"These warnings are worthless," he says, "unless first, doctors inform families of the risks, so families can make informed decisions about these drugs and so they can look out for signs of suicidality or psychosis and second, doctors stop giving these drugs out like candy, stop giving samples of these drugs to families based upon the whim of a teacher or nurse."
Mr Braslow says, "doctors need to actually weigh the risks and benefits of these drugs before recommending them."
"While the newest warnings on these drugs are certainly necessary," he notes, "albeit many years late, these warnings still are not strong enough to adequately inform physicians about the true risks of these drugs."
"The FDA advisory committees," he states, "should stop worrying about frightening doctors with valid warnings and start giving doctors all the warnings so they can make fully informed choices."
"That is the job of the FDA," he states. "Our children deserve better."
The number of ADHD related deaths cited at the hearing does not reflect an accurate picture. There are many more deaths recorded in the individual states. For instance, according to the report, “Child Suicides In Florida Associated With Use Of Psychotropic Drugs,” by Ken Kramer, of the 252 cases of suicide in children under 18, between 2000 and 2004, thirty-six were on ADHD drugs.
Because the FDA system of reporting is voluntary, the agency admits that only between one and 10% of adverse reactions get recorded. Which means, because the FDA and Big Pharma intentionally delayed warning the public about the dangers of ADHD drugs, there are probably tens of thousands of ADHD victims who do not even know what happened.
Persons interested in more information on legal matters related ADHD drugs can contact the Pogust & Braslow law firm at 610-941-4204, or http://www.pogustbraslow.com/
Evelyn Pringle
evelyn-pringle@sbcglobal.net
(Evelyn Pringle is a columnist for OpEd News and an investigative journalist focused on exposing corruption in government and corporate America)
(This article is part of a series covering litigation involving the pharmaceutical industry and is sponsored by the Pogust & Braslow, LLC law firm)
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