Abbott Laboratories announces Cylert recall

It is extremely sad that in the United States the work of FDA has to be done by consumer rights groups. It is no longer a secret that the FDA has failed completely in its mission to protect the lives of American people by ensuring drug safety. Not only are drugs approved without adequate research, once they are approved, FDA does nothing to recall dangerous drugs that are on the market. Vioxx recall has received the most coverage during recent months but there are numerous other drugs that Americans should not be using but they continue to be on the market.

That is why the news of Cylert recall by Abbott Laboratories is an excellent example. Over a period of 30 years, Cylert (or pemoline), has been criticized for its dangerous side effects, but in its usual style to keep the pharma companies happy, FDA left the drug on the market.

On March 24, Public Citizen, a consumer rights group, prepared an excellent case in favor of Cylert recall and submitted it to the FDA. The very next day, Cylert manufacturer Abbott Laboratories announced that it is pulling the drug off the market, citing one of those reasons that you know is not accurate ("declining sales"). If sales were so low, why risk the lives of Americans all these years? And why recall Cylert the very next day after a petition by Public Citizen? Or was there a sneaky phone call from FDA to Cylert to act fast?

In any case, the good news is that Cylert is off the market. But what about other ADHD drugs like Prozac, Ritalin, and Adderall? As usual, FDA is doing nothing hoping that Americans will stop paying attention soon.

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