GlaxoSmithKline

JulieG · 06-21-2002, 11:52 AM

Holy Moly.

I sent a letter to Jean-Pierre Garner, the CEO of Glaxo Smith Kline complaining about Paxil. I'm sure you have all done it, but I just did it. I really didn't expect to get a response back, but I got a certified letter in the mail from them today. The company "apologized" for my bad experience with Paxil. The letter went on to say that in order to further assist me and to look into the matter, they want me to send them medical release forms so they can contact my doctor about my situation.
I don't trust 'em. Not one bit. Have you guys done this and gotten the same response? Did you send them the med releases? Should I?

06-21-2002, 12:07 PM

DUDE.

No, I haven't sent them anything...so I never got a response. Maybe I should, tell 'em about my TD :)

But...I don't think you should send them your medical records. They aren't your doctors. Maybe you might want to get a copy for yourself, it's actually kinda informative what's in them, but...I don't see what GSK would need with all your records. What kind of release were they looking for? If someone was given a release to Kaiser, that person could have every single bit of info from the time I went in for pap smears to knee pain. GSK doesn't need that!

If you do get a copy for yourself, you might photocopy and mail to them pages that are pertinent, with some details like names and phone numbers scribbled out. That way you have some control of what they get, IF you want to send them anything at all anyway...

06-21-2002, 03:07 PM

what did you write in your letter? i am curious. i think i'm developing a slight activist attitude. i am just so angry, and i want to do something. i wouldn't release my medical records to a big company that i already know is dishonest, manipulative, and money hungry. maybe you can ask them what's in it for you.... how do they intend to "further assist you". i'd want to know first what their intentions are before letting them stick their noses into my files.
i'd like to write a letter, too. just don't know where to begin.

JulieG · 06-21-2002, 06:59 PM

I told them that I had been on Paxil and that when I tried to get off of it I was hit with horrible withdrawal effects. I explained my w/d to them and then I told them that because of what i was going through I was about to lose my job, my mind and that no one close to me understood what I was going through. then I said that they needed to help me, to come with a way to get us all off this drug, & they need to tell EVERYONE what Paxil withdrawal can do.

I am also sending a letter and some articles about Paxil withdrawal to every general practitioner and psychiatrist in my county. I will spend $10.00 a month on postage (I'm not rich) until its done. And it may prove pointless. But maybe some one will think twice about prescribing it or scoffing at someone who says he's suffering withdrawal. By convincing myself that this will help, I feel a little less helpless and it helps disipate a tiny little portion of the anger at a company that screwed up my brain.

06-21-2002, 07:12 PM

Hi Julie

I also think it's a bit odd that they want to have access to your medical records. Firstly, would your Doctor write down everything you tell him....NO!! Are GSK looking at every complainants Medical Records.....NO!! They don't have the man power or the inclination to do so. It might be worth you asking them to advise you how many written complaints they have received from Paxil users. They have to record every complaint so they DO have that information. Although I'm quite sure they would not release that info until the minute before they are hit by an extremely high negligence fine by the court.

JulieG · 06-21-2002, 10:16 PM

You guys are all right. What was I thinking. No way I will send them the release forms. Well since they have to record how many complaints they receive, why don't we ALL send them complaints.

Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO
GlaxoSmithKline plc
100 Beecham Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

and

GlaxoSmithKline
Attention: Global Clinical Safety & Pharmacovigilance
1250 South Collegeville Road - Mailcod UP3420
P O Box 5089
Collegeville, PA 19426-0989

Or is it a bad idea? Could it hurt us in any way?

06-22-2002, 01:49 AM

thank you for the addresses. i think i'll write to them, even though i doubt anyone in a position to do anything will read them. at least they'll have one more number to add to their list.
can anyone think of a reason this could be a bad idea?

06-22-2002, 06:16 AM

I got that same request many months ago, and found someone else in my area that sent her stuff--regretably. They went through EVERY detail of EVERY visit etc., and Their "expert" decided that as usual, it was the normal return of the original problem, not w/d's or "dis-continuation syndrom". They also sent coupons for alot of their other crap in case she wanted to try any!!!!!
ali

JulieG · 06-22-2002, 06:37 AM

Ok, so won't send medical release forms to 'em but we can swamp them with complaints.

06-26-2002, 02:05 AM

You go girl!! That is so great that you got their attention... I agree about not sending the medical records though. I think that maybe they do need to be swarmed with letters. I have also been thinking that this really needs to be brought out to the public too, but how? I've been filled with anger at this and thinking that petition after petition to the companies, politicians or media might help??? There has to be something else we can all do besides the legal route. I'm with ya on this one.

JulieG · 06-26-2002, 07:17 AM

What i did was I sent my letter through www.planetfeedback.com. They write part of the letter for you but I deleted all that. The good thing about planet feedback is that at the end, you can pick if you want it sent to congressmen and representatives in your area. So thats what I did. I also emailed a bunch of stuff about Paxil to my newspaper (I got the email of a reporter) but nothing's been done yet. And I don't know if I mentioned it on here or to someone else, but I am sending information on Paxil to every doctor in the county I live in. It isn't much but it does alleviate some anger. I think the petition idea is really good. How would we go about doing it?

06-26-2002, 01:29 PM

here's a link to a petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71/

darcyb · 06-26-2002, 07:17 PM

JulieG! What an incredible thing to do, my hat's off to you. I'm very surprised by thankful that they took the time to reply. Speaking of, can I have permission to feature your letter and its response as a news item on the welcome page? Full anonymity protected of course, address removed and all.

Please send the letters in any file format to: general@paxilprogress.org

Thanks!

06-28-2002, 07:05 PM

It is indeed a courageous thing to stand up and say this is not right. I am very angry about being prescribed Paxil and not knowing about these side effects and potential "discontinuation sympotoms" and I know almost everyone out here feels the same way. I contacted an attorney whose name I got from the internet that night I was totally freaked out about discont. symptoms. They returned my call, asked for more info. and said they would call and let me know what they thought was the best way to proceed, what my rights were, etc. These types of cases fall under "product liability" claims and are usually handled by personal injury attorneys (as best I can tell). They charge nothing, because IF they agree to take the case, the stipulation is that they get a percentage of any settlement. The best part is that they have a vested interest in winning the case, for publicity, money, etc. and I have a vested interest in making sure the world finds out about Paxil and no more people have to suffer needlessly. It is bad enough for adults, but what about all the children who are being prescribed Paxil? Anyway, I will keep you posted on what the attorney says. I know there have already been some high profile cases involving Paxil and of course plenty that never make it to trial. Believe me, this is the ONLY way to get GSKs attention because the bottom line is the only place they are looking.
Best to everyone and keep up the good fight!! Teddygrrl

JulieG · 06-28-2002, 09:13 PM

Good for you!

07-15-2002, 03:44 PM

Good for you Julie, I haven't written to them, but now since I have their address, I will. Those

idiots forgot to mention that their money making medication can induce psychosis,mania, delusions and hallucinations....geee..lets leave that out. Look at their own list of side-effects, under the central nervous systems and they disclose it, too bad it wasn't on the list of side effects that the pharmacy gave us with the medication.

07-16-2002, 03:12 PM

Another way we can all be proactive is to go onto the message boards of the health websites that reach thousands & thousands of people like drweil.com & post warning messages about paxil.

07-16-2002, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Good for you Julie, I haven't written to them, but now since I have their address, I will. Those

idiots forgot to mention that their money making medication can induce psychosis,mania, delusions and hallucinations....geee..lets leave that out. Look at their own list of side-effects, under the central nervous systems and they disclose it, too bad it wasn't on the list of side effects that the pharmacy gave us with the medication.

Ok now your scaring me. Psychosis? Mania? Delusions? hallucinations?

I am going to be second guessing my every thought after reading this. Was it really necessary to get angry because my children messed up the house? How about yelling at them for having a pillow fight? What about when my coworker and I had words?

I need an island somewhere until I am safely off the sh*t. (Can we say sh*t?) See I am second guessing everything. Where is that backbone I had anyway?

07-17-2002, 09:44 AM

WHAT A WONDERFUL STAND WE ARE ALL ABOUT TO TAKE ON. I WILL WRITE FOR SURE AND THIS WEEK WHEN I START MY PAXIL WITHDRAW I AM GOING TO RECORD EACH AND EVERY DAY, EVEN IF MY FAMILY HAS TO WRITE IT FOR ME, HOW SAD IT IS THAT I HAVE HAD TO EXPLAIN TO MY CHILDREN THAT MOMMY NOW HAS TO GO THROUGH DRUG WITHDRAW. I FELT IT NECESSARY TO EXPLAIN IT SO THAT THEY KNOW WHEN I AM ANGRY AND SCREAMING IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS I HAVE BEEN ON THIS THING FOR 5 YEARS AND I NEED MY LIFE BACK.

07-17-2002, 12:33 PM

Good luck Imski, we are all behind you!!

07-18-2002, 10:46 PM

HI I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHERE I JUST READ THAT NO MATER WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS DO NOT SEND THEM YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. NOT EVEN A COPY. AS SOON AS I FIND IT I WILL POST THE WEB SITE. JUST HOLD TIGHT.......

07-20-2002, 03:38 PM

At the bottom of the home page of this web-site is a link for "legal."
Has anyone checked out the class action suit being filed by the Pendley Law Firm? What have you found out?

07-21-2002, 10:32 AM

I did not look into that one yet, but now i will, i have found quite a few, some in canada also, will post the websites when i have looked this new one over. thanks for the info..

07-21-2002, 10:45 AM

Hi ,just wanted to let you know i emailed that lawyer and asked for them to send me any information on what legal action i can take against the company, not only have i suffered my daughter did also they need to take responsiblity before it is too late....

Joelle · 08-24-2002, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieG

Holy Moly.

I sent a letter to Jean-Pierre Garner, the CEO of Glaxo Smith Kline complaining about Paxil. I'm sure you have all done it, but I just did it. I really didn't expect to get a response back, but I got a certified letter in the mail from them today. The company "apologized" for my bad experience with Paxil. The letter went on to say that in order to further assist me and to look into the matter, they want me to send them medical release forms so they can contact my doctor about my situation...

A dear friend of mine wrote to GSK on my behalf (I was far too sick at the time to do so myself) and today she gave me a certified letter they sent back, THE EXACT SAME form letter you got, JulieG... of course I would sooner eat a lightbulb than send them my medical records, but I wonder if I should send them a reply telling them to take a long walk off a short pier...? How stupid do they think we are!?!? I am so tempted to give them what-for.

Will they keep sending letters like this? I hope they know better than to pester me!

06-21-2002, 11:52 AM	#1
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	GlaxoSmithKline Holy Moly. I sent a letter to Jean-Pierre Garner, the CEO of Glaxo Smith Kline complaining about Paxil. I'm sure you have all done it, but I just did it. I really didn't expect to get a response back, but I got a certified letter in the mail from them today. The company "apologized" for my bad experience with Paxil. The letter went on to say that in order to further assist me and to look into the matter, they want me to send them medical release forms so they can contact my doctor about my situation. I don't trust 'em. Not one bit. Have you guys done this and gotten the same response? Did you send them the med releases? Should I?

06-21-2002, 03:07 PM	#3
jul Posts: n/a	whoa! what did you write in your letter? i am curious. i think i'm developing a slight activist attitude. i am just so angry, and i want to do something. i wouldn't release my medical records to a big company that i already know is dishonest, manipulative, and money hungry. maybe you can ask them what's in it for you.... how do they intend to "further assist you". i'd want to know first what their intentions are before letting them stick their noses into my files. i'd like to write a letter, too. just don't know where to begin.

06-22-2002, 01:49 AM	#7
jul Posts: n/a	I'm gonna thank you for the addresses. i think i'll write to them, even though i doubt anyone in a position to do anything will read them. at least they'll have one more number to add to their list. can anyone think of a reason this could be a bad idea?

06-22-2002, 06:16 AM	#8
ali Posts: n/a	gsk I got that same request many months ago, and found someone else in my area that sent her stuff--regretably. They went through EVERY detail of EVERY visit etc., and Their "expert" decided that as usual, it was the normal return of the original problem, not w/d's or "dis-continuation syndrom". They also sent coupons for alot of their other crap in case she wanted to try any!!!!! ali

06-26-2002, 02:05 AM	#10
Buzzed Posts: n/a	Go girl! You go girl!! That is so great that you got their attention... I agree about not sending the medical records though. I think that maybe they do need to be swarmed with letters. I have also been thinking that this really needs to be brought out to the public too, but how? I've been filled with anger at this and thinking that petition after petition to the companies, politicians or media might help??? There has to be something else we can all do besides the legal route. I'm with ya on this one.

06-21-2002, 12:07 PM	#2
Princess Artemis Posts: n/a	DUDE. No, I haven't sent them anything...so I never got a response. Maybe I should, tell 'em about my TD :) But...I don't think you should send them your medical records. They aren't your doctors. Maybe you might want to get a copy for yourself, it's actually kinda informative what's in them, but...I don't see what GSK would need with all your records. What kind of release were they looking for? If someone was given a release to Kaiser, that person could have every single bit of info from the time I went in for pap smears to knee pain. GSK doesn't need that! If you do get a copy for yourself, you might photocopy and mail to them pages that are pertinent, with some details like names and phone numbers scribbled out. That way you have some control of what they get, IF you want to send them anything at all anyway...

06-21-2002, 06:59 PM	#4
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	I told them that I had been on Paxil and that when I tried to get off of it I was hit with horrible withdrawal effects. I explained my w/d to them and then I told them that because of what i was going through I was about to lose my job, my mind and that no one close to me understood what I was going through. then I said that they needed to help me, to come with a way to get us all off this drug, & they need to tell EVERYONE what Paxil withdrawal can do. I am also sending a letter and some articles about Paxil withdrawal to every general practitioner and psychiatrist in my county. I will spend $10.00 a month on postage (I'm not rich) until its done. And it may prove pointless. But maybe some one will think twice about prescribing it or scoffing at someone who says he's suffering withdrawal. By convincing myself that this will help, I feel a little less helpless and it helps disipate a tiny little portion of the anger at a company that screwed up my brain.

06-21-2002, 07:12 PM	#5
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Hi Julie I also think it's a bit odd that they want to have access to your medical records. Firstly, would your Doctor write down everything you tell him....NO!! Are GSK looking at every complainants Medical Records.....NO!! They don't have the man power or the inclination to do so. It might be worth you asking them to advise you how many written complaints they have received from Paxil users. They have to record every complaint so they DO have that information. Although I'm quite sure they would not release that info until the minute before they are hit by an extremely high negligence fine by the court.

06-21-2002, 10:16 PM	#6
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	You guys are all right. What was I thinking. No way I will send them the release forms. Well since they have to record how many complaints they receive, why don't we ALL send them complaints. Jean-Pierre Garnier, CEO GlaxoSmithKline plc 100 Beecham Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15205 and GlaxoSmithKline Attention: Global Clinical Safety & Pharmacovigilance 1250 South Collegeville Road - Mailcod UP3420 P O Box 5089 Collegeville, PA 19426-0989 Or is it a bad idea? Could it hurt us in any way?

06-22-2002, 06:37 AM	#9
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	Ok, so won't send medical release forms to 'em but we can swamp them with complaints.

06-26-2002, 07:17 AM	#11
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	What i did was I sent my letter through www.planetfeedback.com. They write part of the letter for you but I deleted all that. The good thing about planet feedback is that at the end, you can pick if you want it sent to congressmen and representatives in your area. So thats what I did. I also emailed a bunch of stuff about Paxil to my newspaper (I got the email of a reporter) but nothing's been done yet. And I don't know if I mentioned it on here or to someone else, but I am sending information on Paxil to every doctor in the county I live in. It isn't much but it does alleviate some anger. I think the petition idea is really good. How would we go about doing it?

06-26-2002, 01:29 PM	#12
jul Posts: n/a	here's a link to a petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71/

06-26-2002, 07:17 PM	#13
darcyb Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 6,927	oh please share! JulieG! What an incredible thing to do, my hat's off to you. I'm very surprised by thankful that they took the time to reply. Speaking of, can I have permission to feature your letter and its response as a news item on the welcome page? Full anonymity protected of course, address removed and all. Please send the letters in any file format to: general@paxilprogress.org Thanks!

06-28-2002, 07:05 PM	#14
teddygrrl Posts: n/a	what courage!! It is indeed a courageous thing to stand up and say this is not right. I am very angry about being prescribed Paxil and not knowing about these side effects and potential "discontinuation sympotoms" and I know almost everyone out here feels the same way. I contacted an attorney whose name I got from the internet that night I was totally freaked out about discont. symptoms. They returned my call, asked for more info. and said they would call and let me know what they thought was the best way to proceed, what my rights were, etc. These types of cases fall under "product liability" claims and are usually handled by personal injury attorneys (as best I can tell). They charge nothing, because IF they agree to take the case, the stipulation is that they get a percentage of any settlement. The best part is that they have a vested interest in winning the case, for publicity, money, etc. and I have a vested interest in making sure the world finds out about Paxil and no more people have to suffer needlessly. It is bad enough for adults, but what about all the children who are being prescribed Paxil? Anyway, I will keep you posted on what the attorney says. I know there have already been some high profile cases involving Paxil and of course plenty that never make it to trial. Believe me, this is the ONLY way to get GSKs attention because the bottom line is the only place they are looking. Best to everyone and keep up the good fight!! Teddygrrl

06-28-2002, 09:13 PM	#15
JulieG Join Date: May 2002 Location: Ohio, USA Posts: 589	Good for you!

07-15-2002, 03:44 PM	#16
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Good for you Julie, I haven't written to them, but now since I have their address, I will. Those idiots forgot to mention that their money making medication can induce psychosis,mania, delusions and hallucinations....geee..lets leave that out. Look at their own list of side-effects, under the central nervous systems and they disclose it, too bad it wasn't on the list of side effects that the pharmacy gave us with the medication.

07-16-2002, 03:12 PM	#17
Anonymous Posts: n/a	ways to be proactive Another way we can all be proactive is to go onto the message boards of the health websites that reach thousands & thousands of people like drweil.com & post warning messages about paxil.

07-17-2002, 09:44 AM	#19
lmski99 Posts: n/a	WONDERFUL WHAT A WONDERFUL STAND WE ARE ALL ABOUT TO TAKE ON. I WILL WRITE FOR SURE AND THIS WEEK WHEN I START MY PAXIL WITHDRAW I AM GOING TO RECORD EACH AND EVERY DAY, EVEN IF MY FAMILY HAS TO WRITE IT FOR ME, HOW SAD IT IS THAT I HAVE HAD TO EXPLAIN TO MY CHILDREN THAT MOMMY NOW HAS TO GO THROUGH DRUG WITHDRAW. I FELT IT NECESSARY TO EXPLAIN IT SO THAT THEY KNOW WHEN I AM ANGRY AND SCREAMING IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS I HAVE BEEN ON THIS THING FOR 5 YEARS AND I NEED MY LIFE BACK.

07-17-2002, 12:33 PM	#20
Buzzed Posts: n/a	Good luck Imski, we are all behind you!!

07-18-2002, 10:46 PM	#21
lmski99 Posts: n/a	do not send medical records HI I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT EXACTLY WHERE I JUST READ THAT NO MATER WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS DO NOT SEND THEM YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. NOT EVEN A COPY. AS SOON AS I FIND IT I WILL POST THE WEB SITE. JUST HOLD TIGHT.......

07-20-2002, 03:38 PM	#22
Anonymous Posts: n/a	Legal Action At the bottom of the home page of this web-site is a link for "legal." Has anyone checked out the class action suit being filed by the Pendley Law Firm? What have you found out?

07-21-2002, 10:32 AM	#23
lmski99 Posts: n/a	found others also I did not look into that one yet, but now i will, i have found quite a few, some in canada also, will post the websites when i have looked this new one over. thanks for the info..

07-21-2002, 10:45 AM	#24
lmski99 Posts: n/a	Email them Hi ,just wanted to let you know i emailed that lawyer and asked for them to send me any information on what legal action i can take against the company, not only have i suffered my daughter did also they need to take responsiblity before it is too late....

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)