Category Archives: National Government

Snow Fall Allows for Continuation of Pile Burns on Kaibab National Forest

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WILLIAMS – Recent snow storms have presented excellent conditions for crews to continue with fuels reduction efforts on both the Tusayan and Williams Ranger districts. Pile burns will carry on in various locations south of Williams and approximately 20 miles east of Tusayan near Russel Tank.

Operations could be extended well into next week with more snow being forecasted in the days ahead. Weather conditions are evaluated on a daily basis and burns only occur when conditions meet prescription parameters. Smoke dispersal is also a determining factor before decisions to ignite occur. Managers always strive to minimize impacts to rural developed areas.

One 46 acre unit adjacent to Buckskinner Park is scheduled for treatment and will be evaluated carefully due to its proximity to the City of Williams. This operation should be completed in one day. Smoke may be visible and light impacts may occur but are expected to be short in duration. Additional notifications will be made throughout the community prior to this area being treated.

Ignitions on approximately 96 acres of piles near Russel tank will commence the beginning of next week however no smoke impacts are anticipated due to the remote location east of Tusayan.All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. This information can be found at the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5160/

Fuels Reduction Efforts Continue on Tusayan Ranger District

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TUSAYAN – Fire Managers on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will continue burning slash piles on a 429 acre block this week just west of the Grand Canyon Airport.

The return of wet winter weather has enabled crews to resume working where they started last month eliminating woody fuel loads from previous thinning projects southwest of the town of Tusayan. Piles generally consume quickly due to the arrangement of burnable material above the ground and have little to no spread potential over the dampened surface.Smoke may be visible for short durations from the Grand Canyon Village, Highway 64 and the community of Tusayan but is expected to dissipate rapidly toward the northeast with very light impacts. Conditions are monitored closely throughout the day to ensure smoke ventilation is optimal during operations.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

Pile Burns to Continue on South Side of Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – Fire crews will begin burning an additional 500 acres of hand piles scattered across the southern half of the Williams Ranger District beginning Monday of this week.

Inclement weather bringing moisture has presented favorable conditions to continue reducing fuel loads at various locations that include Coleman Lake, Sevier Flat, and Jackass Flat. Conditions will be evaluated daily before burns are implemented to ensure desirable effects and management objectives are being met. Fire managers will conduct operations incrementally at different locations throughout the week.

Smoke production is expected to be minimal with very short duration and disperse quickly to the northeast. No overnight impacts are expected.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. This information can be found at the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5160/

Congressman Paul Gosar calls for arrest of illegals at State of Union Address

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) contacted the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as Attorney General Jeff Sessions, asking they consider checking identification of all attending the State of the Union address and arresting any illegal aliens in attendance. Additionally, Congressman Gosar asked that they arrest those using fraudulent social security numbers and identification to pass through security.

“Of all the places where the Rule of Law needs to be enforced, it should be in the hallowed halls of Congress,” said Congressman Gosar. “Any illegal aliens attempting to go through security, under any pretext of invitation or otherwise, should be arrested and deported.”

Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc., Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Basic Drugs Brand of Senna Laxative Due to Mislabeling

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Tigard, OR – Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc., is voluntarily recalling one lot of Basic Drugs Brand of Senna Laxative tablets, 8.6mg Sennosides to the consumer level due to a customer complaint that their bottle labeled as Senna Laxative actually contained Basic Drugs Brand of Naproxen Sodium 220mg. Naproxen Sodium 220mg tablet is used as a pain reliever and is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Unintentional consumption of naproxen sodium potentially could result in fatal adverse events in patients with underlying illnesses, including known allergy to the hidden ingredients, cardiac, gastrointestinal, hepatic, and renal conditions as well as patients who recently undergone cardiac bypass graft surgery. Patients may inadvertently overdose by taking another NSAID concurrently, thus increasing the risk for NSAID associated adverse events, which include but are not limited to, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal toxicity, bleeding, ulceration, or perforation of the stomach or the intestines. The populations most at risk are: children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and surgical patients. Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc., has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall to date.

Basic Drugs Brand Senna Laxative, 8.6mg Sennosides, tablet is used as a laxative (natural) to relieve constipation and is packaged in 100-count bottles, with an outer neck seal and a child resistant cap, with Lot#352300, EXP: 01/19 printed on the bottom of the bottle. Basic Drugs Brand Senna Laxative tablets were distributed Nationwide in the USA to secondary distributors, retail pharmacies and via the internet.

Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc., has notified its distributor by e-mail and is arranging for the return of all recalled products. Consumers, distributors or retailers that have Basic Drugs Brand Senna Laxative Lot#352300 which are being recalled should stop using the product and return it to Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc. or their distributor.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Magno-Humphries Laboratories, Inc. by (503) 684-5464, (800) 935-6737 [state days of the week] between 9am to 5pm PT or by e-mail at info@magno-humphries.com. 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 the 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.

Zoll LifeVest 4000 Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator: FDA Safety Communication – Potential Lack of Treatment (Shock) Delivery Due to Device Failure

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The Zoll LifeVest 4000 is a wearable defibrillator used to treat life-threatening abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias) in adults and children who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest and are not candidates for, or refuse, an implantable defibrillator. The LifeVest continuously monitors the patient’s heart and, if a fast, life-threatening heart rhythm is detected, the device delivers a treatment (i.e. a shock) to restore the patient to a normal heart rhythm.

FDA is providing information and recommendations regarding the Zoll LifeVest 4000 due to concerns that the device may fail to deliver treatment to the patient if the device is not replaced soon after displaying “Call for service: Device has a problem that may require service. Call ZOLL for service, Message Code 102.” Failure to contact Zoll and immediately replace the device after Message Code 102 appears on the device screen may result in serious patient harm or death of the patient because the device may fail to deliver therapy appropriately when needed.

Ideally, the LifeVest monitors the patient’s heart, delivering a “treatment shock” as needed to restore the patient’s heartbeat to a normal rhythm. However, FDA is aware that in certain cases the LifeVest 4000 may not be able to deliver a life-saving treatment shock to a patient due to a fault that prevents the device from charging its high-energy capacitors. During normal operation, this fault prompts the LifeVest to display “Call for service: Device has a problem that may require service. Call Zoll for service, Message Code 102” on the device screen. The “Message Code 102” alert does not explicitly indicate to the patient that the device cannot be used and that the patient should call Zoll immediately.

To date, FDA is aware of one patient death due to the LifeVest’s failure to deliver treatment as expected after Message Code 102 was displayed. According to Zoll, as of November 14, 2017, there were a total of 33,670 devices distributed, with 24,975 devices distributed in the U.S. About 0.1% of the total devices distributed have displayed Message Code 102, which should only be remedied by immediate replacement of the device.

The FDA will continue to work with Zoll to monitor LifeVest 4000 devices for any adverse events related to Message Code 102 or a failure to deliver treatment. The FDA will also continue to work with Zoll to identify a permanent solution to the Message Code 102 issue, and will keep the public informed as new information becomes available.

RECOMMENDATION:
For Health care providers –

  • Train patients prescribed use of the Zoll LifeVest 4000 on how to identify the “Call for service, Message Code 102” alert. Message Code 102 may first display as a gong alert, and then subsequently at every power-up until the device is returned to Zoll for servicing. The alert will read “Call for service: Device has a problem that may require service. Call ZOLL for service, Message Code 102” and will allow the patient to tap “OK” to return to normal operation.
  • Inform patients to respond to the “Call for service, Message Code 102” alert on the LifeVest 4000 screen by contacting Zoll immediately. Message Code 102 may mean that the LifeVest 4000 has a severe service problem and cannot be used because the device may not appropriately deliver life-saving treatment if needed. Zoll will replace the patient’s device within 24 hours if the device displays Message Code 102. Zoll’s Customer Service can be reached 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week at: 1-800-543-3267.
  • Reinforce initial LifeVest 4000 training, explaining that the device can display messages on the screen and play audio alerts that require the patient to take action. If Message Code 102 does not appear on the device screen, the patient should continue to use the LifeVest 4000 as prescribed, and read the display for gong alerts and follow the instructions on the screen (refer to Section 5 in the Patient Manual).

For Patients and Caregivers:

  • Contact Zoll immediately if “Call for service: Device has a problem that may require service. Call ZOLL for service, Message Code 102” appears on your LifeVest 4000 screen. Message Code 102 may first display as a gong alert, and then subsequently at every power-up until the device is returned to Zoll for servicing. The Message Code 102 alert will also allow you to tap “OK” to return to normal operation.
    > However, the “Call for service, Message Code 102” alert may mean that the LifeVest 4000 has a severe service problem and cannot be used because the device may not appropriately deliver life-saving treatment if needed.
    > Zoll will replace your device within 24 hours if the device displays Message Code 102. Zoll’s Customer Service can be reached 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week at: 1-800-543-3267.
  • Continue to use your LifeVest 4000 as prescribed by your physician and as instructed during your initial training if the “Call for service, Message Code 102” alert is NOT displayed on your device screen. You should continue to read the display for gong alerts and follow the instructions on the screen (refer to Section 5 in the Patient Manual).

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form 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

Baxter Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall to Include Second Lot of Nexterone Injection Due to Presence of Particulate Matter

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Following the issuance of a voluntary recall dated November 10, 2017 of one lot of NEXTERONE (amiodarone HCl) 150 mg/100 mL Premixed Injection, Baxter International Inc. announced today it is expanding the recall to include a second lot (NC109123) of NEXTERONE due to the potential presence of particulate matter. The affected lots were distributed between 7/21/2017 and 10/2/2017 in the United States to wholesalers/distributors and healthcare facilities. The particulate matter may have entered the solution during the manufacturing process.

Intravenous administration of a solution containing sterile particulate matter may lead to adverse health consequences. The extent and severity of harm depends on the size, number and composition of the foreign material, and the patient’s underlying medical condition. In the absence of in-line filtration, these particles may cause local vein irritation, inflammatory reaction, aggravation of preexisting infections, allergic reactions, phlebitis, pulmonary emboli, pulmonary granulomas, immune system dysfunction, pulmonary dysfunction, pulmonary infarction, and systemic embolization. To date, there have been no reports of adverse events associated with this issue.

NEXTERONE is a prescription antiarrhythmic agent indicated for initiation of treatment and prophylaxis of frequently recurring ventricular fibrillation and hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia in patients refractory to other therapy.

The particulate matter was identified by Baxter during a stability study, and was consistent with polyethylene, the primary constituent of the film and ports used to manufacture the bag in which NEXTERONE is packaged.
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Varubi (rolapitant) Injectable Emulsion: Health Care Provider Letter – Anaphylaxis and Other Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions

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Anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in the postmarketing setting—some requiring hospitalization. These reactions have occurred during or soon after the infusion of Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion. Most reactions have occurred within the first few minutes of administration.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis can include wheezing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives or flushing, itching; abdominal cramping, abdominal pain or vomiting, back pain or chest pain, hypotension or shock.

BACKGROUND: Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion is approved to prevent delayed phase chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (emesis). Varubi is approved in adults in combination with other drugs (antiemetic agents) that prevent nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of vomit-inducing (emetogenic and highly emetogenic) cancer chemotherapy.

RECOMMENDATION: Healthcare professionals must be vigilant for signs of hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis in all patients receiving Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion, both during and following its administration.
It is advised that Healthcare professionals consult with patients to determine if the patient is hypersensitive to any component of the product (including soybean oil). Furthermore, as cross reactions to other allergens is possible, patients with known allergies to legumes or other related allergens should be monitored closely. Patients with a potential hypersensitivity should not be administered Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion.

Appropriate treatment should be available for immediate use in the event of an anaphylactic reaction during treatment with Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion.

If anaphylaxis or any other serious hypersensitivity/infusion reaction occurs,

  1. administration of Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion should be stopped immediately.
  2. appropriate medical management (including epinephrine and or antihistamines) should be initiated, and
  3. Varubi (rolapitant) injectable emulsion should be permanently discontinued.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

  1. Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
  2. Download form 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

See the Health Care Provider Letter for important prescribing information to reflect the new safety information.

Pile Burning continues on Williams Ranger District

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Kaibab Forest Service photo

WILLIAMS – Conditions remain optimal for fire managers to continue burning slash piles on the south side of the Williams Ranger District and crews will move forward with burning an additional 94 acres on Thursday of this week near Coleman Lake adjacent to County Road 73. As moisture in the area remains, additional acres will be identified and treated.

Recent snow fall levels have allowed for the opportunity to work at least two more days in the area. Fuels specialists are accomplishing the objectives they hoped for with no control concerns. Pile burning will likely continue throughout the winter months as weather permits and conditions remain favorable.

Smoke may be visible during the early part of the day but is expected to be minimal in volume and disperse rapidly. No overnight impacts are expected.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. This information can be found at the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5160/

Snowfall forecast on North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow through Friday, weather permitting.

Crews will be active on approximately 125 acres at the southern end of the district near DeMotte campground and on 250 acres at the northern end of the district near Jacob Lake. The treatment is continuation of the Plateau Facilities Fire Protection Project, an ongoing wildfire mitigation project that includes a combination of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning designed to ultimately treat about 5,000 acres across the Kaibab Plateau.

The piles have cured over the last few years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds are expected to have a southerly influence, which would push any smoke produced to the north/northeast. However, fire managers anticipate smoke impacts to be very light as transport winds are forecast to be 10-to-15 mph. Individuals in the surrounding area who have smoke sensitivities are advised to limit their outdoor exposure during the pile burn.

General Information: Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

No road or trail closures are expected. However, in the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic, and smoke may all be present.