Drug Watch Canada is launching an investigation into various hernia mesh products. Hernia mesh is a screen-like surgical implant used to repair hernias, a condition that occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The use of a surgical mesh is viewed by the medical community as the standard of care for hernia repair.
While studies show that hernia mesh can prevent hernia recurrence, several mesh products have been recalled and patients report suffering from complications including infections, adhesions and bowel obstructions that require hernia mesh removal surgery.

Abilify (aripiprazole) belongs to a new class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. Newer antipsychotics work differently than older ones in that they target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, whereas older antipsychotics such as Thorazine only target dopamine receptors.

Xarelto is a prescription drug manufactured by the pharmaceutical giant Bayer and prescribed by doctors to prevent blood clots in patients. Xarelto may also cause uncontrollable internal bleeding that can lead to complications and even death. Lawsuits have been filed against Bayer claiming that the company failed to warn the public of the risks associated with Xarelto and purposely withheld the fact that there is no available agent to reverse the potentially fatal effects of the drug.

Olmetec and Olmetec Plus are prescription drugs manufactured by the companies Merck Canada Inc., Schering-Plough Canada Inc. and Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd. and are prescribed to patients as a treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) and other medical conditions such as renal disease. Olmetec and Olmetec Plus have also been linked to intestinal and/or colonic disease manifestations.

Talcum powder is a soft, soothing powder developed from talc. It is mainly used to absorb moisture and prevent friction on the skin, and is found in commonly used cosmetic and personal hygiene products. The Canadian government classified talc as a "cancer-causing" substance under the Hazardous Products Act and associated Controlled Products Regulations and health experts have linked the use of talcum powder to ovarian cancer in women.