Some time ago Leonie Fennell, mother of Cipramil suicide victim Shane Clancy, wrote to the Irish medicines board, they are the equivalent to the UK's MHRA and the United States FDA...they are also about as useful as the latter in as much that they evade questions and answer queries in a vague manner.
Leonie, whose Podcast with me is featured here, wrote to the Irish regulator pointing out that she had some serious issues with citalopram [Cipramil in UK, Celexa in US]. Amongst other things Leonie was concerned about "...the flimsy warnings that are attached to these types of drugs (ssri’s) in the patient information leaflets"
Leonie writes:
I believe that “Failure to warn” is a major flaw on your part considering the facts of the numerous warnings from the E.M.A. and the F.D.A. and of which I have already brought your attention to.
I envisage more frustration for Leonie. The medicines regulatory authorities, be they here in the UK, Ireland, US, Canada and/or Australia, all have their own unique way of spin. They purposely evade questions put to them in the vain hope that the person/s asking the questions will go away.
Meeting with them proves no better as they often appease, make promises then...well, do nothing.
Then we have the pharmaceutical industry connections. Most, if not all, members of regulatory authorities have ex-pharmaceutical employees on their payroll. GlaxoSmithKline's ex World Safety Officer, Dr Ian Hudson, is now Head of Licensing at the MHRA, whilst another former employee of GSK, Alasdair Breckenridge, is the MHRA Chairman. Add to the pot ex MHRA employee Rashmi Shah, his services were acquired by Glaxo lawyers, Addleshaw Goddard. He was to give evidence on behalf of Glaxo in the UK Seroxat litigation.
Medicine regulatory authorities have plush offices in expensive buildings, each of them with their own revolving door. A spiraling circle out of control but one that they are happy with.
Leonie's email to the Irish Medicines Board and their subsequent limp-wristed response can be viewed here.
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'THE EVIDENCE, HOWEVER, IS CLEAR...THE SEROXAT SCANDAL' By Bob Fiddaman
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