News in Brief April 27 – Transamerica, Pfizer and More

FDA Reviews Pfizer Miscarriage Study

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it’s reviewing a Danish study linking Pfizer’s Diflucan yeast infection treatment to an increased risk of miscarriage. The FDA suggests that doctors use caution in prescribing Diflucan – also known as fluconazole – to pregnant women while the agency goes over the results of the study.

Michigan Judge Disqualifies Himself from Flint Water Case

Judge Mark A. Goldsmith has disqualified himself from handling a lawsuit brought by Flint residents over the city’s tainted drinking water. The reason? Well, since Goldsmith drank the water during his time working at Flint divisional courthouse, he could potentially be a class member. Goldsmith decided that it would be best if he stepped aside and let someone else take over. The case was reassigned to Judge David M. Lawson.

Transamerica Facing Lawsuit Over Insurance Rate Increase

Transamerica Life Insurance Co. is facing a proposed class action claiming that, by increasing the cost of its customers' monthly premiums, it made its policies too expensive to hold on to. According to the complaint, Transamerica will make a significant amount of money from both the higher premiums and from getting rid of older policies – while retaining the money that customers have already paid out. The lawsuit claims Transamerica violated California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, as well as insurance and consumer protection laws.