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Print7 Healthcast: ADHD Drug Off The Market
Worried about drug dangers Canada stopping the sale of a popular treatment for ADHD. Adderall XR will remain off the market there as Canadian regulators study the sudden deaths of at least 20 people linked to the drug. 7's Janet Wu has the details on what you should know.
It's used mostly for children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Canadian regulators have pulled the drug Adderal XR off the market. After it was linked to twenty deaths and a dozen strokes.
"This helps them not to be so distracted by things going on, all over the place. They can stay a little bit more in one place than they would otherwise stay. It helps them concentrate on the work they need to be doing."Dr. Sean Palfrey, Boston Medical Center
Fourteen of the deaths and two of the strokes were in children. Canadian health officials say overdose, misuse, or abuse did not cause these events.
Most medications, including this one and Ritalin are stimulants, which is why they can't be given to all kids.
Dr. Sean Palfrey, Boston Medical Center
"It makes people think about the fact that we shouldn't throw them will nilly at every patient who seems to be a little hyperactive. And we should do more research on these medications."
In the U.S. about 700,000 people take Adderall XR. The FDA released a statement saying:
"The FDA does not feel that any immediate changes are warranted in the FDA labeling or approved use of this drug based upon its preliminary understanding of health Canada's analyses of adverse event reports."
Experts say people should be careful no matter what the medication is.The drug is still available, although it is not nearly as prescribed as Ritalin.
For More Information:
http://www.fda.gov