tylenol to Nyquil. Because it is so prevalent in over-the-counter medications, it is not viewed with the same level of caution as medications only available through a prescription. There were 56,000 emergency department visits as a result of acetaminophen in 2018. Some of the symptoms of an overdose on this drug include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and even coma. NSAIDS Short for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs kill 16,500 people a year in the United States and are found in drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Many times, these cases are caused by wrongful combinations or incorrect usage. Overdosing on NSAIDs can lead to seizures, vomiting, nausea, and coma. ANTIHISTAMINES These drugs are common in allergy medications like Benadryl. Antihistamines lead to drowsiness, which can lead to dangerous situations if part of your job requires you to operate heavy machinery. An overdose can lead to rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations.

The life of a professional athlete can seem like all glitz and glamour, shaking hands, kissing babies, and occasionally performing in the spotlight under a little bit of pressure. But for every athlete you see on your television screen, there are actually hundreds more in the minor leagues fighting against all odds to make it to the big stage. And some of those athletes have disadvantages that mean they have to work twice as hard just to get the same respect as those who’ve had an easier road. These professionals prove that sometimes all it takes to see your dreams come true is an ability to block out the noise, put your head down, and keep your disabilities from holding you back. Here are two athletes who did just that. BILLY MISKE: FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE Boxing is a sport of extreme violence and diligent strategy. To be a winner, you must be smart and physically capable. For a while, Billy Miske was both of those things — until he was diagnosed with the life-threatening Bright’s disease that severely affected his kidneys. Already considered a bit of an underdog, he chose to keep fighting to pay off his increasing medical debts and give his family a shot at a better life. As his disease progressed and he realized his days were numbered, fate pitted him against heavyweight Bill Brennan. Despite his doctor’s orders, and despite facing a much larger opponent while he was literally at death’s door, Miske shocked the world by knocking Brennan out and delivering the dream Christmas that he’d promised his children in the process. He died a few days later, immortalized by his fighting spirit and refusal to quit.

Overdoses on OTC medications and prescription medications are not always the fault of the user. Sometimes, doctors may not make patients properly aware

JIM ABBOTT: NEVER NEEDED A HAND After being born without a right hand, the odds of Jim Abbott playing baseball in any capacity seemed slim, but Jim Abbott didn’t care about the odds. After developing a one-of-a-kind fielding routine where he would switch his glove from his shorter arm to his dominant one, Abbott took his talents all the way to the major leagues. Fans around the world watched as he turned his disability into a 10-year MLB career that included throwing a no-hitter in 1993 against the New York Yankees, which was one of the most remarkable accomplishments in baseball.

of the side effects of the drugs they recommend or prescribe. Other times, users might have taken a defective medication, or pharmaceutical companies might not have properly advertised the risks and side effects of the

medication. Whatever the case, our pharmaceutical injury lawyer can help you understand your options. Give our office a call today for a free consultation.

Sometimes the sky isn’t enough. Ultimately, the only limits that hold you back are the ones you set for yourself.

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