FDA Testimony

Me practicing my speech. I won’t wear my fleece hoodie for the real thing. :p

I’m in Washington D.C. and will be testifying to the FDA at approximately 8:30 am EST on Friday March 27, 2015.  Rachel Brummert, President of the QVF will be testifying at approximately 3:50 pm EST the same day.

You can view our testimony through the webcast link noted in this FDA meeting announcement – http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/NewsEvents/ucm431265.htm

Rachel and I will do our best to tell stories of pain and suffering caused by fluoroquinolones, and to encourage the FDA to change the rules that are keeping people who are hurt by generic drugs from gaining recourse through the justice system.

A couple of notes – I wasn’t able to fit in all of the stories that were sent to me.  I had to cut many poignant stories because of time–I’m allowed to speak for 5 minutes.  Everyone who sent me your story – THANK YOU!  I wish that I could tell them all!

Also, this hearing is not about fluoroquinolones specifically.  It is about the fact that generic drug manufacturers cannot be held legally responsible for the damage done by their products.  Many people who have been hurt by various generic drugs will be testifying.  Generic drug manufacturers will also be testifying.  I can’t imagine what they’ll say though.  Are they actually going to argue that they shouldn’t be held responsible for the safety of their products?  Probably.  But if they can’t be held responsible for the damage done by their products, who will be held responsible?  The FDA?  Last I checked, suing government agencies wasn’t possible.  Generic drug manufacturers need to be held responsible for the damage caused by their drugs.  I hope that the FDA does what is in their power to make generic pharmaceutical companies liable for the drugs they make.