Submission of a written request for a relief system for sufferers of adverse drug reactions from anti-cancer drugs
2012-08-02
On August 2nd 2012, Medwatcher Japan submitted to the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare and to the chairman of the investigative commission for the relief of sufferers of adverse drug reactions from anti-cancer drugs a written request to establish a relief system for those suffering from adverse drug reactions.
In 1979, the Relief System for Sufferers of Adverse Drug Reactions was created as a result of sufferers' movements following SMON, a disease epidemic that struck Japan between the 1950s and late 1960s. Medicine brings relief to many patients following treatment, but on the other hand adverse reactions are impossible to avoid. Having considered this fact thoroughly, the Relief System for Sufferers of Adverse Drug Reactions was established from the points of view of relief for victims and fairness.
At the time of establishment, anti-cancer and biological drugs did not come under the system. In 2004 biological drugs were added but anti-cancer drugs meanwhile still haven't been.
However, based on the purpose of the system, there is no reason why anti-cancer drugs should not be added. Establishing such a system also helps to guarantee the safety of anti-cancer drugs, not just offer relief to victims.
The establishment of a relief system for sufferers of adverse reactions from anti-cancer drugs has also been mentioned in the final recommendations of a Research Committee for Drug Administration for Hepatitis caused by use of Hepatitis C virus-tainted blood products and Prevention of the Recurrence.
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare rejected a settlement from the Tokyo and Osaka District Courts over the Iressa case that occurred two years ago but Ritsuo Hosokawa, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare at the time, suggests looking into the establishment of a relief system for those suffering adverse reactions from anti-cancer drugs. This means that the Ministry is responsible for making the utmost effort to establish such a system.
The Ministry's investigative commission for the relief of sufferers of adverse drug reactions from anti-cancer drugs has hinted that discussions could come to an end without any suggestions on a detailed structure of the system. But further investigations are needed into issues that form the basis of establishing such a system, for example judging what the adverse effects are and their amount. Discussions should be held by establishing working teams or groups of researchers and asking for reports on their findings.
- Related Documents And URL
