Lucrative Drug, Danger Signals and the F.D.A.

[valis]

By GARDINER HARRIS and ERIC KOLI

Dozens had died and more than 100 patients had suffered serious heart problems by March 1998 after taking Propulsid, a popular medicine for heartburn. Infants, given the drug to treat acid reflux, seemed particularly at risk. Federal officials told Propulsid's manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, that the drug might have to be banned for children, or even withdrawn altogether. Instead, the government and the company negotiated new warnings for the drug's label - though not nearly as tough as regulators had wanted.

Propulsid had a good year anyway. Sales continued to surpass $1 billion. Johnson & Johnson continued to underwrite efforts that promoted Propulsid's use in children. A survey that year found that about 20 percent of babies in neonatal intensive care units were being given the drug.

Two years later, as reports of heart injuries and deaths mounted, Johnson & Johnson continued defending the safety of Propulsid, but then pulled it from the market before a government hearing threatened to draw attention to the drug's long, largely hidden, record of trouble.

More at: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/10/business/10drug.html?ei=5094&en=35985e35931e61c2&hp=&ex=1118376000&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print

[babylonsister]

1. This was posted about the same time

as your article; maybe we need a forum on current drugs under investigation lest we kill ourselves for no reason, or an avoidable one.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1537382

[valis]

2. That would be a potentially useful forum, I think...

Especially if there are some users who work in pharma or have expertise about drug marketing, clinical trials etc... Wanna write to Skinner about it?...

[babylonsister]

3. Well, we could KICK that idea around for a bit, because

I also think it's important.
Your ideas on drug trials, marketing, etc., could expand the message, and the mission statement.

[Ilsa]

4. If not for meds, how about Consumer Alerts and Recalls?

As recalls on products are published, they could be alerted here.

[valis]

5. I think that could be some sort of important DU community service

Hmmmm... Should we PM Skinner? How does it work?...

[sendero]

6. folks ...

... trust me on this - the drug testing/approval process is broken.

There have been a bunch of drugs pulled from the market and there are going to be more.

Money has infected pharma like it has infected everything in America. I suggest that if you are prescribed a new medication that you get on the net and do you own research - there are a bunch of deadly drugs still being marketed.

[valis]

7. Absolutely right... Would be nice to have some pointers though...

Or a place to discuss...

[babylonsister]

9. Well, make that an issue and fight the fucker!

Stop bitching and do something, all of you. My glass is 1/2 full instead of 1/2 empty.

[Horse with no Name]

8. Yeah and many docs were aware of the causitive effects of this

drug.
Another bad deal drug...Neurontin.
The drug companies KNEW that it didn't work for chronic pain.
Yet as healthcare professionals, we were told if the patient was still complaining, it was because either they were drug seeking or else their dose needed increased. Come to find out, it didn't work at all.
I shudder when I think of all the people that suffered in pain to line the drug company's pockets on this drug.
I was a nurse that gave this drug.:(

[babylonsister]

10. Just a reminder. :o} hi and bye. eom