Bitter Pills:Medicines & The Third World Poor | Page 242

109 Dr. Martin Schweiger, "In Sickness or in Wealth", BBC Radio 4, transcript of programme transmitted 26 June 1979. 110 - UNCTAD, Technology policies in the pharmaceuticalsector in Nepal, 1980, op. cit., p. 169. Similarly tonic preparations containing isoniazid and vitamins are on sale in the Philippines - David Werner, in interview with the author, 8 September, 1981. 111 British National Formulary 1981, op.cit., pp. 38 and 40. 112 - 113 The Managing Director of Squibb of Bangladesh Limited writes: "I am puzzled as to why you have singled out Sumycin Syrup as being sold over the counter when most Pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh can be purchased in this manner. We in Squibb share your concern about this practice, but regrettably there is little we can do about it.. 1 would welcome your letting me have the name and address of the dealer you allege recommends Sumycin for young children suffering from diarrhoea in order that we can investigate. We never have promoted this product for the treatment of diarrhoea. "(R. Bower, Squibb, personal communication, 3 May 1982.) Mr. Bower makes no comment on the lack of any warnings on the Sumycin pack or bottle, but writes: "Since you raise the question of product information in general, I take the opportunity of informing you that Squibb worldwide policy is to place all product facts before doctors. Bangladesh is no exception." (op.cit.) Sumycin (tetracycline oral suspension) purchased on 28 September 1980 at drug store in Baragharia village, Rajshahi. In Britain tetracycline is contraindicated in pregnancy and for children under twelve. (British National Formulary 1981, op.cit., p. 159.) "Tetracyclines may cause a yellow to brown discolouration of the teeth in the developing foetus or child..." (ABPI 1979, op.cit., p.467.) 114 Presenter's Guide 79, op.cit., p. 17. 115 British National Formulary 1981, op. cit., p.164. 116 Bruce K. Berger, Public Relations Associate, The Upjohn Company, personal communication, 19 March 1982. 117 Brudon,op.cit.,p.l97. Upjohn comment: "Lincocin sells well in Mexico. But it also sells well in Japan, Italy and other countries. And it sells well because it is an effective, life-saving antibiotic, not because of the magnitude of promotion in any particular country." (Berger, 1982, op.cit.) 118 Package insert for Rivomycin Strepto, manufactured by Rivopharm Laboratories, Manno, Switzerland, purchased in Ibb, North Yemen, September 1980. 119 - 120 Martindale, p. 1107. British National Formulary 1981, op. cit.: "chloramphenicol is a potent, potentially toxic, broad-spectrum antibiotic which should be reserved for the treatment of life-threatening infections..." Dr. E. Tagman and Dr. S. Balluz, Rivopharm SA, Manno, Switzerland, personal communication, 11 February 1982. 121 Drs Tagman and Balluz, personal communications 8 April 1982 and 17 May 1982. Rivomycin Strepto is no longer licensed for sale in Switzerland. Rivopharm comment: "We still consider chloramphenicol and dihydrostretomycin a useful combination in the treatment of intestinal infection with susceptible organisms; but it should only be given under medical supervision." (Personal communication, 17 May 1982, op. cit.) 122 Albert David (Bangladesh) Ltd, Vademecum, medical products list. (Current September 1980. 123 - Information from: David Newell, OXFAM Field Director, and Concern Volunteers, Dacca, Bangladesh; Sue Becklerleg, Nutritionist, "Breastfeeding case studies in the town of Ibb". (mimeo 235