LymeNet Flash: Pfizer guilty, fined millions for off label use neurotonin

This is topic Pfizer guilty, fined millions for off label use neurotonin in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :

It is illegal to PROMOTE nonapproved uses for a drug...according to a headline article in my Sarasota Herald Tribune, May 14, 2004. This article sickened me...docs on the "take".

A shorter version can be found at:
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Business/2004/05/14/458735.html

Posted by murphy (Member # 4373) on :

so, ive been taking neurontin for nerve pain in shoulder. the article isnt specific.
is it not actually approved for nerve pain?

anyone have positive outcomes?

murphy

Posted by Jane23 (Member # 4402) on :

I've been using Neurontin for years as a mood stablizer for Bipolar disorder (had it for 30 some years before I got Lyme disease) and had it increased up to 2400 mg since getting Lyme disease and having the peripheral neuropathy. I think it has helped a lot.

Posted by tickedntx (Member # 5660) on :

At a recent visit with my LLMD in Houston who is also treating me for CFS, I described relatively new pain in my feet. A pharmacologist who is working with her for a few months told me of her excellent experiences with neurontin and said if I were interested that she would talk to Dr. S about prescribing it for me. I figured what the heck. So she prescribed it but I haven't filled it, not wanting to mask pain until I know what is causing it. It is also not so severe that I feel I need to medicate for it. Anyway, blah blah blah, all this just to say that I wonder just WHAT the on-label use is for this drug?

------------------
When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming." I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed." -G. Stoddart

[This message has been edited by tickedntx (edited 14 May 2004).]

Posted by Kara Tyson (Member # 939) on :

I stand with Ps. on this one.

Many drugs have multiple benefits.

Part of the reason that costs are so high on drugs is that the FDA law has changed. It used to be that drugs had to only be safe. Now the companies have to prove safe and effective...for every single medical use. Which is so silly.

No drug is safe for all people. And no drug is effective for all people. No matter how much testing is done.

I hope the law changes back!

Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :

I respectfully feel differently. Brethine was made to treat asthma. It is now used to stop premature labor (off label).

However, recently (abstract), it has been found to be a neurotoxin! PMID: 14610225

My daughter was given it for premature labor. I'm worried about my new granddaughter.

Sometimes/oftentimes it's years before we realize the dangers of some of the drugs.

Posted by Lymelighter (Member # 5310) on :

Lisa, I had a bad reaction to effexor. It made my Lyme panic attacks flare and the insomnia was the worst. It didn't help the pain at all.

Neurontin helps nerve pain, when I titrate up, it puts me in a deeper fog that makes functioning difficult.

Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :

Pfizer is not the company found guilty, Warner Lambert is, and Pfizer must pay because they purchased Warner Lambert.

I did not read the particulars of the article, but it makes me wince when people make a blanket condemnation of drug companies. The previous reply about the cost and effort involved in bringing a drug to market is correct. The FDA has increased requirements and it's lengthy and costly.

FDA approval is expensive. PhDs-- the brain trust-- expensive. State of the art labs are expensive. information systems infrastructures are expensive. The whole host of supporting employees-- mostly masters-prepared profesionals in their respective fields, are expensive.

Most of the people who work for Pfizer, like my husband, take their work very seriously, contribute heavily to the United Way, volunteer for the United Way and a multitude of community organizations and charities, mentor students through programs liek Sam Jam (Science and Math days for middle school students), and in many other ways. They are not the Evil Empire!

Finally, pharmaceuticals are publically traded, for-profit organizations. The stockholders expect a return on investment, just like all of us would for our own investment or savings vehicles. It's not a crime, it's capatalism. Unless the gov't wants to nationalize health care ventures, that's the way it is. That being said, and as a healthcare marketing specialist, pharma marketing, and any marketing and sales, should be ethical.

Posted by Kerryblue (Member # 4077) on :

It is like anything else has 2 sides to a story.

Do I like the pharmaceuticals are allowed to donate such huge amounts of monies into politicians, absolutely not!!! This has no place in politics & should be banned illegagel just on the fact it is no diff. than mayors are not suppossed to own property in their own district.DEFINate conflict of interest.

This has been going on way before neurontin.
Like anything else gets bad rap for those who are helped.

It took me 6 tries, but it 1 of few meds that take care about 6 of my symptoms, stinging & stabbing,certain type migraines, being able to find words I lost,periphial neuropathy,restless leg, etc.Doe`s more than other meds.Even on low dose.

The generic drugs have tippled +++ in price. Things that have been out for yrs. Pharmacy contracts on cheapest generic, yet charge the same. So drug stores are just as guilty also. Meds that used to work when they went to cheaper fillers do not work like they used to.

Is a out & out crime how they tamper with peoples health. I mean out & out crime never did I think the very career choice would fail me so & so many other. It is why I changed.

I started out in nursing & toyed with going into med sales.

With both I am so completely discouraged. I went in it strictly to help others. After I got sick, until I could`nt, donated alot of time to the chronically ill. Was not easy. Felt someone had to help them...

If it works for you go for it or natural GABA sold in some health stores..

Posted by Curley911 (Member # 2205) on :

Being only human my first thought was exactly what Cindy Leigh pointed out . . .
there goes my stock.

Then I read the article and was disgusted by the Dr's on the take. Thanks Cindy for clarifying respsonsibility and letting us know there are good guys out there too.

Posted by lymielu (Member # 5652) on :

I haven't read the articles yet, but wanted to just make a comment that seemed glaring to me. Once I became ill, I began researching literature regarding the meds I either took or was looking into.

I began asking my doctor's opinion and became so discouraged when their comments completely were word for word akin to the advertisements of the drug in question.

That is the PROBLEM I am having.. is the doctors who do not do their own investigation of the meds they prescribe and just spew off advertised hot button words for the patient that some pharmaceutical company rep told them. I am beginning to think that the most effective drug is the one with the most successful sales force just for the sheer numbers of prescriptions you will get better odds.

A family doc once proudly said the norm for a doctor is to wait five years before prescriing any new medication to a family member.....as he was pushing a prescrip for Vioxx for my 17 year old son who had no arthritis........
Where does evidence based medicine fit in?

Laney

Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Lisa in Arizona:
Cindy, I still do not like pharmaceutical companies and I am allowed to say that. What I don't like the most is the amount of money they spend on schmoozing doctors. I don't agree with how much influence they have politically. I don't think they are all bad-as a matter of fact, one in particular has been very good to me in a patient assistance program.
But I do think there is a problem with many American corporations and how they spend their money. Lisa

Lisa, I don't think I said you could not say what you want,.... just sharing a thought froma different perspective.

[This message has been edited by cindy_leigh (edited 15 May 2004).]

Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kerryblue:
[B]It is like anything else has 2 sides to a story.

Kerry, I also dislike PAC money, it bothers me that The National Education Association gives so much to politicians. Also the oil companies. Environmentalists can't afford to donate as much. If the NEA and the oil compnaies can do it, I guess anybody can do it, unless it's banned for all. I think it would be illegal from some for-profit companies to be allowed to contribute and not others.

Posted by cindy_leigh (Member # 3514) on :

quote:
Originally posted by lymielu:
I haven't read the articles yet, but wanted to just make a comment that seemed glaring to me. Once I became ill, I began researching literature regarding the meds I either took or was looking into.
I began asking my doctor's opinion and became so discouraged when their comments completely were word for word akin to the advertisements of the drug in question.
That is the PROBLEM I am having.. is the doctors who do not do their own investigation of the meds they prescribe and just spew off advertised hot button words for the patient that some pharmaceutical company rep told them. I am beginning to think that the most effective drug is the one with the most successful sales force just for the sheer numbers of prescriptions you will get better odds.
A family doc once proudly said the norm for a doctor is to wait five years before prescriing any new medication to a family member.....as he was pushing a prescrip for Vioxx for my 17 year old son who had no arthritis........
Where does evidence based medicine fit in?
Laney

Laney, I think that med schools do not offer enough course work in pharmacology, and docs come to look upon drug reps as experts. Drug reps are first and foremost sales people. They are educated in depth on their drug, and how to sell it, but are always sales people first.

My sister's former sister-in-law is a drug rep. This time last year she was a travel agent. The typical profile is under 35, aggressive, good-looking, black suit. I work in medical sales and see drug reps every day. They generally do not come from health related fields. How unfortunate.