Government publishes list of 'at risk' drugs

French Health Minister Xavier Bertrand has published a list of 77 pharmaceutical drugs the government says need to be monitored more closely in the wake of the Mediator scandal. Some of the products on the list could be withdrawn from the market including Actos, a diabetic drug and the weight-loss pill, Alli. 

Reuters

Other medications which have come into the spotlight over their dangerous side-effects include anti-flu vaccines, anti-depressants for children and those aimed at helping people to stop smoking.

The publication of the list follows the decision by the father of an adolescent, who committed suicide after using an anti-acne treatment, to take to court the three pharmaceutical companies producing the drug.

Alexandre Voidey, aged 17, hanged himself three years ago after complaining about the side-effects of the isotretinoine-based drug he was taking to control his skin problem. Doubts had already been cast over the drug which is said to induce depression and suicidal tendancies.

According to the French health security agency, Afssaps, around twenty suicides allegedly linked to the drug were recorded between 1986 and 2009.

Didier Houssin, Director General of Afssaps, has warned patients not to stop taking the listed drugs, but to consult a doctor.

"Patients should find it reassuring that the medication they are taking is being closely monitored," he said. "It is a guarantee for patients."

Earlier this month, the government announced an in-depth reform of the pharmaceutical drug security industry after the Mediator scandal. The anti-diabetes medication was allegedly responsible for the deaths of at least 500 people.