Call to action from the Consumer Reports Consumers Union of the US

May 31st, 2007 |

Hello Members and Viewers of GoodTherapy.org,

I thought I would copy an email message I received today from the Consumer Reports Consumers Union of the US asking their members to join the campaign against inadequate drug research and research reporting by pharmaceutical companies. Here’s the message as I recived it:

Dear Noah,

Have you ever bought a drug advertised on TV? You and your family may be at risk because drug companies often keep dangerous side effects a secret.

Merck heavily marketed its painkiller, Vioxx, for years after its own research showed the drug can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

When the FDA tries to step in, it must negotiate with the drug companies, often for months or years, before it can even change a warning label.

TODAY, tell your Representative to stop the secrecy. Before a drug is approved, companies test it on just a few thousand people for a short time. After it hits the market, millions of people begin to use it regularly. At that point, the drug makers and the FDA may learn far more about side effects, but don’t effectively inform you.

GlaxoSmithKline, maker of the antidepressant Paxil, had studies dating back to 1998 showing an increased risk of suicide in children and teenagers. GSK never published that information. It was not until October 2004 that the FDA at last required the strongest safety warning on Paxil and other antidepressants.

You can help strengthen the FDA and make drugs safer. Help our movement grow! Every lawmaker from every state needs to hear from us. Take a moment to forward this action to people in your address book so they can help us get better information about drug hazards to you and your doctor.

Thank you,
Jim Guest
President
Consumers Union of the U.S.
101 Truman Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703-1057