Zantac Lawsuit


Researching drug company and regulatory malfeasance for over 16 years
Humanist, humorist

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Paxil Malformations - Who Is Responsible?



A study from earlier this year by M. Reis and B. Källén showed that paroxetine [brand names, Seroxat, Paxil and Aropax] seems to be associated with a specific teratogenic property.

The study was carried out because of concerns about possible adverse effects of the use of antidepressant medication during pregnancy, including risk for neonatal pathology and the presence of congenital malformations.

This particular study, entitled, "Delivery outcome after maternal use of antidepressant drugs in pregnancy: an update using Swedish data", was published in the Cambridge University Press early 2010.

Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (MBR) from 1 July 1995 up to 2007 were used to identify women who reported the use of antidepressants in early pregnancy or were prescribed antidepressants during pregnancy by antenatal care: a total of 14,821 women with 15,017 infants.

The conclusion?

"Women using antidepressants during pregnancy and their newborns have increased pathology. It is not clear how much of this is due to drug use or underlying pathology. Use of TCAs was found to carry a higher risk than other antidepressants and paroxetine seems to be associated with a specific teratogenic property."

Not so much of a conclusion really as it can be argued that is not clear how much of this is due to drug use or underlying pathology - this is the basis of arguments used in court rooms or 'negotiating tables' with GlaxoSmithKline's lawyers across the US.

The majority of Paxil birth defect cases have been settled out of court, the odd one or two have been lost by the claimants on legal technicalities.

The Reis/Källén study is quite significant in as much that it fingers GSK's Paxil as not only being associated with a specific teratogenic property, it also shows that pregnant patients taking Paxil increase the chances of their babies being born with cardiovascular defects and hypospadias.

What is hypospadias?

Hypospadias is a congenital (present at birth) problem affecting a boy’s penis. It is a combination of three separate problems: the hole through which urine passes (meatus) is not at the tip of the penis, the foreskin is gathered at the back of the penis with none at the front and the penis may be bent when stiff. The position of the meatus varies; in some boys, the hole is only a small distance away from the tip of the penis, whereas in others, it is at the base of the penis, in the scrotum or behind the scrotum. [1]

According to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust website, about one in every 300 boys has hypospadias, although this figure seems to be rising. It is not known why this figure is rising. So we have that grey area of whether or not paroxetine increases the chances of a male child being born with hypospadias. The Reis/Källén study seems to suggest that it does.

Who is responsible?

So, the question, who is responsible falls into the pot. Do we point the finger of blame at the manufacturer of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline or do we scrutinise the body who regulate and license drugs in the UK, namely, the MHRA?

Even if blame is placed upon either of these two, who, or more importantly, whom is responsible? What individual should take the blame for allowing a known teratogen to be prescribed to pregnant patients?

Surely, whomever it is, should be in a position to answer questions from concerned members of the public, moreover, consumers of a product.

The CEO of GlaxoSmithKline is Andrew Witty. Should Witty go public and offer an explanation as to why a drug manufactured by the company that he heads could increase the chances of heart and hypospadias malformations? It's one thing adding a warning to the ever increasing [in text] patient information leaflet [PIL] - but is this really enough? In any event, would this really be advisable considering GlaxoSmithKline are settling and defending many hundreds of Paxil birth defect trials in America?

Or do we expect more from the MHRA's CEO, Kent Woods?

The MHRA's role is to protect the public from unsafe drugs. With paroxetine top of their adverse reactions list, they could argue that they are doing enough.

The MHRA, like Glaxo, have half heartedly warned people of the risks of taking paroxetine whilst pregnant. What they haven't done is label it a teratogen. One would have thought that lessons were learned for the most infamous teratogen of them all, Thalidomide, a drug that was mainly prescribed to pregnant women for morning sickness in the late 50s and early 60s. Instead the drug caused severe deformities in babies with missing limbs.

Are we on the brink of Déjà Vu here?

There is a fine line of protecting patients with regard to paroxetine use. The MHRA tout the risk/benefit ratio and they, apparently, would not want to alarm the public over paroxetine's propensity to cause malformations because they are [still] of the opinion that the benefits of taking paroxetine outweigh the risks.

The Reis/Källén study would suggest otherwise.

Wise up - pull the drug.

The study is available for download [for a fee] HERE



[1] What is hypospadias?


Fid

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Thursday, December 23, 2010

The Evidence, However, Is Clear...The Seroxat Scandal - - The Final Hurdle




I'm at the final hurdle of the editing process of my manuscript for my book, 'The Evidence, However, Is Clear...The Seroxat Scandal.'

It has been quite a struggle, yet my editor has taught me a valuable lesson in patience.

Much has changed from the original ebook version. It's been a privilege to work alongside a great editor, more so because she was hired by someone who believes this damn book is worth reading. I won't embarrass him but thank him from the bottom of my heart.

We are looking at January or February for its release in paperback form.






Fid

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

2010: GlaxoSmithKline - This is the Year That Was



A recent post appeared on the lawyersandsettlements.com website entitled, 2010: Annus Horribilis for GlaxoSmithKline. The post highlighted the various Paxil [Seroxat] settlements that Glaxo have been making throughout 2010, in the main for accusations that Paxil causes birth defects. Furthermore, Glaxo have also had a pretty bad year where their diabetes drug, Avandia, is concerned. Avandia was withdrawn from the European market annd many lawsuits will no doubt follow. Then there was the Peurto Rico plant debacle where the whistle was blown on GSK for knowingly manufacturing, distributing and selling medications that did not meet FDA standards.

Tough year?

It was much worse than that.

This is the year that was 2010.

JANUARY:

January 14, 2010 - Swine flu taskforce's links to vaccine giant, Glaxo!

January 30, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline Fined $5.8 Million

FEBRUARY:

February 19, 2010 - GNASH GNASH GNASH - Another GSK product pulled!

February 26, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline Loses Bid for Immunity From Suicidal Behavior Lawsuits.

MARCH

March 07, 2010 - GSK's ALLI - "Major health warning issued..."

March 08, 2010 - Glaxo's Lucozade Linked to Hyperactivity.

March 11, 2010 - Dr Nissen - Avandia - "The company [GSK] first heard that their drug was hurting people's hearts in the fall of 2005"

APRIL

April 16, 2010 - FDA Haul Glaxo Over The Coals for Misleading Advertisement.

April 24, 2010 - Numb The Movie - The Hell of Paxil Withdrawal.

MAY

May 11, 2010 - Glaxo's $60 Million in Avandia Settlements‎.

May 13, 2010 - GSK's Titty Tantrum Over Cafe Pharma.

May 31, 2010 - GSK Weight-Loss Drugs Rapped With Warning Label.

JUNE

Most of June - Death by Paxil - The Sara Carlin Inquest.

JULY

July 11, 2010 - Scathing Review of Glaxo's Avandia Clinical Trial.

July 21, 2010 - Glaxo Quietly Settling Paxil [Seroxat] Lawsuits.

July 21, 2010 - Glaxo's Profits Hit New Depth.

AUGUST

August 06, 2010 - This Little GSK Piggy Didn't Go To Market.

August 13, 2010 - Fresh Woes for Glaxo's Lamictal.

August 18, 2010 - Prescription for Bribery.

August 20, 2010 - 13 Months Jail Term For Glaxo's Hired Psychiatrist.

August 22, 2010 - Legal Action Against Glaxo for "Guinea Pig Trials"

August 23, 2010 - Pressure mounts for GSK [inquiry into trials of vaccines]

August 27, 2010 - Glaxo Under Bribery Investigation in Finland.

August 29, 2010 - Average Paxil Birth Defect Settlement $1.2 Million.

August 31, 2010 - Law Firm Announces Fresh Investigation into GlaxoSmithKline.

SEPTEMBER

September 06, 2010 - Another fine job by Shelley Jofre - A Risk Worth Taking?

September 07, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline shares hit by call to withdraw Avandia.

September 08, 2010 - Seroxat used in Ireland to distort childhood memories of abuse.

September 21, 2010 - Glaxo Sued Over Exclusive Licensing Contract.

September 23, 2010 - GSK's AVANDIA IS TOAST... IN EUROPE ONLY.

September 27, 2010 - GSK - 'There's no business like monkey business'

OCTOBER

October 29, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline - Filthy, Disgusting, Abhorrent...and that's Just the Plant! Read the Charges!

October 31, 2010 - "The simple story is that GSK were running a factory in Puerto Rico that was more or less out of control"

NOVEMBER

November 01, 2010 - SHOW ME THE WAY TO PUERTO RICO [WHISTLEBLOWER VERSION]

November 02, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline and the Promotion of the Cervarix Vaccine.

November 05, 2010 -UK Seroxat Litigation [The background]

November 09, 2010 - Glaxo's Associate General Counsel Indicted For Obstruction.

November 10, 2010 - Glaxo's Dirty Little Secret is out - It was Wellbutrin!

November 13, 2010 - Will GSK Lawyer, Lauren Stevens, Squeal Like A Little Piggy?

November 18, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline Influences Experts To Boost HPV Vaccine Sales.

November 19, 2010 - ARE HEALTH CANADA PROTECTING GLAXO FROM LIABILITY?

November 29, 2010 - GlaxoSmithKline - $5000 Per Child.

November 30, 2010 - GLAXO NAMED AND SHAMED IN BOOK SCAM!

DECEMBER

December 08, 2010 - GSK's Statement of Spin - Paxil Birth Defects.

December 17, 2010 - GLAXOSMITHKLINE TOP THE CHARTS...BUT FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS.

GlaxoSmithKline
Do more, feel better, live longer


Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Labelling Children with "Mental Disorders"

A new 90 second video from the stable of CCHR, the only dialogue coming in the form of labels.

This is a work of genius, a concept that pretty much sums up how easy it is to stick a label on a child who...is just being a child.

There's no disclaimer with this video. I've gone beyond explaining myself regarding the work of CCHR. If the pharmaceutical whores or ignoramuses wish to make outlandish connections then more fool them. Ironic that a video about labelling will more than likely cause a small minority to label.

The message is clear...now, are we going to sit back and do nothing?



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Friday, December 17, 2010

GLAXOSMITHKLINE TOP THE CHARTS...BUT FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS



It's a dream of anybody to one day top the charts. A musician just setting out in showbiz, a budding author with their first novel, just two examples of the heights some people wish to climb to.

In the case of corporate businesses, it's pretty much the same. They all want to be the best at what they do - they want to sit proudly at the top of the charts to show the world of business just how successful they are.

Pharmaceutical companies are no exception. They want the best drugs, the best reputation, the best annual turnovers for their shareholders.

I'm left wondering what GlaxoSmithKline's shareholders think of the following study from The Public Citizen’s Health Research Group.

The purpose of the study was to compile a comprehensive database of all major criminal and civil settlements between federal and state governments and pharmaceutical companies.

Well, Glaxo have topped the charts again.

Pharmaceutical Company Penalties: Worst Offenders sees Glaxo sit top of the pile with almost double the financial penalties imposed on them compared to their closest rivals, Pfizer.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?


Ed Silverman over at Pharmalot delves deeper into the study.

In the meantime...







DO MORE, FEEL BETTER, LIVE LONGER



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Seroxat in China - Why no fuss?



A recent article from Pharma Times indicated that Seroxat/Paxil [paroxetine] was the most widely used antidepressant in China with a market share of 18%.

What could be different in China compared to the western world?

Well, for one, if Seroxat was giving cause for public concern, I doubt if you would find any Chinese activist blogging about it. Freedom of speech is pretty much unheard of in China, even in the land of cyberspace. Who, in their right mind, would want to put their freedom on the line and speak out against an antidepressant drug and the company that makes it?

Secondly, the Chinese State Food & Drug Administration [SFDA], the equivalent of the FDA and MHRA, have a pretty dark history when it comes to corruption.

In April this year, five officials from the SFDA were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes whilst a sixth was suspended from duty.

It was the second major bribery scandal concerning the SFDA in less than four years. Zheng Xiaoyu, former head of the SFDA, was executed on July 10, 2007 for taking bribes of 6.49 million yuan for approving licenses for new drugs.

Finally, GSK has major operations in China. GlaxoSmithKline (China) Investment Co., Ltd, Sino-American Tianjin Smith Kline & French Laboratories Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline (Tianjin) Co., Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (Suzhou) Ltd and GlaxoSmithKline Biological (Shanghai) Ltd.

I assume it would be in the interests of the Chinese government to bend over backwards for GlaxoSmithKline. I mean, why bite the hand that feeds you?

Got me thinking. Maybe the title of this song could have been written with GlaxoSmithKline in mind?





Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Thursday, December 16, 2010

...They just wouldn't go away.

"One small step for man...one giant leap for mankind"







Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Friday, December 10, 2010

Numb Documentary - Paxil/Seroxat Withdrawal.



Working with Executive Producer Melody Gilbert, first time director Phil Lawrence shares his own personal experience with Paxil/Seroxat in a way that he hopes will spark conversation about the issue of Paxil/Seroxat withdrawal.

This documentary is Phil’s story.

Trailer



Visit the Numb website HERE

Numb on Facebook HERE

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Wikileaks Target Pfizer

Image: venturebeat.com


Those who wish to keep their secrets under lock and key must be having sleepless nights of late, none more so than the pharmaceutical industry.

Many cases against pharma are settled before they even reach the steps of many court rooms, with the settlement comes the sealing of evidence and a statement of 'No liability' from pharma.

Recently the controversial website Wikileaks has released documents that show how Pfizer hired investigators to uncover corruption links to Nigeria’s Federal Attorney General Michael Aondoakaa and leaked reports of alleged corruption to local Nigerian media outlets in February and March of 2009.

Why would Pfizer do this?

Well, at the time it was alleged that Pfizer conducted an illegal clinical trial on Nigerian children during a 1996 meningitis outbreak. The Nigerian government was seeking $8.5 billion in restitution and damages as well as jail terms for various Pfizer officials.

Naughty Pfizer.

It does not surprise me that they would resort to such tactics.

There will be many squeaky bums throughout the world of pharma. A disgruntled pharma employee, or even an employee from the many offices of attorneys who have had access to items of disclosure in pharmaceutical litigation trials may just get itchy fingers and start typing to Wikileaks.

I can wait.

Dirt on Pfizer HERE

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Wednesday, December 08, 2010

GSK's Statement of Spin - Paxil Birth Defects.

Image: topnews.in


News filtered through in late November that GlaxoSmithKline had apparently received a favourable judgement in a case alleging that use of Paxil during pregnancy caused 14-year-old Anna Blyth to be born with certain cardiac birth defects.

In a media release on the GSK website, Glaxo claim that "...it acted properly and responsibly in researching and studying Paxil, including sharing documentation and submitting results from studies on Paxil to regulators."

What GSK conveniently fail to mention is the reason why this particular case seemingly collapsed.

Inside sources tell me that the Blyth case was dismissed on a legal technicality. The Judge [Judge Glazer] believed that the prescribing doctor’s testimony [that he might not have prescribed Paxil had he been properly warned of Paxil birth defect risks] was necessary in this case. Sadly, the doctor is deceased and his testimony could not be obtained so the judge granted GSK’s motion to dismiss the case.

The GSK statement also fails to mention that the ruling by Judge Glazer is currently under appeal.

In other words, GSK's media statement has been spun in such a way that it appears Paxil is pretty safe for use during pregnancy and played no part in Anna Blyth being born with certain cardiac birth defects...at least, that's the impression it gives me upon reading it.

I do wish GSK would release all the facts occasionally!

Related stories: KILKER v GLAXOSMITHKLINE COURT DOCUMENTS

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Monday, December 06, 2010

SUSAN SCHECHTER IS BACK

Susan Schechter, the author of the popular blog, 'If you're going through hell keep going', is now out of hospital and has added her first post since being hospitalised.

Good to see you back Susan!

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Sunday, December 05, 2010

3 PARA COMES HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



Totally off topic, my son, who is serving in the Armed Forces out in Afghanistan, managed to send me a few emails the other day, thankfully he is back at Bastion after spending a month out in the wilderness, surviving on Army rations, using bottled water to wash, all the time watching where he and his fellow comrades step because of IED's planted underneath the soil by Taliban insurgents, not to mention coming under sporadic fire from the enemy from both machine gun and mortar shells.

I see various sources on Wikileaks are condemning the British forces, probably some pen-pushing cretin who takes a bath with scented oils and has candles around their bath whilst listening to Mozart.

In today's Telegraph, General David Petraeus, the commander of Nato troops in Afghanistan, singles our 3 Para and praises them, citing; "the most impressive way to do business"

3 Para were involved in an operation that left 15 Taliban dead but left civilians unharmed. In fact during the last month or so, 3 Para have killed more than 40 Taliban and even captured a shadow Taliban governor.

As a parent, not a day goes by when I don't think of my son fighting alongside this unique company of soldiers. His training was brutal, he now understands why it had to be so brutal. Every newsflash regarding this war sinks my heart - heaven forbid I ever get representatives of the British Army or Police force knock on my door - [ I actually did the other morning but that's a story that will keep...for the time being]

The Afghan terrain, particularly out in Shazhad, is warm in the day and sub-zero at night - these brave men go weeks on end eating their rations, crouch against walls to defecate into a plastic bag and wash with a bottle of water to stop fungal infections growing upon their person.

They are elite, brave, have no fear and all heroes in my book.

To the men of 3 Para, I salute you. You are all heroes and I shall live forever in your debt.

Related stories

Gen Petraeus hails Paras for precision attack

British Paras see progress in the fight against the Taliban - and in the schools

Paratroopers defeat Taliban in decisive day of battles



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Friday, December 03, 2010

Will Former Glaxo Lawyer Squeal?

Image: westword.com


A date has been set on Feb 1 for former Glaxo lawyer, Lauren Stevens, to answer charges of obstructing an official proceeding, concealing and falsifying documents to influence a federal agency, and five counts of making false statements to the FDA.

Will Stevens rat out other attorneys on Glaxo's payroll?

The three week trial should give us the answers.

More over at Ed Silverman's Pharmalot.

Back story:

Glaxo's Dirty Little Secret is out - It was Wellbutrin!

WELLBUTRIN - THE BONEY M REMIX



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Wednesday, December 01, 2010

TIME TO START BLOWING THE PHARMA WHISTLE



U.S. lawyers Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman have been representing antidepressant victims for almost two decades in high-profile cases against major pharma companies like GSK, Pfizer and Eli Lilly, challenging antidepressant efficacy and safety. Their litigation success and advocacy efforts in this field are the subject of numerous articles, news stories, documentaries, books and blogs. They have backed congressional movements toward more aggressive drug safety, not only in the U.S., but European and Asian countries as well. Given their extensive experience in investigating drug company wrongdoing, they now also represent whistleblowers of pharmaceutical fraud.

Get in touch - Click on the banner.




Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

GLAXO NAMED AND SHAMED IN BOOK SCAM!

Glaxo the Ghostwriter?


The New York Times is running with an incredible story this morning. Once again it features GlaxoSmithKline.

Documents obtained by US attorney's, Baum Hedlund, show how a 269-page book, “Recognition and Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Psychopharmacology Handbook for Primary Care,” was heavily influenced by GSK [then SmithKline Beecham]

The preface of the book acknowledged that an "unrestricted grant' has been provided from a major pharmaceutical company. But Glaxo had much more involvement than the book described.

Duff Wilson of the New York Times writes:

The book’s listed co-authors were Dr. Charles B. Nemeroff, chairman of psychiatry at the University of Miami medical school since 2009 and Emory University before that, and Dr. Alan F. Schatzberg, who was chairman of psychiatry at the Stanford University School of Medicine from 1991 until last year.

The letter documenting the relationship between Dr. Nemeroff, a writing company and SmithKline was dated Feb. 4, 1997. It and a “preliminary draft” of the book, dated Feb. 21, 1997, and adding Dr. Schatzberg’s name were released Monday by the Project on Government Oversight, a Washington advocacy group. They were attached to a letter of complaint to Dr. Francis S. Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health. In the letter, Danielle Brian, executive director of the project, and Paul Thacker, an investigator, formerly with the staff of Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, also cited other examples of what they termed ghostwriting and asked the N.I.H. for better policing of such practices.

FULL STORY HERE


Fid



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Monday, November 29, 2010

GlaxoSmithKline - $5000 Per Child.



Natural News is covering a story that broke in August.

Maria Carmen Palazzo was a psychiatrist on the payroll of GlaxoSmithKline.

Natural News reporter David Gutierrez writes:

"GlaxoSmithKline, manufacturer of Paxil, paid Palazzo $5,000 for every child she enrolled in the study.

"The case's significance goes beyond simple research fraud, as Glaxo is now defending itself against charges that for 15 years it deliberately concealed evidence that Paxil increases the risk of suicide in children."

Gotta love them aincha?

Hat-Tip: CCHR & Steph

Fid



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PROMOTIONAL VIDEO HERE

UPDATE ON SUSAN SCHECHTER



Last Friday I told you about Susan Schechter, the author of the popular blog, 'If you're going through hell keep going'.

Susan spoke to me from her hospital bedside after she had been rushed to hospital due to a failure of her kidneys. Susan has been on Lithium for 26 years and feels that the failure of her kidneys is down to the prolonged use of this particular drug.

I've been told today that she had 5hrs of Dialysis on Friday and is still in physical pain...although not s bad as a week ago. She is awake and able to watch TV in her room at the hospital.

Susan has been given Xanax for anxiety and is doing as well as can be expected.

As ever, I'm sure you will all join me in wishing Susan a speedy recovery.

Fid



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Sunday, November 28, 2010

17 Year Old Speaks about Paxil [Seroxat] Withdrawal

Did Glaxo fail to warn regarding the severe side effects of Paxil?


Sound familiar?




Fid



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Saturday, November 27, 2010

HOW DO YOU GET HERE?

Picture courtesy of the "failure to warn" company, GSK.


Just checking my Google analytics and seeing the Google search words kinda surprises me.

The top 10 Google search terms [for the last 500 hits] for folks to arrive on my blog.

1. Seroxat
2. Bob Fiddaman
3. Fiddaman
4. Seroxat UK Litigation
5. Steve Smith Lawsuit Penetang
6. Seroxat Sufferers
7. Statistics of Seroxat
8. Seroxat Premature Ejaculation
9. Paroxetine
10. Struggling Seroxat Withdrawal

Addleshaw Goddard [Glaxo's UK Lawyers] even makes the top 25 - they must be thankful for the free publicity, although disappointed that they trail 'Bob Fiddaman'

Fast approaching a quarter of a million hits - Thank you all for reading. I hope I have raised an eyebrow or two.

Fid



PAPERBACK COMING SOON.

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Tightening of the Screw - UK Litigation.



Litigation sees David go up against Goliath.

Goliath are currently turning the screw on the David's - money being their ammunition.


Q: What can you gain by trying to get blood out of a stone? Fear, insecurity, confusion?


And they really think this won't go public.

Trust me, it will.

Back Stories:

GlaxoSmithKline/MHRA - When Ignorance Turns To Bliss - Part I of IV

GlaxoSmithKline/MHRA - When Ignorance Turns To Bliss - Part II of IV - Witness For The Defence

GlaxoSmithKline/MHRA - When Ignorance Turns To Bliss - Part III of IV - Expert Statistician

GlaxoSmithKline/MHRA - When Ignorance Turns To Bliss - Part IV - The Colour of Money




Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
SIGNED COPIES HERE OR UNSIGNED FROM CHIPMUNKA PUBLISHING

Dr Douglass Condemns GSK

Just a cut and paste job from the website of Dr Douglass.

Image: topnews.co.uk


Bad batch proves shots not safe

Let’s stop pretending: There’s no way in hog heaven these swine flu vaccines are safe.

Need more proof? Look north – at least one Canadian is dead and dozens of others are recovering from severe allergic reactions to the vaccine.

Many of those cases were linked to GlaxoSmithKline’s Arepanrix swine flu vaccine, which prompted a recall of 172,000 doses. But by the time word got out, all but 15,000 had been used.

If you already rolled up your sleeve in Canada – too bad. Just be glad you’re still alive to read about it.

Plenty of victims have suffered from anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction that includes breathing problems, low blood pressure and swelling of the throat, tongue, lips and eyes.

Arepanrix appears to be especially bad — even by the low standards of poorly tested swine flu vaccines.

GlaxoSmithKline’s own data shows that more that 1 in 10 patients experience pain, headache, fatigue, swelling, shivering, sweating, aching muscles and joint pain. And 1 in 10 will develop diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, fever, feeling sick, bruising and itching.

We’re facing a pandemic all right – but it’s not from the flu. If they succeed in poking everyone, the real health crisis will come from all those bad drug reactions.

Recently, I told you about the patients who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome after their swine flu shots, and some people who even keeled over after getting these “safe” vaccines. (Click here to read “Swine flu swindle in full swing.”)

I mean c’mon – they’re playing us for saps, and we’re falling for it. So far, 22 million Americans have been conned into lining up for these dangerous needles like parents camped out at a store for a hot Christmas toy.

But at least we know the crummy economy won’t dampen the holiday spirits of one group of elites living high on the hog: Big Pharma fat cats and their accomplice docs who distribute these shots like candy canes at a Christmas party.

----

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Sunday, November 21, 2010

TO THE UK SEROXAT CLAIMANTS



I'M TICKING OPTION 5 AND RETURNING


WHAT ABOUT YOU?

CONTACT ME

Fid

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Saturday, November 20, 2010

FREE E-BOOK OF POEMS FROM SEROXAT SUFFERERS BLOG

Thought I'd offer this free PDF of poems I wrote sometime ago. Some are as old as 10 years!

Before I started writing about the seedy world of the pharmaceutical industry and medicine regulators, I dabbled in poetry.

Here's a collection I put together.

Click on the image.


Fid

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Seroxat Stories - Joanne's Story - - Seroxat side effects mingled with the akathesia



The seventh in this series of readers stories comes from Joanne.

Joanne had been prescribed Seroxat for 'gynaecological problems'. What followed was a far more serious battle, one which saw Joanne struggle through the withdrawal problems that occurs for a growing number of people trying to taper off Glaxo's wonder drug.

JOANNE'S STORY


Back in 1997 I was suffering gynaecological problems resulting in feeling really drained and nauseous, my GP at that time refused to believe this was the case as I was only 27 years of age and diagnosed me with anxiety. Ok so I didn’t really know where that diagnosis came from but hey he was the doctor I trusted his opinion. He prescribed Seroxat 20mg but after only a few days treatment I suffered my first migraine and just really didn’t feel well taking this drug so I stopped.

1998 I was again prescribed Seroxat after suffering Akathesia from 3 drugs my GP had prescribed for seasonal allergies and to delay my monthly cycle so I could enjoy a family holiday, this bad reaction was diagnosed as an “ anxious state”, I suppose already suffering a bad reaction the Seroxat side effects mingled with the akathesia I was already suffering, so I remained on it for the next 3 years, although by now I really did have drug induced anxiety daily.

2000 by now I had started passing out with the heavy blood loss but my GP refused to listen and continued the Seroxat still stating it was all anxiety but luckily on one occasion at a routine appointment another GP at the practice actually took some blood samples and got straight back to me as I was in fact badly anaemic, which prompted a scan and Gyne appointment where it was said I needed a hysterectomy due to a large uterine fibroid. After collapsing with blood loss yet again in August I underwent my hysterectomy in September of that year. It was discovered that not only did I have the fibroid I also had a large ovarian cyst, enlarged bulky uterus, abnormal cervical cells and other endo abnormalities, if only I had been listened to in 1997 it could of prevented the hell I was about to incur.

2002 I had become obese, apathetic, unmotivated thanks to the side effects so I decided that now I had never needed Seroxat, to come off it, after all the patient information leaflet stated I could stop taking it at any time as it wasn’t addictive...WRONG….within days I couldn’t function, I was experiencing :

Skin burning sensations
Excruciating headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Suicide thoughts
Agitation
Anxiety
Akathesia
Uncontrollable crying

Not to mention my body wouldn’t allow me to eat or sleep for 14 days solid and I was jerking all over, I hate to admit but yes I did try on 3 occasions to end it all, not that I wanted to end my life it was like a thought deep embedded in my mind I just wanted this torture to stop.

In desperation I admitted myself to hospital and Seroxat was reinstated, within weeks the withdrawal subsided .

2004 Still determined to beat this drug I visited my GP who advised to taper cutting out days to reduce, which I did for 9 months before taking my last pill, September 13th 2004, yes I remember that date who wouldn’t after all the hell started all over again, my GP s answer when informed of the hell "what do you want me to do about it?"

For three months I could hardly get out of bed due to muscle weakness, I would lay in bed shaking ,scared and helpless but not knowing what I was afraid of, I thought I would lose my mind. Every morning at 5am the racing anxiety would start, pacing up and down was all I could do to keep my sanity, I wanted sleep but by body was in adrenal overdrive. Imagine living your worst nightmare times it by 10 and it may just give you an incite into the terror that raged through me, only I was in my own room with nothing scary. Needless to say I lost my job, I had to go bankrupt due to no income and worse of all no Gp would listen to me let alone offer any comfort or support, no validation that this was drug induced, zero, zilch nothing, I was on my own and with a disabled son to care for too.

I have no idea how I survived the first 2 years of intense withdrawal, had it not been the support of close friends going through the same ordeal, I probably wouldn’t have.

2010 Six years off this drug now, totally drug free I am still living with the damage Seroxat caused me. I know I have nervous system damage and neuro receptor injuries and still have to live with debilitating symptoms daily. Yes things have improved very slowly but I am still a very long way off feeling as well as I had pre Seroxat, symptoms I still live with are;

Anxiety
Apathy
Panic
Days of depression
Depersonalisation
Dizziness
Disorientation
Feeling intoxicated
Gastric problems
Monophobia
Allergies and chemical sensitivities
Mood swings
Headaches and Brain fog
Confusion
Akathesia
Parathesia
Heart beat irregularities
Oesophagus spasms
Chronic fatigue

I am still unable to return to work or even have a social life, I cannot go out far on my own and have to rely on family to take me grocery shopping or to town. I am still unable to give my son the proper care he needs.

This drug has taken 12 years of my life to date and no one is held accountable. I receive no financial help, I feel like an outcast of society.

It makes me sad to know there are thousands of human beings worldwide in this situation thanks to GSK and their defective drug, they lied, maimed and killed for what? PROFIT! At our expense and suffering.

Joanne


OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES:

Seroxat Stories - Ruth's Story - "An awful dream."

Seroxat Stories - Lee's Story - "A lifelong patient"

Seroxat Stories - Richard's Story, A Chemical Lobotomy

Seroxat Stories - Dumgoyne's Story

Seroxat Stories - 'Angela's Story - 2mg away from safety'

Seroxat Stories - 'Annie - My Story'



Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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GET WELL SOON SUSAN SCHECHTER


My thoughts go out to Susan Schechter, author of 'If you're going through hell keep going' blog.

Susan was found by her father at her apartment a few days ago. She had suffered from a complete kidney failure and was rushed to Princeton Medical Centre in New Jersey.

We spoke briefly on the phone and Susan told me that her kidneys failed, she added, "26 years on Lithium has finally taken it's toll."

Susan will be having chemotherapy treatment later today to try to get her kidneys working again.

I'm sure you would all like to wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she is back in front of her computer again doing what she does best.

For those of you who wish to make contact with Susan directly please email me and I will give you her telephone number.

Get well soon Susan



Fid

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ARE HEALTH CANADA PROTECTING GLAXO FROM LIABILITY?

Image: nialc.com


I've always been astounded at medicine regulators from around the world. The FDA and its inability to act upon reports of bad medicine...not to mention the revolving door that exists between ex pharmaceutical employees and FDA officials. The MHRA fair no better, a backward system of reporting adverse drug reactions, a Chairman, who is an ex-employee of GSK, who thinks the whole Seroxat scandal is "nonsense" and a Head of Licensing being former World Safety Officer at GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline's lawyers even called upon the services of ex-MHRA employee, Rashmi Shah, to be their star witness in the UK Seroxat litigation.

Health Canada, the Canadian drug regulator, lay low whilst the MHRA and FDA come under attack from writer's such as myself, Evelyn Pringle, Ed Silverman and countless patient advocates.

One would think that Health Canada would like it to remain that way. Surprising then that a recent document that landed in my inbox shows quite a controversial step, one that, to my knowledge, has not been covered by any of the mainstream media.

In a public communication published on the Health Canada website yesterday, they announced "Endorsed Information on Important New Restrictions on the use of rosiglitazone (AVANDIA, AVANDAMET and AVANDARYL)"

Avandia has been the subject of much controversy over the years and it's licence was recently suspended in the UK following a recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The EMA decided that the benefits of Avandia no longer outweighed its risks, risks that included increased risk of heart problems, including heart attacks and heart failure.

The FDA have not suspended the licence for Glaxo's diabetes drug, opting instead to "restrict its use."

Meantime, Health Canada have been in consultation with GlaxoSmithKline and their announcement yesterday appears odd, to say the least, the most striking of which is this:

Before starting or renewing a prescription for AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL, doctors will complete the PATIENT INFORMED CONSENT PROCESS.

o Discuss other diabetes treatment options and the benefits and risks of AVANDIA®/AVANDAMET®/AVANDARYL® therapy with patients

o Ask patients to read the Consumer Information for AVANDIA®, AVANDAMET® or AVANDARYL®

o Ask patients to read and sign a form (see Informed Consent Form at the end of this Public Communication) indicating that the patient understands the heart-related risks of the medication and has discussed other options to treat their diabetes with their doctor.

There is the usual 'Talk to your doctor' utterances to make the patient feel like they are talking with God.

Now, the informed consent form appears to waiver patient rights to sue GlaxoSmithKline should Avandia cause any of the problems mentioned above.

The consent form reads:

AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL
Patient Informed Consent

My doctor has recommended one of the following medicines to treat my diabetes (please check one of the boxes below, as appropriate):

□ AVANDIA □ AVANDAMET □ AVANDARYL

Please read this Patient Informed Consent (“Consent”) and the individual Consumer Information for AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL and discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor before you sign this Consent.

Do not sign this Consent and do not take AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL if there is anything you do not understand about the information you have received.

I am aware that:

AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL are medicines used in addition to diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes when all other diabetes medicines taken orally (by mouth), either alone or in combinations, have not lowered blood sugar enough or are not appropriate.

Rosiglitazone, the active ingredient in AVANDIA and one of the active ingredients in AVANDAMET and AVANDARYL, may increase the risk of serious heart problems, including:

• heart failure
• angina (chest pain)
• heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• fluid retention (with or without weight gain)

AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL should not be used if I have or have had heart problems.

There are other options to treat my diabetes, as explained by my doctor.

There are other risks associated with AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL that are outlined in the individual Consumer Information for AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL and I have been given the opportunity to ask and discuss any questions or concerns about those risks with my doctor.

I understand that in order to be prescribed AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL, I am required to sign this Consent.

My doctor has explained the above to me, I have been given time to read this Consent and the individual Consumer Information for AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL carefully, and to discuss it with my doctor. I now authorize my doctor to continue/begin my treatment with AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL

Patient or Legally Appointed Guardian signature lines are below. AVANDIA/AVANDAMET/AVANDARYL are not recommended for use in people under the age of 18.

Patient (and Legally Appointed Guardian if applicable) Name(s)

Please Print:________________________________________________________________

Patient / Legally Appointed Guardian Signature:
______________________________________________________________________________

Date _________________________

Quite a U-turn from GlaxoSmithKline who have, for years, denied there was any problem with Avandia.

The public communication from Health Canada can be downloaded HERE.

GSK has sent a letter to Canadian healthcare professionals informing them of this new safety information.

For Health Professionals

For the Public

DON'T SIGN YOUR LIFE OR RIGHTS AWAY FOLKS!

Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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Thursday, November 18, 2010

AN INTERVIEW WITH GLAXO'S 'MARY'



A GLAXOSMITHKLINE SPOKESPERSON PARODY

STARRING ALAN JONES AND 'MARY'

DIRECTED BY WALT FIDSEY



Fid

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GlaxoSmithKline Influences Experts To Boost HPV Vaccine Sales



A few days ago, the Daily Express ran an article which stated that cancer expert Professor Peter Sasieni recommended phasing out smear tests in favour of HPV testing. The opening statement in Victoria Fletcher’s article ‘New Cancer Check To Phase Out Smear Tests’

“SMEAR tests for cervical cancer should be phased out for all women, a top expert said.”

According to the Express Professor Sasieni, a scientist at Queen Mary, University of London, recommended smear tests should be phased out as soon as possible saying:

“Smear tests should be phased out starting as soon as possible with this being completed in five years. What further research are we waiting for? It is clear there are a number of HPV tests which are as good as cytology (smear tests) and in the long run are better.”

Christina England investigates HERE

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Seroxat Stories - Ruth's Story - "An awful dream."



The sixth in this series of readers stories comes from Ruth. Once again, this story echoes similar withdrawal stories sent into me and also the many thousands that are available on the internet.

RUTH'S STORY

My story starts in 1997

I had suffered from panic attacks for years but it was only in certain situations and apart from this affliction I was well. After a particularly difficult house move my panic attacks got worse so I went to my doctor. I was told that I suffered from panic attacks because I had a chemical imbalance in my brain, she went on to liken it to being diabetic and explained how the serotonin I needed was similar to a diabetic needing insulin. It seemed quite feasible to me, I had no reason to disbelieve her, she was the expert.

I took Seroxat for 7 years it made a slight difference to my panic attacks and my doc told me I would probably have to take them all my life. Again this was something I did not question as some people do have to take drugs forever.

What I did not really notice was how I was changing, Firstly I had little emotion, things did not seem to get to me anymore, I also piled on the weight, lost all interest in sex, and started to become very dissatisfied with my lot! I was irritable, aggressive and just not the person I used to be. My doc thought it was the menopause and decided to up my Seroxat from 20mg to 30mg. I did not like this plan so instead of upping my dose I broke the 30mg tablets in half in half. This was December 2004 just before I went to America on holiday. I went on holiday feeling terrible, disorientated, anxious, full of panic and feeling quite low. I continued in this state for a few months but started doing some research into Seroxat on the internet.

In March 2005 I went to see another GP in the practice and told her I wanted to stop taking it. She told me to take half the dose for a month and then half the next dose till I got down to 5 mg and then stop, that is what I did and it took me 3 months.

Within a few days I started with flu symptoms. I was freezing cold one minute then very hot the next, I also started experiencing what I now know to be the zaps! this was very unpleasant but I was still working and still functioning although my moods were very unpredictable.

It was March 2005 when I took my last tablet, by September I was still experiencing flu symptoms and zaps but now terror had entered the mix coupled by a crushing depression. I had to give up my job. To be fair I thought it was just me not coping with life and that maybe my Gp was right when she said I had to take them for life, I was very ill and terrified I could not even go to my doctors as I was scared she would have me committed. I was convinced I was losing my mind.

January 2006

By this time I was experiencing problems with my balance, bad headaches, diarrhea, terrible anxiety. I could not sleep and could eat only a little, my weight dropped by two and a half stone. The only good news was that I found a forum called Paxil Progress which I joined and then I realised what was happening to me. I also found out that I had been ill advised with regards to stopping it. I had stopped far to quickly (thanks to my doc) but could not reinstate it as I had been off too long. So I had to tough it out and tough it was. It was like a living nightmare!

My ordeal was like an awful dream I would wake up every morning feeling terrible and it never let up, I would go to bed at night and hope that tomorrow would never come.I did feel suicidal but somehow my love for my husband and children kept me alive. I still cannot believe that a drug could make someone feel so bad the memory of that time of terror will live with me forever.


My withdrawal symptoms

Extreme dizziness
Tinnitus
Blocked right ear
Headaches
Anxiety
Akathesia
Tingling in limbs
Zaps
Weight loss
Terror
Agoraphobia
Bowel problems
Inability to sleep
Crushing depression
Crying spells

Over the last few years I have seen various doctors at my request. My balance is still causing me problems. I have been told I have visual vertigo. A neurologist did confirm I was suffering from Seroxat withdrawal but could not offer much in the way of help. I even went for CBT and they said they could not really help me. So now in 2010 over 5 years after my last pill I am still nowhere near well. I am much better than I was but I still suffer from episodes of anxiety, my balance problem is ongoing, as is tinnitus, and days of bad depression.

I am very angry at the total lack of help from the medical profession who start us on these drugs then cannot offer any help when the suffering starts. I am angry that GSK did not fully inform doctors of the withdrawal problems.

When my GP said you may have to take them for life I wonder now if she knew something!

Ruth

OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES:

Seroxat Stories - Lee's Story - "A lifelong patient"

Seroxat Stories - Richard's Story, A Chemical Lobotomy

Seroxat Stories - Dumgoyne's Story

Seroxat Stories - 'Angela's Story - 2mg away from safety'

Seroxat Stories - 'Annie - My Story'




Fid

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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
SIGNED COPIES HERE OR UNSIGNED FROM CHIPMUNKA PUBLISHING

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

GlaxoSmithKline - A history In Video



PART ONE




PART TWO




PART THREE



Further reading:

"Satanic is the only word that does justice to this outfit"


Fid

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Seroxat Stories - Lee's Story - "A lifelong patient"

Image: photoshelter.com


Continuing with stories sent into me by readers of my blog, this, the 5th in the series.

It is with stories such as this one and the previous four that the public know about the pitfalls of taking Seroxat.

The MHRA don't accept anecdotal evidence, they prefer to use the tired and very much outdated yellow card system, a system that is about as much use as a blind lifeguard!

The MHRA are the 'independent' body set up to regulate the drugs you and I take. Furthermore, they are in place to ensure that patients are given all the relevant information from the manufacturers of the drugs we take.

This is clearly not happening. Lee's story is testament to that.

LEE'S STORY

I was put on Seroxat when I was 19, have made three attempts to come off it and am currently coming towards the end of an extended taper, which will be my fourth attempt.

In my teenage years, I wasn’t coping very well. I started to feel sick in the mornings and was reluctant to go to school. In spite of that, I was still achieving high marks and was showing myself to be competent in areas such as drama and public speaking and was known by many as one of life’s young high-achievers. Yet, I started to develop a fear around going to the toilet and eventually got to the stage where my nervousness around it always made me want to go and pee.

At 19, having got through the incredible pressure of A-levels and my first year at one of the UK’s top universities, I started to fall to pieces and became very sad and anxious. I was referred to a psychiatrist by my GP who offered nothing other than a prescription for Seroxat which I was told would make me better. I was only with the psychiatrist for a short time, during which she told me in no uncertain terms that I was ‘emotionally retarded and overly intellectual for my age’. She didn’t ask me anything about what was really going on in my life and I was afraid to divulge anything personal such as my recent prolonged questioning of my sexuality as she was quite a stern doctor. Effectively, I was told to take the tablet and go away; no other support was offered. It was essential that I got well and got back to ‘normality’.

I always remember my mum, who I love very much, at the time being hesitant about my taking the pills as she had known several people who had had their lives ruined by benzodiazepine addiction. She was reassured that this relatively ‘new’ medication was in no way addictive and was completely different from the tranquiliser generation of drugs. How cruelly ironic that reassurance was. That was just over 13 years ago and since then, I have made three absolutely horrific attempts to withdraw – one when I was 24, the second when I was 26 and the third when I was 28. I am currently 29 months into a barbaric and life-crushing fourth withdrawal.

Just after I started to take Seroxat, I felt almost a mini type of euphoria. After several weeks of being afraid to leave the house before the meeting with the psychiatrist, I was suddenly feeling very brave and was cycling on my bike quite happily around the university town where I had returned to live and study. I was so grateful to this ‘wonder drug’ for making me better. I still had the issues around peeing but they weren’t as severe and I started to develop an unusually rare carefree attitude – not worrying about my marks, drinking alcohol a lot more, experimenting with sex – generally enjoying my life, all of the time making the association that the ‘wonder drug’ was something I needed to enable me to have a quality of life. I had already become psychologically dependent.

In my 3rd year of university, I moved abroad for one year as part of my degree and I started to think that I wanted to come off Seroxat. By this stage, I’d been on it for just over a year. I deliberately missed two days of my regular dose of 20mg and I noticed I was feeling incredibly afraid and dizzy and almost fell down some stairs at a French railway station. I panicked and thought to myself: I should not mess round with this drug that I clearly need. I made no association with the fact that I was hooked.

In my final and 4th year of university, I had exams looming and the pressure was starting to build again. I saw my GP at the time who said it would be best if I was increased to 30mg ‘just to get me through’ and I gladly took it and did little or no revision for my final exams and ultimately came out with a very poor degree. I had developed a sense of safety from all that was potentially harmful, ie stress and pressure, and made a clear understanding that Seroxat was giving me the freedom to become the carefree person I needed to be. Yet, throughout, I was still experiencing periodic anxiety and I felt physically sick if I ever missed one of my ‘happy pills’.

I was determined to get off the medication and I tried for the first time when I was 24. I had just completed a post-graduate diploma and I had followed the GP’s advice of ‘miss every other day, snap the tablet in two, play around with the dosage etc and be sure to eat three square meals a day. Oh, and a break a sweat three times a week. ‘I thought it was going to be that simple. It wasn’t and after I had got to the stage of becoming suicidal after a period of four months withdrawing, I put myself back on it as I literally couldn’t function – couldn’t eat, couldn’t leave the house, was in terror all the time and literally wanted to die. I made a clear understanding to myself that I was ‘fundamentally ill’ and Seroxat was the only thing that saved me.

Things got back on an even keel, I won a prestigious journalism traineeship and I decided to try to withdraw again. Got the same useless advice from a different GP and ended up going into complete meltdown while on a trip to Spain which resulted in my needing to take an emergency flight home to my parents’ house and suffering incredible pain until I was prescribed the drug again by a different GP. This second withdrawal saw me lose my job, my home and my burgeoning career in journalism.

I wanted to try again and so I asked my GP to refer me to a psychiatrist to help me get off this stuff that I was clearly addicted to. I naively thought proper support would be out there. I was referred and the psychiatrist was very pleasant and kind although he said he didn’t believe in withdrawal but would try and support me nonetheless. In his opinion, we could give it a try but I would probably have to accept that I needed medication for life as I was ‘one of those types of people.’ I tried a third time – this time trying to cross-taper with another drug, mirtazepine in order to ‘soften the blow’ of coming off Seroxat. This was disastrous and I ended up being prescribed an even higher dose of the drug ‘to get me stable’.

And so we arrive at my current and hopefully my last withdrawal attempt which I started a couple of months after turning 30. This has been the most soul-destroying experience to date. I have lost my career as a management consultant, all potential to earn income, important relationships and most significantly, any desire to stay alive. Since getting down to 19mg, I have become physically very ill with persistent nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, painful limbs, paresthesia in fingers, stultifying headaches, inexplicable changes in body temperature, frequent urination. I might have been able to cope with these had it not been for the horrors of the psychological symptoms: constant fear, insomnia, daily suicidal thoughts, obsessive thinking, agoraphobia, complete anhedonia and very powerful depression. I have genuinely got to the point, where I am now at 7mg, that I have lost my will to live and I don’t seem to be able to envisage a life for myself in the future. That is what hurts me the most.

I force myself to continue each day. I have a psychiatrist who is literally unable to do anything for me; he believes I ‘need’ medication and really struggles with the idea that a prescription drug can do this much damage. He comes up with a host of several different ‘diagnoses’ which I feel have limited me to the role of ‘lifelong patient’ which I had never wanted for myself. I have a GP who knows what Seroxat can do to people but he has no resources to offer me apart from moral support. I am also working with a psychologist who appreciates the difficulty of this but has no significant experience of working with someone whose whole life has been ruined by this.

What I find so hard about this whole thing is the way it stops me from feeling human and no matter how much I talk about it to others, I can’t describe the pain I am feeling which ultimately makes me want to die. I feel so ruined by this.

Often when I think it would be better off if I was dead, I try to hold on to the belief that maybe one day, I will be free of this poison and I might actually find a reason for living.

Our stories need to be heard; this injustice cannot go uncovered.

Lee.

OTHER STORIES IN THIS SERIES:

Seroxat Stories - Richard's Story, A Chemical Lobotomy

Seroxat Stories - Dumgoyne's Story

Seroxat Stories - 'Angela's Story - 2mg away from safety'

Seroxat Stories - 'Annie - My Story'



Fid

ORDER THE PAPERBACK
'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
SIGNED COPIES HERE OR UNSIGNED FROM CHIPMUNKA PUBLISHING

Please contact me if you would like a guest post considered for publication on my blog.