Thyroid Cancer Support » Mary Shomon http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org Information about thyroid cancer treatment, clinical trials, research, and other topics from the National Cancer Institute Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:25:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 The Top Ten Thyroid Stories of the Decade http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/the-top-ten-thyroid-stories-of-the-decade.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/the-top-ten-thyroid-stories-of-the-decade.html#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:39:37 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/30/top-thyroid-stories-decade.htm Things have changed significantly in the past ten years for thyroid patients. But what are the biggest thyroid stories or developments that specifically affect thyroid patients? Is oprah's on-again/off-again thyroid problem on the list? What about the ongoing fracas over the "normal" TSH test range? How about the rise of natural thyroid -- and the more recent shortages? I've taken a look back at the years 2000 to 2009, and identified The Top Ten Thyroid Stories of the Decade, the developments I personally believe had the biggest impact on us as people with thyroid disease.

What Do You Think?

I want to hear from you as well. As thyroid patients and practitioner, do you agree with my choices? Do you disagree? Do you have other developments or stories you feel should be included on the list? Share your thoughts and input now, and see what other thyroid patients and practitioners have to say.

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The Top Ten Thyroid Stories of the Decade originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at 15:39:37.

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Things have changed significantly in the past ten years for thyroid patients. But what are the biggest thyroid stories or developments that specifically affect thyroid patients? Is oprah’s on-again/off-again thyroid problem on the list? What about the ongoing fracas over the “normal” TSH test range? How about the rise of natural thyroid — and the more recent shortages? I’ve taken a look back at the years 2000 to 2009, and identified The Top Ten Thyroid Stories of the Decade, the developments I personally believe had the biggest impact on us as people with thyroid disease.

What Do You Think?


I want to hear from you as well. As thyroid patients and practitioner, do you agree with my choices? Do you disagree? Do you have other developments or stories you feel should be included on the list? Share your thoughts and input now, and see what other thyroid patients and practitioners have to say.



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Images: clipart.com, istockphoto, collage by Mary Shomon

The Top Ten Thyroid Stories of the Decade originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at 15:39:37.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/the-top-ten-thyroid-stories-of-the-decade.html/feed 0 NBC News Coverage: Thyroid Cancer on the Rise in Women http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/nbc-news-coverage-thyroid-cancer-on-the-rise-in-women.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/nbc-news-coverage-thyroid-cancer-on-the-rise-in-women.html#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:11:49 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/22/nbc-news-thyroid-cancer.htm On December 21, 2009, NBC Nightly News did a short piece on the unexplained rise in thyroid cancer in women. There was nothing earth-shattering in the report, but I was at least glad to see something thyroid-related at least making it into the national news, when the national media typically go out of their way to deliberately ignore and overlook thyroid-related stories.

You can watch the NBC News piece online, as well as the additional web exclusive video piece.

And while you're at it, read more about the rise in thyroid cancer rates for women. And don't forget to do a Thyroid Neck Check yourself to check for thyroid cancer.

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Image: Chris McGrath, Getty Images Entertainment

NBC News Coverage: Thyroid Cancer on the Rise in Women originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 15:11:49.

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On December 21, 2009, NBC Nightly News did a short piece on the unexplained rise in thyroid cancer in women. There was nothing earth-shattering in the report, but I was at least glad to see something thyroid-related at least making it into the national news, when
the national media typically go out of their way to deliberately ignore and overlook thyroid-related stories.

You can watch the NBC News piece online, as well as the additional web exclusive video piece.

And while you’re at it, read more about the rise in thyroid cancer rates for women. And don’t forget to do a Thyroid Neck Check yourself to check for thyroid cancer.



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Image: Chris McGrath, Getty Images Entertainment

NBC News Coverage: Thyroid Cancer on the Rise in Women originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 15:11:49.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/nbc-news-coverage-thyroid-cancer-on-the-rise-in-women.html/feed 0 Did a Thyroid Problem Kill Brittany Murphy? http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/did-a-thyroid-problem-kill-brittany-murphy.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/did-a-thyroid-problem-kill-brittany-murphy.html#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:25:44 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/22/brittany-murphy-thyroid.htm Right now, there is no official word on the cause of 32-year old actress Brittany Murphy's tragic death, other than she suffered cardiac arrest. Rumors are flying, as they often do after the death of a young celebrity, suggesting that Murphy may have been using drugs. The actress had become extremely thin in recent years, and the tabloids had suggested she might have an eating disorder such as anorexia.

Some of the rumors have also suggested that Murphy may have had a thyroid disorder. Her rapid weight loss may have contributed to that rumor. Interestingly, at one point, in vehemently denying allegations of drug use, Murphy told reporters "I can't even take an over-the-counter cold remedy like Sudafed, because it will make my heart explode!" (Interestingly, some thyroid patients are extremely sensitive to stimulants like pseudoephedrine, which is in some formulations of Sudafed.)

I don't know what killed Brittany Murphy, or if she did have a thyroid condition. We need to wait for official word to find out the truth.

But could Murphy have been suffering from an undiagnosed thyroid condition? It's possible. There are millions of women in the U.S. with undiagnosed thyroid conditions. Sadly, some younger women who develop Graves' disease/hyperthyroidism -- an overactive thyroid -- experience rapid weight loss as a key symptom. Far too often, however, these women are assumed to be anorexic, and friends, family and even doctors do not recognize the signs. So when they see a teenage girl, or woman in her 20s and 30s, who is experiencing hyperthyroid symptoms such as rapid weight loss -- often accompanied by anxiety, insomnia, and even panic attacks -- even the doctor may assume that the woman is suffering from anorexia, bulimia, or an anxiety or panic disorder. Many of these women never get proper medical tests -- including thyroid evaluation -- and are instead sent off to therapists, or given antidepressants and antianxiety medication. I've heard so many stories like this that I can say that this sort of midsiagnosis is more common than is acceptable.

If someone has undiagnosed or untreated hyperthyroidism at any age, they are also at risk of a condition known as thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is extremely dangerous and frequently fatal, as the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature can become uncontrollably high, and cardiac arrest or stroke can occur.

If it turns out that Murphy did have a thyroid condition, she would not be the first celebrity to have had a thyroid condition.

Note: Our terrific Heart Disease Guide Dr. Rich Fogoros has an informative post, Brittany Murphy: Sudden Death In the Young that talks about some of the reasons for cardiac arrest in someone as young as Murphy.

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Image: Chris McGrath, Getty Images Entertainment

Did a Thyroid Problem Kill Brittany Murphy? originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 14:25:44.

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]]> brittany_murphy_thyroidRight now, there is no official word on the cause of 32-year old actress Brittany Murphy’s tragic death, other than she suffered cardiac arrest. Rumors are flying, as they often do after the death of a young celebrity, suggesting that Murphy may have been using drugs. The actress had become extremely thin in recent years, and the tabloids had suggested she might have an eating disorder such as anorexia.

Some of the rumors have also suggested that Murphy may have had a thyroid disorder. Her rapid weight loss may have contributed to that rumor. Interestingly, at one point, in vehemently denying allegations of drug use, Murphy told reporters “I can’t even take an over-the-counter cold remedy like Sudafed, because it will make my heart explode!” (Interestingly, some thyroid patients are extremely sensitive to stimulants like pseudoephedrine, which is in some formulations of Sudafed.)

I don’t know what killed Brittany Murphy, or if she did have a thyroid condition. We need to wait for official word to find out the truth.

But could Murphy have been suffering from an undiagnosed thyroid condition? It’s possible. There are millions of women in the U.S. with undiagnosed thyroid conditions. Sadly, some younger women who develop Graves’ disease/hyperthyroidism — an overactive thyroid — experience rapid weight loss as a key symptom. Far too often, however, these women are assumed to be anorexic, and friends, family and even doctors do not recognize the signs. So when they see a teenage girl, or woman in her 20s and 30s, who is experiencing hyperthyroid symptoms such as rapid weight loss — often accompanied by anxiety, insomnia, and even panic attacks — even the doctor may assume that the woman is suffering from anorexia, bulimia, or an anxiety or panic disorder. Many of these women never get proper medical tests — including thyroid evaluation — and are instead sent off to therapists, or given antidepressants and antianxiety medication. I’ve heard so many stories like this that I can say that this sort of midsiagnosis is more common than is acceptable.

If someone has undiagnosed or untreated hyperthyroidism at any age, they are also at risk of a condition known as thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is extremely dangerous and frequently fatal, as the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature can become uncontrollably high, and cardiac arrest or stroke can occur.

If it turns out that Murphy did have a thyroid condition, she would not be the first celebrity to have had a thyroid condition.

Note: Our terrific Heart Disease Guide Dr. Rich Fogoros has an informative post, Brittany Murphy: Sudden Death In the Young that talks about some of the reasons for cardiac arrest in someone as young as Murphy.


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Image: Chris McGrath, Getty Images Entertainment

Did a Thyroid Problem Kill Brittany Murphy? originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 14:25:44.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/did-a-thyroid-problem-kill-brittany-murphy.html/feed 0 Dear Santa Claus: Could You Have a Thyroid Problem? http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/dear-santa-claus-could-you-have-a-thyroid-problem.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/dear-santa-claus-could-you-have-a-thyroid-problem.html#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:55:11 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/17/santa-claus-thyroid-problem.htm Some people always read "Twas The Night Before Christmas" every holiday season. Others watch "It's a Wonderful Life." But for regulars here at the Thyroid site, it isn't Christmas unless we feature a beloved piece from America's funniest thyroid patient, Jody LaFerriere. Jody got to wondering...why does Santa only go out once a year? Could he be depressed? And then there's Santa's weight problem....what is THAT all about? Is Santa all about ho ho ho or just ho ho hypo? Could it be that Santa is actually hiding a goiter under that beard? Read Jody LaFerriere's hilarious thyroid patient letter to Santa!

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Dear Santa Claus: Could You Have a Thyroid Problem? originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 20:55:11.

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]]> Some people always read “Twas The Night Before Christmas” every holiday season. Others watch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But for regulars here at the Thyroid site, it isn’t Christmas unless we feature a beloved piece from America’s funniest thyroid patient, Jody LaFerriere. Jody got to wondering…why does Santa only go out once a year? Could he be depressed? And then there’s Santa’s weight problem….what is THAT all about? Is Santa all about ho ho ho or just ho ho hypo? Could it be that Santa is actually hiding a goiter under that beard? Read Jody LaFerriere’s hilarious thyroid patient letter to Santa!



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Image: istockphoto

Dear Santa Claus: Could You Have a Thyroid Problem? originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 20:55:11.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/dear-santa-claus-could-you-have-a-thyroid-problem.html/feed 0 When Your Family Member or Friend Has Thyroid Disease: An Open Letter to the Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/when-your-family-member-or-friend-has-thyroid-disease-an-open-letter-to-the-family-and-friends-of-thyroid-patients.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/when-your-family-member-or-friend-has-thyroid-disease-an-open-letter-to-the-family-and-friends-of-thyroid-patients.html#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:55:37 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/17/family-friends-thyroid-patients.htm Someone posted on my Facebook wall to ask an important question that in all my years of thyroid patient advocacy, I've never really tackled. The question is: "How do you explain to your family what you are going through?"

It's difficult to fully explain what's going on with a chronic disease that is, in many ways, "invisible" to everyone but the sufferer. But perhaps this "Open Letter to Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients" can be a conversation-starter, or help in some way to help those who love us understand just a little bit better what it is like to have thyroid disease. Read the letter now.

Share YOUR Story: Supporting Thyroid Patients--Good Ideas and Horror Stories

We all know doctors and the public are cavalier, and sometimes cruel, about thyroid disease and thyroid patients. But how do friends and family react when someone they care about has a thyroid condition? Are they supportive, or do they add to the problem? If you're a thyroid patient, share your good ideas, personal experiences, and horror stories about how family and friends have reacted to you, supported you, or been less than a help. And if you're a family member or friend of someone with thyroid disease, what have you been through? Do you have ideas on how to best be supportive? Share your thoughts now!

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Image: istockphoto

When Your Family Member or Friend Has Thyroid Disease: An Open Letter to the Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 17:55:37.

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]]> Someone posted on my Facebook wall to ask an important question that in all my years of thyroid patient advocacy, I’ve never really tackled. The question is: “How do you explain to your family what you are going through?”


It’s difficult to fully explain what’s going on with a chronic disease that is, in many ways, “invisible” to everyone but the sufferer. But perhaps this “Open Letter to Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients” can be a conversation-starter, or help in some way to help those who love us understand just a little bit better what it is like to have thyroid disease. Read the letter now.

Share YOUR Story: Supporting Thyroid Patients–Good Ideas and Horror Stories

We all know doctors and the public are cavalier, and sometimes cruel, about thyroid disease and thyroid patients. But how do friends and family react when someone they care about has a thyroid condition? Are they supportive, or do they add to the problem? If you’re a thyroid patient, share your good ideas, personal experiences, and horror stories about how family and friends have reacted to you, supported you, or been less than a help. And if you’re a family member or friend of someone with thyroid disease, what have you been through? Do you have ideas on how to best be supportive? Share your thoughts now!



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Image: istockphoto

When Your Family Member or Friend Has Thyroid Disease: An Open Letter to the Family and Friends of Thyroid Patients originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 17:55:37.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/when-your-family-member-or-friend-has-thyroid-disease-an-open-letter-to-the-family-and-friends-of-thyroid-patients.html/feed 0 Great Holiday Gifts for Thyroid Patients http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/great-holiday-gifts-for-thyroid-patients.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/great-holiday-gifts-for-thyroid-patients.html#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:26:28 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/16/holiday-gifts-thyroid-patients.htm Here are some great holiday gift ideas for that special thyroid patient in your life!! These are gifts that will keep that special someone warm, cozy, healthy and happy all year long! And, if you're a thyroid patient, check out these ideas, and maybe you'll want to print off a copy for Santa -- or your favorite gift giver! (Or, maybe you'd even like to treat yourself this holiday season!) So...let's go shopping!

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Great Holiday Gifts for Thyroid Patients originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 20:26:28.

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Here are some great holiday gift ideas for that special thyroid patient in your life!! These are gifts that will keep that special someone warm, cozy, healthy and happy all year long! And, if you’re a thyroid patient, check out these ideas, and maybe you’ll want to print off a copy for Santa — or your favorite gift giver! (Or, maybe you’d even like to treat yourself this holiday season!) So…let’s go shopping!



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Image: clipart.com

Great Holiday Gifts for Thyroid Patients originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 20:26:28.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/great-holiday-gifts-for-thyroid-patients.html/feed 0 Natural Desiccated Thyroid Drugs: A Survey of Pharmacies & Availability http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/natural-desiccated-thyroid-drugs-a-survey-of-pharmacies-availability.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/natural-desiccated-thyroid-drugs-a-survey-of-pharmacies-availability.html#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:13:59 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/10/natural-desiccated-thyroid-database.htm Wouldn't it be helpful to have in one place a list of pharmacies that have recently had available supplies of natural desiccated thyroid drugs like Nature-Throid, Armour and Erfa Thyroid? The folks at the Save Natural Thyroid Coalition have put together a Natural Desiccated Thyroid Survey and Database. If you have a source for natural desiccated thyroid drugs, please submit your pharmacy recommendation. If you're looking to fill a prescription, check out the database listing of places where you can get various natural desiccated thyroid drugs. Natural Desiccated Thyroid Survey and Database.

MORE INFORMATION:

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Natural Desiccated Thyroid Drugs: A Survey of Pharmacies & Availability originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 21:13:59.

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Wouldn’t it be helpful to have in one place a list of pharmacies that have recently had available supplies of natural desiccated thyroid drugs like Nature-Throid, Armour and Erfa Thyroid? The folks at the Save Natural Thyroid Coalition have put together a Natural Desiccated Thyroid Survey and Database. If you have a source for natural desiccated thyroid drugs, please submit your pharmacy recommendation. If you’re looking to fill a prescription, check out the database listing of places where you can get various natural desiccated thyroid drugs. Natural Desiccated Thyroid Survey and Database.


MORE INFORMATION:




About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


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Natural Desiccated Thyroid Drugs: A Survey of Pharmacies & Availability originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 21:13:59.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/natural-desiccated-thyroid-drugs-a-survey-of-pharmacies-availability.html/feed 0 While Overall Cancer Rates Drop, Thyroid Cancer Rates for Women Have Increased http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/while-overall-cancer-rates-drop-thyroid-cancer-rates-for-women-have-increased.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/while-overall-cancer-rates-drop-thyroid-cancer-rates-for-women-have-increased.html#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:45:10 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/07/cancer-rates-increasing-2009.htm According to the journal Cancer, which publishes an "Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2006," while the incidence and death rates from all cancers combined have dropped quite a bit in the last 30 years, certain cancers have become more common. Specifically, according to the abstract:
Among women, incidence rates decreased...for 6 of the top 15 cancers (ie, breast, CRC, uterine corpus and uterus not otherwise specified [uterus], ovary, cervix uteri [cervix], and oral cavity). In contrast, rates increased for 8 of the top 15 cancers (ie, lung, thyroid, pancreas, urinary bladder [bladder], kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], melanoma, and leukemia) in women.
According to the researchers, "large increases in thyroid cancer were observed during this period for women in all racial/ethnic groups."

This is not the first time it's been reported that thyroid cancer rates are increasing. Thyroid cancer is consistently rated as one of the few cancers that is in fact increasing in prevalence in the U.S. Read Thyroid Cancer Rates are Increasing: Better Detection is Not the Only Reason, summarizing other findings from the journal Cancer in July of 2009.

More Information on Thyroid Cancer

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Source: Edwards, Brenda et. al. "Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2006, featuring colorectal cancer trends and impact of interventions (risk factors, screening, and treatment) to reduce future rates." Cancer. Published Online 7 Dec 2009.

Image: clipart.com

While Overall Cancer Rates Drop, Thyroid Cancer Rates for Women Have Increased originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 19:45:10.

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]]>
According to the journal Cancer, which publishes an “Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2006,” while the incidence and death rates from all cancers combined have dropped quite a bit in the last 30 years, certain cancers have become more common. Specifically, according to the abstract:

Among women, incidence rates decreased…for 6 of the top 15 cancers (ie, breast, CRC, uterine corpus and uterus not otherwise specified [uterus], ovary, cervix uteri [cervix], and oral cavity). In contrast, rates increased for 8 of the top 15 cancers (ie, lung, thyroid, pancreas, urinary bladder [bladder], kidney, non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], melanoma, and leukemia) in women.

According to the researchers, “large increases in thyroid cancer were observed during this period for women in all racial/ethnic groups.”

This is not the first time it’s been reported that thyroid cancer rates are increasing. Thyroid cancer is consistently rated as one of the few cancers that is in fact increasing in prevalence in the U.S. Read Thyroid Cancer Rates are Increasing: Better Detection is Not the Only Reason, summarizing other findings from the journal Cancer in July of 2009.

More Information on Thyroid Cancer



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Source: Edwards, Brenda et. al. “Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2006, featuring colorectal cancer trends and impact of interventions (risk factors, screening, and treatment) to reduce future rates.” Cancer. Published Online 7 Dec 2009.


Image: clipart.com

While Overall Cancer Rates Drop, Thyroid Cancer Rates for Women Have Increased originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 19:45:10.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/while-overall-cancer-rates-drop-thyroid-cancer-rates-for-women-have-increased.html/feed 0 Class Action Lawsuits Against Forest Laboratories Allege Payoffs to Doctors, Suppression of Research, and False Claims About Drugs and More http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/class-action-lawsuits-against-forest-laboratories-allege-payoffs-to-doctors-suppression-of-research-and-false-claims-about-drugs-and-more.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/class-action-lawsuits-against-forest-laboratories-allege-payoffs-to-doctors-suppression-of-research-and-false-claims-about-drugs-and-more.html#comments Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:10:24 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/07/forest-laboratories-lawsuits.htm The text of the class action lawsuit filed against Forest Laboratories regarding their marketing practices is online, in PDF format, and it's an eye-opening list of allegations against the company. The suit alleges that Forest has engaged in a host of marketing efforts to illegally promote two antidepressant drugs -- Celexa and Lexapro -- for off-label use, and engaged in a "rampant scheme to induce doctor to become high prescribers through various forms of illegal remuneration." (In plain speak, they allegedly were paying off doctors to prescribe their drugs.)

You can read the entire 200+ page PDF document -- or you may want to skip right to the PDF's pages 98-114, which provide the gory details about "Forest's Dissemination of Half-Truths," "Forest's Illegal Inducements to Physicians" "Lavish Entertainment and Gifts," and more.

Note from Mary: I guess we don't need to wonder why Forest Laboratories hasn't had time to produce and quality-control Armour Thyroid, reformulate Thyrolar to meet USP specifications Forest knew about several years ago and ignored, or respond to any questions about the complete disappearance of most of their thyroid products from the marketplace. They're apparently way too busy coming up with new ways to sell antidepressants, taking doctors to fancy dinners, and figuring out ways to dodge further legal action.

And one has to wonder...since depression is a symptom of hypothyroidism, if Forest Laboratories dumps its thyroid drugs -- and leaves patients permanently unable to obtain Armour and Thyrolar, at minimum, is it yet another insidious marketing effort to create more demand for their antidepressants?)

More About Forest Laboratories and Their Disregard for their Thyroid Product Line and Thyroid Customers

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Class Action Lawsuits Against Forest Laboratories Allege Payoffs to Doctors, Suppression of Research, and False Claims About Drugs and More originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 10:10:24.

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]]> The text of the class action lawsuit filed against Forest Laboratories regarding their marketing practices is online, in PDF format, and it’s an eye-opening list of allegations against the company. The suit alleges that Forest has engaged in a host of marketing efforts to illegally promote two antidepressant drugs — Celexa and Lexapro — for off-label use, and engaged in a “rampant scheme to induce doctor to become high prescribers through various forms of illegal remuneration.” (In plain speak, they allegedly were paying off doctors to prescribe their drugs.)

You can read the entire 200+ page PDF document — or you may want to skip right to the PDF’s pages 98-114, which provide the gory details about “Forest’s Dissemination of Half-Truths,” “Forest’s Illegal Inducements to Physicians” “Lavish Entertainment and Gifts,” and more.

Note from Mary: I guess we don’t need to wonder why Forest Laboratories hasn’t had time to produce and quality-control Armour Thyroid, reformulate Thyrolar to meet USP specifications Forest knew about several years ago and ignored, or respond to any questions about the complete disappearance of most of their thyroid products from the marketplace. They’re apparently way too busy coming up with new ways to sell antidepressants, taking doctors to fancy dinners, and figuring out ways to dodge further legal action.

And one has to wonder…since depression is a symptom of hypothyroidism, if Forest Laboratories dumps its thyroid drugs — and leaves patients permanently unable to obtain Armour and Thyrolar, at minimum, is it yet another insidious marketing effort to create more demand for their antidepressants?)

More About Forest Laboratories and Their Disregard for their Thyroid Product Line and Thyroid Customers



About Mary Shomon | Thyroid Forum | Twitter | Facebook


Image: istockphoto

Class Action Lawsuits Against Forest Laboratories Allege Payoffs to Doctors, Suppression of Research, and False Claims About Drugs and More originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 10:10:24.

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]]> http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/class-action-lawsuits-against-forest-laboratories-allege-payoffs-to-doctors-suppression-of-research-and-false-claims-about-drugs-and-more.html/feed 0 Shortage of Radioactive Iodine 131 Affects Thyroid Treatments http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/shortage-of-radioactive-iodine-131-affects-thyroid-treatments.html http://www.thyroidcancersupportuk.org/shortage-of-radioactive-iodine-131-affects-thyroid-treatments.html#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:28:06 +0000 iwellbc http://thyroid.about.com/b/2009/12/03/i-131-shortage.htm The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has issued a press release/statement regarding the shortage of radioactive iodine I-131, used for thyroid tests and treatments.

According to the ATA, the shortage is now having an effect on the supply of I-131, and hospitals in some areas of the country are being told that they will not receive any further shipments of I-131 until mid-December of 2009.

Says ATA: "This shortage has led to prioritizing the use of existing I-131 products for those patients with thyroid cancer who have urgency of treatment. It has also brought concerns about the possibility of rescheduling patients who are in the process of preparing for radioactive iodine scans or treatment...It is advisable for physicians to determine the status of I-131 supply locally, with the nuclear medicine department in their hospital or the vendors who provide this product for office-based practices."

Note from Mary: if you are scheduled for a procedure involving radioactive iodine, you may want to call ahead to reconfirm that your physician/hospital will have the I-131 needed to perform your scheduled procedure.

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Source: Notice from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) I-131 shortage

Shortage of Radioactive Iodine 131 Affects Thyroid Treatments originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 20:28:06.

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The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has issued a press release/statement regarding the shortage of radioactive iodine I-131, used for thyroid tests and treatments.

According to the ATA, the shortage is now having an effect on the supply of I-131, and hospitals in some areas of the country are being told that they will not receive any further shipments of I-131 until mid-December of 2009.

Says ATA: “This shortage has led to prioritizing the use of existing I-131 products for those patients with thyroid cancer who have urgency of treatment. It has also brought concerns about the possibility of rescheduling patients who are in the process of preparing for radioactive iodine scans or treatment…It is advisable for physicians to determine the status of I-131 supply locally, with the nuclear medicine department in their hospital or the vendors who provide this product for office-based practices.”

Note from Mary: if you are scheduled for a procedure involving radioactive iodine, you may want to call ahead to reconfirm that your physician/hospital will have the I-131 needed to perform your scheduled procedure.


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Source: Notice from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) I-131 shortage

Shortage of Radioactive Iodine 131 Affects Thyroid Treatments originally appeared on About.com Thyroid Disease on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009 at 20:28:06.

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