Show I y i i Vernal Venial Family Gamily Health Center Centeri 4 Laetrile and its hazards hazard i FDA has no control over the manufacture and distribution of Laetrile There is no way to ensure quality of the drug or to take action when a harmful sample is found Therefore it is very difficult to protect the consumer when hazards are identified Nevertheless many deficiencies Inthe in inthe inthe the manufacture of Laetrile have been detected Fungal contamination has been found in a sample of a Mexican formulation of the drug While no specific problems secondary to microbial contamination have been reported yet the potential for severe systemic infection is sl significant At another laborato laboratory y methyl and isopropyl alcohols were found as adulterants in the formulation for for- till other analyses have revealed tency An additional impurity of unknown toxic potential has also been identified in the formulation Use of Laetrile Toxicity Implications Most health professionals are arc arc aware of Laetrile's potential for harm through delay or avoidance of traditional therapy But because of the widespread use of f Laetrile health professionals must be alert also to the potential hazards of cyanide poisoning and other complications associated with the use of an untested drug of dubious identity and uncertain manufacture Use of Laetrile Legal Implications There is wide variability in the laws of the 12 states which have legalized use of th the drug In one state a legal opinion declares that the Laetrile law is Indirect in indirect indirect direct conflict with other laws of that state In states where Laetrile is legal physicians and pharmacists should seek legal counsel to acquaint themselves with the often orten conflicting Federal and State laws before prescribing or dispensing the drug Passage of state legislation does not protect sponsors promoters distributors dispensers or sellers of Laetrile from applicable civil or criminal s sanctions under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act Passage of state legislation does not provide immunity from malpractice suits In fact several are now pending and a major insurer in one state where legislation has been passed is reportedly reportedly reportedly refusing to insure physicians against damages from Laetrile use Literature regarding the status and use of Laetrile is available from FDA Recent Developments The progress of pro Laetrile legislation in state legislatures has been slowed and in some cases reversed As of September 1 1977 at least three state legislatures had voted down bills legalizing the drug in- in The governors of New York and Illinois vetoed Laetrile bills during August FDA Commissioner Kennedy testified before the California State Assembly Health Committee which subsequently voted down the bill for the state Other state legislatures with Laetrile bills adjourned without final action Clearly a number of state legislatures have now paused to take a second look at the scientific merits and consumer protection issues involved Articles in the lay press have helped expose the lack of credibility of major Laetrile proponents and traffickers and have provided the public with objective information Meanwhile further reports of lack of efficacy in animal testing ha have ve been made public A major hearing in July before the US U.S. Senate Sub committee on Health and Scientific Research exposed the lack of evidence of efficacy as well as new concerns about Laetrile toxicity Conclusion Cancer patients and their families are warned that Whether sold as a drug or as a vitamin 1317 B Laetrile is worthless in the prevention treatment or cure of cancer The substance has no therapeutic or nutritional value Laetrile can be fatal for cancer patients who delay or give up regular medical treatment and take Laetrile Instead Laetrile contains cyanide and can cause poisoning and death when taken by mouth One ir infant ant is known dead of cyanide poisoning after swallowing fewer ewer than five Laetrile tablets At least 16 other deaths have been documented from ingestion of Laetrile ingredients apricot and similar fruit pits Laetrile is especially hazardous if the injection form Corm is taken by mouth This can cause sudden death Laetrile is not routinely subject to FDA inspection Inspect on for Cor quality and purity as are all other drugs Keep the drug out of reach of children I For or full details about the hazards of Laetrile see your f family mily physician or 01 a cancer specialist or write the Food and Drug Administration Laetrile 20 Fishers Lane Rockville Maryland Dr Evans will answer questions of general interest through this column If you have any questions or comments send them to the Vernal Express |