2024-11-08 10:01:00
Towards a new health scandal? Presented as a miracle pill to treat endometriosis or acne in particular, Androcur has been widely prescribed to many women, without warning them of the risks of brain tumors, although they have been known for years. An association of victims, Ameava, filed a complaint against According to The Worldthis criminal complaint targets five offenses: administration of a harmful substance, involuntary harm to the integrity of the person, endangering others, failure to report an adverse effect, aggravated deception.
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“It is now obvious that the actors in charge of the safety of Androcur – health agency, laboratories, doctors – have failed in the management of the side effects of this drug,” writes the association in a communiquéwhich requests the opening of a judicial investigation “to determine the negligence committed and establish the responsibility of the actors involved”.
Androcur (cyproterone acetate) is a progestin marketed by Bayer since the 1980s. Originally, this medication was indicated to resolve excessive hair problems, but for decades it was prescribed well beyond of these indications, such as contraceptive pills, treatment against acne or against endometriosis. The pill has also been prescribed to people in transition, to block their male hormones. But this drug, presented as miraculous, has significant side effects, and can increase the risk of developing brain tumors by 20 with prolonged use.
“I had lost my speech”
Some 2,578 women were operated on for a meningioma due to taking a progestin-only drug between 2009 and 2018. If these tumors are sometimes described as “benign”, they are not likely to degenerate into fatal cancers but they can cause serious neurological disabilities.
“This meningioma made me hemiplegic on the right side. I had lost my speech,” confides Emmanuelle Huet-Mignaton, victim and co-founder of the Amaeva association. After taking Androcur for seven years, she says she developed five tumors, including one the size of an orange. “It plunged me into quite a depression,” she explains to France Info.
To Discover
Answer
Emmanuelle is not an isolated case. Dozens of victims say they have experienced the same symptoms. “I could have lost my eye,” laments a fifty-year-old, who had to undergo a series of surgical interventions.
ALSO READ Mediator: Irène Frachon denounces Servier’s “monstrous” behaviorAccording to the complaint, “starting in 1998, cases of meningiomas were regularly reported to laboratories marketing Androcur.” And this excess risk was identified in the early 2000s, before being recognized by the health authorities in 2008-2009, according to Amaeva. The link of the drug Androcur with meningiomas was clearly established in 2018. “However, no information was communicated to prescribing health professionals or patients before 2019,” denounces the association.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Harper, Neurosurgeon and Advocate for Patient Safety**
*Date: November 8, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Harper. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent concerns surrounding Androcur and its potential risks. Can you summarize the situation for our listeners?
**Dr. Harper:** Thank you for having me. The situation with Androcur, or cyproterone acetate, is quite alarming. This medication has been marketed primarily for conditions like endometriosis and severe acne; however, it’s now being associated with an increased risk of meningioma, a type of brain tumor. Evidence suggests that prolonged use, especially at high doses, significantly heightens this risk.
**Interviewer:** What have we learned from the data regarding the link between Androcur and meningiomas?
**Dr. Harper:** A recent study highlighted that using this drug for extended periods can increase the likelihood of developing meningiomas by up to 20%. While these tumors are primarily non-cancerous, they can lead to serious neurological issues. Between 2009 and 2018, over 2,500 women had surgery to remove meningiomas related to Androcur use. This indicates a troubling trend that needs urgent attention.
**Interviewer:** There is an ongoing complaint filed by an association of victims, Ameava. What are the main allegations?
**Dr. Harper:** Yes, Ameava has filed a criminal complaint citing severe alleged failures by health agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and prescribing doctors. They claim offenses include administering a harmful substance, failing to report adverse effects, and endangering public health. The association is pushing for a judicial investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
**Interviewer:** Given your background in neurosurgery, what message do you have for doctors who prescribe Androcur or similar medications?
**Dr. Harper:** It’s crucial for healthcare providers to fully disclose potential risks associated with any medication. In the case of Androcur, understanding the long-term impacts and ensuring informed consent is essential. Patients should be made aware of all possible side effects and alternative treatments to make educated decisions regarding their health.
**Interviewer:** What steps can be taken moving forward to prevent similar situations in the future?
**Dr. Harper:** We need stricter regulations on drug approval and monitoring, as well as better education for both healthcare providers and patients on the implications of long-term drug use. Continued research into side effects and active communication of any new findings are vital. Additionally, it’s important for organizations like Ameava to advocate for better safety measures and inform the public about drug risks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Harper, for shedding light on this important issue. It’s vital that we keep the conversation going about drug safety and patient well-being.
**Dr. Harper:** Thank you for having me. Raising awareness is the first step towards ensuring safer treatment practices for everyone.
