Submitted by Bob Burton on
In March this year Dr. Peter Gleason, a Maryland psychiatrist, was arrested by the FBI at a Long Island train station and later charged for promoting off-label use of Xyrem, a prescription drug manufactured by Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The New York Times reports that federal prosecutors allege that "at hundreds of speeches and seminars where he was rewarded with generous fees, Dr. Gleason advised other physicians that a powerful drug for narcolepsy could be prescribed for depression and pain relief. In doing so, he conspired with the drug’s manufacturer to recommend it for potentially dangerous uses the prosecutors claim." Gleason admits that he was paid over $100,000 last year alone from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Gleason, who was released on bail, argues that he was only charged after he refused to help build a case against the drug company which, New York Times reporter Alex Beremson writes, "court documents seem to support."
Comments
JohnRobbins replied on Permalink
Gleason may have been
Gleason may have been pimping for the drug, but he has a point. Xyrem is very effective as a sleep agent, without the side effects of ambien, lunestra, etc.
Briseis Gatto replied on Permalink
Medical freedom
Doctors have the right to prescribe for off-label purposes, and
the evidence suggests that Dr. Gleason was *accurately* describing
the benefits of Xyprem in his speeches.
http://sulcus.berkeley.edu/mcb/165_001/papers/manuscripts/_536.html
I am concerned at the suppression of freedom of speech, and
freedom of medical choice this prosecution represents.
Xyprem is GHB, a widely used substance which is a natural metabolite
in the body, not a toxic drug. GHB which was used for its
pleasant relaxing qualities and several health benefits, was banned
in the US in the 90's, for reasons that did not seem scientifically
well-supported.