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April 12th, 2012

Conservative drug regime puts soldiers’ health at risk

Prescribing mefloquine to prevent malaria puts soldiers at risk of harmful side effects

OTTAWA – NDP Military Procurement Critic Christine Moore and National Defence Critic David Christopherson are urging the Conservative government to stop systematically giving Canadian soldiers a malaria medication— mefloquine—with serious and harmful side effects.

Since 1996, several studies have shown that mefloquine can cause permanent brain damage. A Radio-Canada report broadcast yesterday reveals that the troubling side effects of the medication include hallucinations, anxiety and increased aggressiveness. In Afghanistan, the side effects of the drug have earned it the nickname “dream pill.”

“The government is gambling with the health and safety of our soldiers and their families by continuing to use mefloquine,” said Mr. Christopherson (Hamilton Centre). “The U.S. stopped prescribing this medication to their soldiers in 2009. There's no reason why Canada should persist in using this medication without measuring its effects.”

Ms. Moore (Abitibi-Témiscamingue) pointed out that there are other medications for preventing malaria, some with fewer side effects. "You need to consider the medical history of every patient. By prescribing mefloquine as a one-size-fits-all solution, the Conservative government is jeopardizing the mental health of our soldiers. Canada’s soldiers deserve much better."

NDP MPs will continue to pressure the Conservatives until they amend the rules surrounding mefloquine and finally commit to protecting the health of Canadian soldiers.