Reed Requests the Department of Defense Suspend Use of Anti-Malaria Drug Following Reports of Serious Side-Effects

Reed Requests the Department of Defense Suspend Use of Anti-Malaria Drug Following Reports of Serious Side-Effects

WASHINGTON-In a letter to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today requested that the military suspend use of Lariam, a drug used to prevent malaria in our troops. Reed stated, "I am deeply concerned that the military continues widespread use of Lariam despite growing indications of its significant psychiatric side-effects, including psychotic behavior and suicide."

In June, the Department of Veterans Affairs warned doctors to watch for long-term problems from Lariam. The VA wrote that Lariam "may rarely be associated with certain long-term chronic health problems that persist for weeks, months, and even years after the drug is stopped."

Reed, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and former Army officer, became interested in the issue after reading several news reports about soldiers suffering from psychotic episodes or committing suicide after taking Lariam.

Following is the text of Reed's letter to the Secretary of Defense.

I welcome the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs recent announcement that another study of the side effects of Lariam (mefloquine), a drug used to prevent malaria in our troops, will be conducted. In light of this study and the reports of significant mental health problems potentially associated with the use of this drug by our troops, I urge you to seriously consider suspending Lariam usage as a first line agent in the prevention of malaria. I am deeply concerned that the military continues widespread use of Lariam despite growing indications of its significant psychiatric side effects, including psychotic behavior and suicide.

The FDA issued a safety alert in October of 2002 regarding Lariam, stating: "Mefloquine may cause psychiatric symptoms in a number of patients, ranging from anxiety, paranoia, and depression to hallucinations and psychotic behavior. On occasions, these symptoms have been reported to continue long after mefloquine has been stopped." While serious psychiatric complications may occur at a relatively low rate - the magnitude of effect when given to hundreds of thousands of our soldiers can be disastrous.

At a time when multiple medications exist for the prevention of malaria and the CDC has recommended several other agents for first line usage, it is disturbing that Lariam is still so widely used by the armed forces. It is important to note that many of these newer medications have fewer side effects, are better tolerated, and have higher rates of compliance.

Our troops do not need to be put at greater risk for significant side effects when newer, safer alternatives exist. They deserve the best and safest medications that available. Until we have a full understanding of the side effects associated with this product, I urge you to stop prescribing Lariam as a first line agent in the prevention of malaria to our military personnel.