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Caution Using Topical Anesthetics Prior to Mammography

FDA is alerting patients and healthcare professionals about the potential danger of using topical anesthetics to relieve pain before having mammography or other medical procedures. The concern is that patients may apply these drugs improperly, which could cause excessive absorption of the drug. This could result in seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, coma, and even death.

Serious Complications with Surgical Mesh for Gynecologic Surgery

The FDA is alerting healthcare professionals about rare but serious complications associated with the surgical mesh used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. The mesh is usually placed transvaginally using minimally invasive techniques.

Updated March 11, 2009