New book out about the generic drug boom, and how at best they may be weak dosage, and at worst contain carcinogens.
the book name is Bottle of Lies: The Inside story of the Generic Drug Boom-- by Katherine Eban
you can find short interviews with the author or book essays around, but I will give a short summation here.
- basically as more and more generics are made in India and China, the quality and scrupulous testing has gone out the window.
- over the last 10 months ( in the US ) dozens of generic blood pressure drugs like valsartan, lorsartan and irbesartan have been recalled. The active ingredients in some manufactured in China, contained a carcinogen used in the making of rocket fuel.
- ceftriaxone < an antibiotic > was found to be half strength, and patients have died from improper dosage before the Dr. discovers the drug came from China.
- while the weak antibiotic kills the weaker microbes it leaves the strongest ones intact to go on to reproduce, and capable of resisting even potent medication.
- antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol < generic form of Haldol > and diazepam < Valium generic > have been found to be 10 times weaker than stated strength.
- while everyone recognizes that low cost generics is essential for global health- low quality- does more harm than good.
- we need routine testing of the generics and legal enforcement of standards through international laws and treaties- similar to the airline industry - is one suggestion.
Keep informed people and stay safe............... I leave you to check out the full articles.
Folken
the book name is Bottle of Lies: The Inside story of the Generic Drug Boom-- by Katherine Eban
you can find short interviews with the author or book essays around, but I will give a short summation here.
- basically as more and more generics are made in India and China, the quality and scrupulous testing has gone out the window.
- over the last 10 months ( in the US ) dozens of generic blood pressure drugs like valsartan, lorsartan and irbesartan have been recalled. The active ingredients in some manufactured in China, contained a carcinogen used in the making of rocket fuel.
- ceftriaxone < an antibiotic > was found to be half strength, and patients have died from improper dosage before the Dr. discovers the drug came from China.
- while the weak antibiotic kills the weaker microbes it leaves the strongest ones intact to go on to reproduce, and capable of resisting even potent medication.
- antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol < generic form of Haldol > and diazepam < Valium generic > have been found to be 10 times weaker than stated strength.
- while everyone recognizes that low cost generics is essential for global health- low quality- does more harm than good.
- we need routine testing of the generics and legal enforcement of standards through international laws and treaties- similar to the airline industry - is one suggestion.
Keep informed people and stay safe............... I leave you to check out the full articles.
Folken