The Editor, Sir:

After experiencing weeks of severe pain in my legs and lower back, I decided to make an appointment to see a specialist. This would have been two weeks later and so in the interim my husband decided to contact his pharmacist in order to find some temporary relief.

The pharmacist recommended a particular drug (tablet). I was not familiar with the product and so decided to do some research. The findings were amazing. The information stated that this drug would indeed relieve these chronic symptoms of pain and cramps, etc. However, what caught my attention were some of the side effects, whic rare (and if used in large amounts) included severe renal failure, loss of consciousness, nausea, headaches, stroke, coma and anxiety attacks to name a few.

Further research also revealed that this drug was pulled from the shelves in some European countries such as the UK, Italy, France, Finland, Switzerland and a few more. There must have been some cause for concern why the medical board in these countries found it fit to pull this product.

My question is this: How did this product get to Jamaica while being rejected in more powerful countries, and how many products like these are being prescribed for patients to use? Do our pharmacists and other medical practitioners do any sort of research or background checks on drugs that are imported into the island, and how often are these findings updated?

Collecting junk

I am of the view that maybe this particular drug, while being of no use to the people in Europe, was now being dumped upon poor unsuspecting Third World countries where patients in general will take prescribed medications without asking questions. If I am right, then who is to be blamed? Is it the manufacturer or the importer? It is time for us to hold our government(s) accountable.

Pressure needs to be put upon our medical practitioners to be more proactive in getting the facts out to the public. Yes, a drug might work to give relief, but sometimes the long-term effects can be totally devastating. We need to hear from someone. In the meantime I thanked my husband for his support and for the money he spent on this product and then disposed of it in my garbage receptacle.

I am, etc.,

JACQUELINE WRIGHT

Mandeville, Manchester

jamline66@yahoo.com