In early September we shared information about drug safety for kids. We also included a link to an Action Alert created by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation to support national legislation to improve the drug testing requirements for kids so that dosage is based on tests on kids not grown-ups.
Anyway, I was thrilled when the Foundation sent the Activistas (that's you!) an e-mail reporting that the legislation had passed. They wrote:
Dear Urban Mamas,Because of your past interest in the issue, we thought you might be pleased to learn of a big victory for kids yesterday!
Thanks so much for all you do, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Now that's the kind of inspiration this Mama needs! Seeing that our efforts - quick as they might be - are being noticed and having effect is true inspiration. Keep it Up, Mamas! As my 4 & 1/2 year old son loves to say: We're doin' stuff, right Mama??
One Big Step Closer to
Safer Medicines for Children Congress Passes Vital Pediatric
Drug Legislation September 21,
2007 Key News
Facts v Making medicines for children is not just about taking an adult-sized
pill and cutting it in half. Pediatric formulations must be designed based on children’s weight,
physical activity, metabolism, and many other factors, all of which are very
different and more specialized than adults. It is critically important that drug
companies design and test their medicines specifically for children’s
use. The consequences of not doing so could be
deadly. Yesterday, congress did
something. v The
U.S.
Senate passed drug safety legislation that will improve
the health of countless children across the nation. The Food and Drug Administration
Amendments Act of 2007 overhauls the drug safety system and contains several
provisions to make medicines and medical devices safer for use in children. v Children have long stood at the back of the line in terms of drug
research. Approximately 75 percent of all drugs prescribed for children have
never been tested for pediatric use. The
legislation renews the FDA’s authority to require the testing of new drugs for
use in children and continues the use of financial incentives for drug makers to
test their products for children. v The
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has
long been a leader in advocating greater pediatric testing of medications and
devices for children to fight HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. To learn more about
ensuring children have safe and effective medicines, visit http://www.pedaids.org/YouCanHe Quote Attributable to Pamela W.
Barnes, President and CEO, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric
AIDS Foundation v When
it comes to proper dosing, children are not just little adults. Drugs behave
differently in their developing bodies. The programs in this legislation help
guarantee that when the FDA approves a drug for adult use, it will also be
studied for children. Congress has
taken another big step toward leveling the playing field for children’s
health. About the Elizabeth Glaser
Pediatric AIDS Foundation The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric
AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. The
Foundation’s innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives,
advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment
programs are bringing hope to the lives of children and families affected by
AIDS worldwide. To learn more about the Foundation and its programs, visit the
Web site at www.pedaids.org.
Kudos, Activistas! This is a great step toward better protecting our kidlets!
Posted by: olivia | September 27, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Interesting - and somewhat alarming - article in today's NYT on this issue - with some serious warnings about cold/cough meds for kids under 6 and moreso for those under 2. Definitely worth a read for safe drug use in children. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/29/health/29fda.html?ex=1348804800&en=1b3819440de2140f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Posted by: Lisa | October 01, 2007 at 10:56 AM