CIRCARE: Citizens for Responsible Care & Research
A Human Rights Organization Tel. 212-343-9755 or 212-595-8974 FAX: 212-575-7668 FAX: 212-595-9086
FYI
CBS News (below) exposes the darkest side of drug abuse in America by shining a light on the harm done to children from drugs prescribed by irresponsible doctors. USA Today reports (below) how doctors are prescribing drugs--not necessarily because they believe they are in the patient's best interest--but because the manufacturers of those drugs offered them the best perks -including trips, show tickets, and cash.
A 10 year old child--who has been prescribed psychotropic drugs since age 3-- now suffers brain damage --tardive dyskinesia, a common adverse consequence of neuroleptic drugs in adults. The child was "diagnosed" at age 3 as having "conduct disorder" --whatever that means... Powerful neuroleptic drugs, such as Risperdal, are being widely prescribed to children--despite the claim by Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer, that it "does not promote Risperdal for use in children." Children need to be protected from drugs that are known to cause brain damage in adults and animals--just as they need to be protected from alcohol and tobacco.
Could it be, that many health care problems--particularly drug addiction--might not have developed if medical practitioners were not colluding with the pharmaceutical industry to increase sales? Government
agencies that are entrusted with protecting the public health are promoting, instead, the interest of the pharmaceutical industry...some are calling it, "a conspiracy against the Laity."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Antipsychotic Drugs and Kids Should Antipsychotic Drugs Be Given to Children? May 15, 2001 (CBS Evening News)
http://www.cbshealthwatch.com/cx/viewarticle/402013
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2001-05-16-perks-usat.htm USA TODAY 05/16/2001 - Updated 11:49 AM ET SALES PITCH: DRUG FIRMS USE PERKS TO PUSH PILLS By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY