Medtronic’s Infuse Bone Graft Linked to Cancer

Infuse Bone Graft, which is manufactured and sold by Medtronic, is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice over concerns that its maker withheld information about dangerous safety and health concerns associated with use of its product.

Infuse contains a bone growth hormone which is designed to mirror actual bone formation, and according to the June issue of Spine Journal, Medtronic allegedly paid surgeons to keep quite regarding the product’s dangerous side effects such as cancer, sterility in men, infections, bone dissolution and increases in leg and back pain.

In fact, recent articles in Spine Journal also suggest that despite the previously unreported risks of using Infuse, a new study has uncovered a more quantified link between the drug and pancreatic, breast and prostate cancer. The study’s data further revealed that patients using Infuse are at 2.5 times greater risk for developing cancer just one year after using Infuse and at five times greater risk after three years.

The U.S. Senate and the Department of Justice are trying to assertion whether or not Medtronic promoted its bone graft drug for off-label uses. At present, Infuse is approved only for use in some spinal fusion surges and dental procedures.

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