NEW RESEARCH on ADHD DRUGS

http://www.preventcancer.com/patients/children/ritalin.htm

In a new study scientists have linked Ritalin, he most popular drug used to treat attention-deficit problems with increased risks of cancer. The study of 12 children on Ritalin found every one experienced a significant increase in their level of chromosome abnormalities occurrences associated with increased risks of cancer and other adverse health effects.

“Assuming it holds up, this study doesn’t mean these kids are going to get cancer, but it does mean they’re exposed to an additional risk factor,” said Marvin Legator, a professor of environmental toxicology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and the study’s principal investigator and senior author. “Smoking doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. It’s a risk factor.”

The study is the first to look at the potential chromosome-damaging effects associated with methylphenidate, the generic name for Ritalin, the most widely prescribed drug used to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Between 1991 and 1999, U.S. sales of Ritalin and its variants, including Concerta and Metadata CD, increased more than 500 percent

Ritalin and Cancer Risks
Article Description: American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Treating Behavioral Disorders in Children with Ritalin Ignores Evidence of Cancer Risks warns Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.
Date of Publication:3/12/2003

Ritalin And Cancer Risks

American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Treating Behavioral Disorders in Children with Ritalin Ignores Evidence of Cancer Risks warns Samuel S. Epstein, M.D.

Based on an industry-funded multi-university trial on 282 pre-teen children treated with Ritalin for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), just published in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed the use of the drug. However, the Academy ignores clear evidence of the drug’s cancer risks of which parents, teachers and school nurses, besides most pediatricians and psychiatrists, still remain uninformed and unaware.

Some 40 years after the drug was first marketed by Ciba Geigy, carcinogenicity tests were conducted at the tax payer’s expense by the National Toxicology Program, the results of which were published in 1995. Adult mice were fed Ritalin over a two-year period at dosages close to those prescribed to children. The mice developed a statistically significant incidence of liver abnormalities and tumors, including highly aggressive rare cancers known as hepatoblastomas. These findings are particularly disturbing as the tests were conducted on adult, rather than young mice which would be expected to be much more sensitive to carcinogenic effects. The National Toxicology Program concluded that Ritalin is a “possible human carcinogen,” and recommended the need for further research. While still insisting that the drug is safe, the Food and Drug Administration admitted that these findings signal “carcinogenic potential,” and required a statement to this effect in the drug’s package insert. However, these inserts are not seen by parents or nurses.

The Physicians’ Desk Reference admits evidence on the carcinogenicity of Ritalin, now manufactured by Novartis, qualified by the statement that “the significance of these results is unknown,” apparently not recognizing that this is more alarming than reassuring. Apart from cancer risks, there is also suggestive evidence that Ritalin induces genetic damage in blood cells of Ritalin-treated children.

Concerns on Ritalin’s cancer risk are more acute in view of the millions of children treated annually with the drug and the escalating incidence of childhood cancer, by some 35% over the last few decades, quite apart from delayed risks of cancer in adult life. These risks are compounded by the availability of alternative safe and effective procedures, notably behavior modification and biofeedback.

There is no justification for prescribing Ritalin, even by highly qualified pediatricians and psychiatrists, unless parents have been explicitly informed of the drug’s cancer risks. Otherwise, prescribing Ritalin constitutes unarguable medical malpractice.

:shock:

Does anyone know how this applies to Concerta? It is my understanding that Concerta and Ritalin and very similar. Does this apply to the cancer causing agents as well? There is one mention that the study is based on the generic form of the drug. Another link indicates it is for the actual drug, not the generic. I’m assuming that to mean either form will have the same results concerning the possibility of increased cancer risks. Would that be correct?

Thanks!

to Ag’s mom:

I think this is probably fake.

If there were actual data, anything about cancer and other health risks is major explosive news and would be all over the media — look how even a small number of people with heart attacks caused a big blow-up over Vioxx and Celebrex (which it should have, of course).
Now the local scare-monger is going to say there is a conspiracy and cover-up from the cartel of big drug companies and the educational establishment — how they could be competent enough to run a world-wide coverup when he thinks they are such losers, he never explains.

If you are really worried, check with the universities named in the posts above and see if the people named actually exist and are even on their faculties. (This will be on websites) Often papers like this are made up as total fiction, including the supposed researchers.
Or, sometimes, people are named, but the conlcusions attributed to them are anything from exaggerated to distorted to fictional. If the people do exist, contact the university faculty named — you can usually find email contact info, or phone numbers if you are really concerned — and ask how you can get reprints of the papers — this will cost a small amount but is worth it if you are really worried.
As far as the non-academic stories quoted, find out what newspapers they are supposed to have appeared in and check out whether these are reputable news agancies or just somebody’s blog. The internet is great for spreading information, and it is equally great for spreading misinformation. You can make up *anything* in the style of a news article and post it.

By the way, if you do go to the trouble of researching this, it would be a very kind thing to come back here and post your results. Thanks.

It is NOT fake! The FDA has issued a black box warning.

Ritalin is the cute little brand name for the 40 year old drug methyphenidate which as been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and genetic changes that are the precursers to cancer in human cells.

I have read studies that say that in increases the chance of cancer in humans 4 times whne used long term.

I believe the CDC published a study about Ritalin’s cancer potential. I trust the CDC.

Jerry, I trust the CDC, but I trust you about as far as I can throw you via internet.
If you’re going to post, give facts — names, numbers, dates, references that can be checked, and so on.

[quote:543207e0c3=”victoria”]Jerry, I trust the CDC, but I trust you about as far as I can throw you via internet.
If you’re going to post, give facts — names, numbers, dates, references that can be checked, and so on.[/quote]

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS00705.html

Even the FDA which is the lap dog of the big drug companies says so.

Victoria, do you realize that it is very rude to insinuate that someone is a liar especially when they are not?

For those of you who care about the safety and welfare of your kids. Even though they say cancer has not been linked to Ritalin use in humans that is only because it hasn’t been studied. If a study were conducted of Ritalin and no Ritalin users I bet the Ritalin group would have higher cancer rates years down the road because of Ritalin’s potential for genetic damage.

Victoria, perahps you can find a study that says Ritalin won’t cause cancer.

Don McLearn
Jan. 12, 1996 (301) 827-6242

Maybe you’d like to call the above number and speak with the author and research scientist and tell him with all your vast pharmacological knowledge why he’s wrong.

RITALIN (methylphenidate HCl) Tablets
and
RITALIN-SR (methylphenidate HCl) Sustained-Release Tablets
[July 9, 1997: Novartis]

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
New paragraph added to the end of section - “In a clinical study involving adult subjects who received SR tablets, plasma concentrations of Ritalin’s major metabolite appeared to be greater in females than in males. No gender differences were observed for Ritalin plasma concentration in the same subjects.” [Change appears in 1997 PDR.]

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Last sentence in the first paragraph was revised (new text in italics) - “Although a definite causal relationship has not been established, the following have been reported in patients taking this drug: instances of abnormal liver function, ranging from transaminase elevation to hepatic coma; isolated cases of cerebral arteritis and/or occlusion; leukopenia and/or anemia; transient depressed mood; a few instances of scalp hair loss.” [Change appears in 1997 PDR.]

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/1997/jul97.htm

None of the above are cancer, or even closely related to cancer.

They are indeed serious and should be considered seriously, but they are not cancer.

If you are going to report on science, please at least learn the basics.

Hi, Jerry (and Victoria)!

I am glad you gave us the articles, Jerry. I wish you would change your tone so that you are not provoking people. I am pretty down on psych diagnosis, schools, and medication, and post accordingly. But I don’t think it’s helpful to add generalizations or put-downs. I guess I have to say the same to Victoria. I think we should keep it on a basis of sharing articles and personal stories, and not make comments that denigrate posters, either individually, or as a group (as in “parents who use [don’t use] medication for their ADHD children are child abusers”, or that sort of comment). Let’s keep it civil!