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Amneal Pharmaceuticals Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Lorazepam Oral Concentrate an anxiety disorder drug

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August 14, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Amneal Pharmaceuticals
[email protected]
631-952-0214 x338

Bridgewater NJ, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC is voluntarily recalling 13 lots of Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, to the Consumer level due to a defect in the dropper markings. The Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, product is packaged with a dosing dropper, supplied to Amneal by a third party. In a few instances, the dropper is printed with the dose markings in reverse number order, has no dose markings or has dose markings that are shifted. Amneal learned about the issue from a Consumer’s report. To date no adverse events related to these dropper defects have been reported to Amneal. The below picture shows examples of a dropper with the correct print, along with examples of droppers with the defects.

Risk Statement: There is a significant likelihood that the dropper marking errors will result in dispensing either less than, or more than, the prescribed dose. There is a significant probability of a serious health consequence if more than the prescribed dose is dispensed and potential serious adverse events include – drowsiness causing trauma; increased anxiety; increased accidental injury to self or others (e.g., hip fracture, motor vehicle accident); which in the most serious circumstances could result in permanent decreased function or death.

The product is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety or anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. It is packaged in an individual carton, identified with the code: NDC 65162-687-84, which contains a 30mL amber glass bottle of liquid produced by Amneal, a package insert with patient information, and a plastic dropper sealed in a clear plastic bag. The affected Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL, lots are the following:

Lot NumberExpiration Date
06876016A08/2018
06876017A08/2018
06876018A08/2018
06876019A09/2018
06876020A09/2018
06876021A09/2018
06876022A09/2018
06876023A11/2018
06876024A12/2018
06876025A12/2018
06877001A02/2019
06877002A02/2019
06877003A03/2019

The product can be identified by the lot number printed on the bottom-right side of the blue and white label, with the Amneal logo, on the amber bottle supplied with the dropper, in a blue and white carton, with the Amneal logo. The Lorazepam Oral Concentrate, USP 2mg/mL was distributed nationwide to wholesalers.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has notified its wholesale customers by a Recall Letter to return all recalled lots. Amneal is notifying pharmacies by providing a Recall Letter and a supply of replacement droppers to all pharmacies that may have received any of the recalled lots. There is no safety issue with the bottled product itself. To avoid any interruption in supply or access to the medication by the patient, pharmacies are instructed to immediately discard the dropper included with the recalled lots and replace it with the dropper included with the Recall Letter. Amneal also is providing the pharmacist with a sticker which the pharmacist is required to place on the box to alert the patient and other pharmacists that the dropper has been replaced. Pharmacists are instructed to notify all Consumers impacted by the recall of the potential defect and the need to exchange a defective dropper. Consumers are instructed to discontinue use of any defective dropper and return it to the place of purchase for a replacement. If Consumers are unsure whether their droppers are defective they are encouraged to confirm with their dispensing pharmacy.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 631.952.0214 x338 or [email protected] on Monday through Friday from 9AM through 5PM Eastern Time. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax.

Complete and submit report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Assembly Republican Caucus Make major leadership changes in Trenton

Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi

August 16,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , the Assembly Republican caucus  has made some major leadership changes in Trenton. We are excited to announce Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi has been named to leadership in the Assembly Republican caucus.

Schepisi has been very active in recent months shedding light on the court forced over development
of Bergen County .

Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick announces leadership additions :

TRENTON, N.J. – Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick made the following statement regarding leadership appointments:

“I am proud to announce new leadership appointments to lead the Republican caucus in Trenton.

· Ron Dancer, deputy leader
· BettyLou DeCroce, assistant leader
· Holly Schepisi, assistant leader

We expect Jay Webber to assume the position of appropriations officer in January 2018.”

 

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Reader says time for Cory Booker to Go

cory_booker_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

When is Cory Booker going to be taken down? He wants to be known as the former Mayor of Newark, but he really is from the silver spoon community of Harrington Park. He claims to have lived on Hawthorne Avenue in Newark during his tenure in office, but I would be he couldn’t find it on a map. Much less have the intestinal fortitude to get out of the chauffeur driven limousine to enter the home on a regular basis. Pay interns? Surely you gest. Chuck Schumer doesn’t let any cash flow from his nicotine stained fingers.

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The 5 sneakiest new scams to watch out for right now in 2017

Nigerian scam michael-scott-

Christy Rakoczy, Mic

Aug. 4, 2017, 9:52 PM

Maybe you’re booking your awesome Labor Day vacation. Or you finally got a reply to an email you’ve been waiting for, with package tracking information for a gadget you ordered online. You’re cool to send payment to your Airbnb host, or to follow the link in the “shipping info” email… right?

Well, not so fast. Some scams that have cropped up recently actually mean that if you’re not 100% sure you’re actually booking with a legitimate Airbnb host — or responding to a trustworthy email or text — you could be putting your identity and your computer security at risk. Fraudster trickslike fake student loan relief offersor fake tech support scams have been a problem for awhile, but summer is an extra busy time for scammers, with consumer complaints about new tricks on the rise.

That means it’s especially vital for you to be really careful right now — and part of that is knowing of the newest traps that scam artists are setting to get you to give up personal information, cash or worse.

To help you out, here are five of the newest scams that you’ll want to be sure to avoid in 2017 — ranked from kinda sneaky to downright dastardly.

https://www.businessinsider.com/sneakiest-new-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2017-2017-8

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Rat-borne disease now killing dogs in New Jersey

Vicious_dog_theridgewoodblog

file photo by William Thomas

PARAMUS, N.J. — Health officials in New Jersey are warning pet owners about a deadly disease that is passed through rats.

Veterinarians in the state say they have seen a rise in the number of dogs who have contracted leptospirosis this year. The disease — known in some parts of the world as mud fever or swamp fever — is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through rat urine. Health officials say dogs may be exposed to the infection after lapping up puddle water.

CBS New York reports that at least three dogs died and two others were sickened by the disease in northern New Jersey.

The Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Paramus has recently treated five dogs; three of them died. It was too late for antibiotics and the animals suffered organ failure, WCBS 880 reported.

The infection can also be hazardous for humans if they come into contact with rat urine. A Bronx man died from leptospirosis in February and two others became ill. But the New Jersey Health Department says there are currently no known human cases of leptospirosis in the state.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rat-borne-disease-leptospirosis-kills-dogs-in-new-jersey/

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Reader says the Feds want to get in the pot business for tax reasons

POT-SMOKING-KID

The Empty Suit (BOOKER)must have spent too much time in the “Choom Wagon”. To have the Feds get in the pot business for tax reasons as the country further stupifys itself is insane. The latest buzz is about an opioid crisis and the government wants to sue the drug manufacturers. If they could collect taxes on heroin, would they whistle a different tune?

Recently President Donald J. Trump Directed the Administration to Use All Appropriate Authority to Respond to Opioid Emergency. Building upon the recommendations in the interim report from the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, President Donald J. Trump has instructed his Administration to use all appropriate emergency and other authorities to respond to the crisis caused by the opioid epidemic.

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Most DC wage-hike backers don’t even pay their interns

cory_booker_theridgewoodblog

Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) all do not pay interns but support the minimum wage photo of Cory Booker by Boyd Loving 

By Jonathon Trugman

August 12, 2017 | 10:53pm

One of the most valuable things a college student can do is complement his or her education with a summer internship.

Across America, kids from all schools and backgrounds compete for these experiences and résumé-building opportunities.

For many, it is their first real job and a chance make a little money. It could also be their first experience in a professional work environment.

You wouldn’t know it, but one of the least rewarding places to intern over the summer is on Capitol Hill.

https://nypost.com/2017/08/12/most-dc-wage-hike-backers-dont-even-pay-their-interns/

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Colorado shows why legalizing marijuana is bad policy

cheech-and-chong

Jeff Hunt is the vice president of public policy at Colorado Christian University.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., has introduced the Marijuana Justice Act in an effort to legalize marijuana across the nation. This is the furthest-reaching legalization effort to date and marks another sad moment in our nation’s embrace of a drug that will have generational consequences.

Our country is facing a drug epidemic. Legalizing recreational marijuana will do nothing that Booker expects. We heard many of these same promises in 2012 when Colorado legalized recreational marijuana.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/opinion/contributors/2017/08/10/colorado-shows-why-legalizing-marijuana-bad-policy/553148001/

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Fair Lawn Fire Department Responds to Smoking Pile of Garbage

Fair Lawn Fire Department Responds to Smoking Pile of Garbage

photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

August 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, Fair Lawn Fire Department responded to a sanitation truck fire at the Nabisco bakery, 22-11 Route 208, Fair Lawn, on Wednesday morning, 08/09. The truck had dumped the burning contents of its payload on the ground prior to the arrival of FD units. No injuries were reported in the incident. Fair Lawn and Hawthorne Police units also responded (the smoking truck was initially spotted on Route 208 in Hawthorne).

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WILL AFFORDABLE-HOUSING DECISION BE DERAILED BY JUDGE’S TIES TO DEVELOPER?

CBD high density housing

file photo

COLLEEN O’DEA | AUGUST 10, 2017

Judge ruled South Brunswick must build 3,000 units of affordable housing, but township wants decision set aside due to ‘appearance of impropriety’

New Jersey’s only municipality to receive its affordable-housing obligation from a judge’s order is continuing to appeal that number, even as construction is underway on the first new developments since the Supreme Court got back in the middle of the Mount Laurel housing controversy. The township is claiming the Superior Court judge was compromised by a relationship with the developer.

It’s been almost two-and-a-half years since the state’s highest court took control of affordable housing matters away from the “moribund” New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing and tossed it back to the courts, which had been the original deciders of low- and moderate-income housing claims following the Supreme Court’s landmark Mount Laurel rulings. In those cases, which date back to 1975, the court ruled that municipalities must zone for their “fair share” of their regional need for affordable housing.

The cases have been slowly winding through the Superior Courts throughout the state. The Fair Share Housing Center, the Cherry Hill-based organization leading the legal efforts to get more homes built, has reached settlements with 120 municipalities to construct more than 36,000 units from Bergen to Camden counties. Construction has even begun on projects in Woodbridge, Cherry Hill, Westfield, and Edison, welcome news to housing advocates after the process had been stalled by lawsuits and lack of action by COAH for about 16 years.

Other municipalities remain in the courts. For instance, a Mercer County judge is expected to rule within the month on the obligations for several communities in Mercer.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/08/09/will-coah-decision-be-derailed-by-judge-s-ties-to-developer/

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Pompton Lakes police officer was killed in Collision With Deer

Pompton Lakes Police department

August 10,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Pompton Lakes NJ, A Pompton Lakes police officer was killed early Wednesday morning in a collision  with a deer and was thrown from his Harley Davidson Motorcycle while driving home from work on a township road.

From the Pompton Lakes Police department , “It is with great sorrow that the Pompton Lakes Police Department announces the untimely passing of Sgt. Peter Kamper. Sgt. Kamper has been employed by the department since 2004. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Peter who was also a Sergeant in Wayne PD. He served as the TAC officer, the head firearms instructor, instructor for the Junior Police Academy, and the departmental IT specialist. He also volunteered his time as a valued member of the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid Squad. He was a devoted supervisor, husband, son, brother, and uncle. The people of Pompton Lakes will remember him as a dedicated officer, but those who knew him best will remember him as so much more.

He stood 6’6” and might have intimidated someone who was not familiar with him. But after speaking with him for a few minutes, you could see that he was a gentle giant whose heart was as big as his frame. He was the person who you could call in the middle of the night when the computers or radios stopped working. He would be at the police department within minutes and did it because he wanted to make your life easier. He was never concerned with praise or money, but did it out of the kindness of his heart. He was motivated by helping people and doing what he could to ease the burdens of others. Whether he was volunteering at the Special Olympics, the Junior Police Academy, or the holiday toy drive, he was someone that people enjoyed being around. People always tended to gravitate towards him and his personality. His jokes and witty commentary always had you coming back for more.

We are truly devastated and heartbroken. Words cannot begin to describe the grief and pain that we are currently experiencing. Despite the overwhelming sadness that we are feeling, we can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Each of us were blessed and privileged to work alongside an exceptional human being. We are better people for having known him and will surely never forget what he has done for each of us. His memory and his spirit will live on inside of us. He will be a part of this department from now until the end of time. Rest easy, Pete. We love you and will never forget you.

Peter is survived by his wife, Christine Kamper, his parents, Wendy, and Peter Kamper and his brother Mike Kamper. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be posted once they become available.”

Sgt. Peter J. Kamper #164, EOW 8/9/2017

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Glen Rock High School Athletic Complex Turf Field Sinkhole Under Repair

Bruce Watson Interim Superintendent

Photo Glen Rock Board Interim Superintendent Bruce Watson

August 10,2017

Bruce Watson Interim Superintendent

Glen Rock NJ, On Saturday, Aug. 5, a sinkhole appeared at the southeast corner of the football field.
District employees quickly responded to the situation and secured the area. The hole was appropriately covered, gates to the field and track were locked, and signage was posted, letting the public know that the area is temporarily off limits. For safety purposes, lights were left on overnight and security personnel were in place on Sunday, to discourage anyone from disregarding the signs and entering the field complex.

On Monday, Aug. 7 the district reached the Contractor of Record, Quality Electric. After assessing the situation, the contractor informed the district late Tuesday, Aug. 8 that the damage will be repaired at no cost to the board since all work is still covered under the warranty. Further, the district has been notified that Quality Electric will be using Land Tek (the company that installed the turf football field) to repair the damage and restore the field. Land Tek is scheduled to begin the work on Thursday, Aug. 10; completion is anticipated by the weekend.
The district intends to have the field complex ready for the start of next week’s athletic practices.
Please check this site for future updates.

 

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Will Menendez Walk?

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file photo by Boyd Loving

AUGUST 09, 2017

Micah Morrison is chief investigative reporter for Judicial Watch

A criminal indictment is a beautiful thing—an austere document, grave and fateful. Who is charged with committing what crimes, and where, and when, and how? What laws have been violated? In it rests the fearsome power of the state. From it may pass a person’s liberty, even life itself. It is transparent in spite of itself: making the argument, it reveals its flaws

The indictment of United States Senator Robert Menendez and Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen charges the two old friends with a conspiracy to commit bribery and “honest services fraud.” It states that they schemed to corruptly influence Senator Menendez’s “official acts” and “defraud and deprive the United States and the citizens of New Jersey of the honest services of a public official.” It sketches attempts to obtain visas for Dr. Melgen girlfriends; attempts to influence the Department of Homeland Security in a contractual matter concerning a Melgen-owned security-screening company; and attempts to gain a favorable ruling from the Department of Health and Human Services in a gigantic Medicare reimbursement dispute—an episode that eventually would land Dr. Melgen in calamity.

Every indictment tells a story. This one is a tale lust, greed and comical incompetence. Whether it’s a story of criminal behavior is another matter. Dr. Melgen showers his old friend with free plane trips, vacation holidays, and large campaign donations at critical moments. Senator Menendez fails to disclose the gifts, setting himself up for a false statements charge. The senator’s office helps the married Dr. Melgen obtain visas for three young girlfriends, all identified as “models.” Embassy officials push back, but eventually the visas are approved. The senator’s office attempts to intervene with the Department of Homeland Security to undermine a security-screening company in the Dominican Republic, a move that would boost the fortunes of Dr. Melgen’s rival company. But it turns out that DHS has no leverage in the matter. In 2009, the senator and his staff step into an $8.9 million Medicare fight, advocating on Dr. Melgen’s behalf in an increasingly tense series of meetings with Department of Health and Human Services officials, working their way up the bureaucratic food chain. The battle goes on for three years. Senator Menendez is rebuffed at every turn. Senator Menendez grows increasingly upset. The Medicare determination is upheld: Dr. Melgen owes $8.9 million.

The Medicare dispute was just the beginning of Dr. Melgen’s troubles. In 2015, he was indicted in a sweeping $90 million Medicare fraud scheme. The drug at the center of part of the scheme, an eye medication called Lucentis, was the same medication in the earlier Medicare dispute. There is no indication that Senator Menendez was involved in the Florida fraud scheme. In April, Dr. Melgen was convicted on all counts. He faces as much as twenty years in prison. Unless maybe he can cut a deal.

The Menendez-Melgen corruption trial opens September 6 in a New Jersey federal court. Does Dr. Melgen have anything to offer the prosecution? Senator Menendez may have some reason to fear Dr. Melgen’s testimony, but he can find solace—and possibly liberty—in last year’s Supreme Court McDonnelldecision. In McDonnell, the court narrowed the definition of official acts and honest services fraud. Prosecutors needed to prove a direct “official action.” An “official act” has to be more than “setting up a meeting, talking to another official, or hosting an event,” the court ruled. Yes, Melgen could roll on Menendez. Yes, a host of government officials and aides could testify that the senator sought favorable actions for his friend. But where are the direct official acts that go beyond typical donor services? Based on the indictment, Senator Menendez, a canny and experienced political operator, appears to have stayed outside that realm.

The betting here: Menendez walks. And for that he can thank the United States Supreme Court.

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N.J. company tests waters of Airbnb-style backyard pool rentals, report says

backyard_pool_theridgewoodblog

Updated on August 8, 2017 at 2:26 PMPosted on August 8, 2017 at 1:55 PM
4shares

By Jeff Goldman

LAKEWOOD —  A fledgling Lakewood company is attempting to put its own twist on Airbnb stays.

Instead of helping you arrange a short-term rental your home, Pool For U will put your backyard swimming pool on the market, according to app.com. The problem is that there are a slew of legal and insurances hurdles.

Pool For U says it’s a way for people without a pool to access one without a trip to the Shore or a costly pool membership. For homeowners, its helps them offset the thousands of dollars it often costs each year to maintain a swimming pool.

Problems could arise, though, if a homeowner’s insurance company found out, the report said. A policy would be canceled immediately if the insurer learned anyone but the home’s residents or invited guests were using the pool, the report said.

https://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2017/08/homeowners_in_lakewood_renting_out_their_pools.html#incart_river_home

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New Jersey Motorists seeing sharply higher gas prices

Route_17_Glen062_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving

August 8,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, A great big shout out to Senator Bob Gordon, Assemblymen Tim Eustace and Joe Lagana, for voting YES for the gas tax. There’s going to be lots of pain at them pump because of them.

Motorists are seeing sharply higher prices at the pumps in New Jersey. According to AAA Mid-Atlantic the average price of a gallon of regular gas in the state on Friday was $2.43. That’s up 7 cents from last week.

Motorists were paying $1.92 for gas at this time last year. A 23-cents-per-gallon gas tax increase went into effect Nov. 1.

This now marks the fourth straight week that gas prices have risen in the state of New Jersey and New Jersey is now out pacing the national average gas price on Friday $2.34, up 4 cents from last week.