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By Mary Shomon, About.com Guide

Updated: June 19, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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June 21, 2001 -- Gray Panthers, Consumers to Seek Help with Questions Left Unanswered; Abbott Laboratories Avoids Public Discussion of Synthroid Safety
In this Gray Panthers press release, the company discusses how Abbott declined to attend the Gray Panthers public forum and what the organization's next actions will be in response to the company's alleged avoidance of key questions regarding Synthroid's safety and approval.
June 17, 2001 -- Synthroid Under Siege, Tampa Tribune
Mary Shomon was interviewed by the Tampa Tribune for this Sunday, June 17 article, which talks about hypothyroidism, patient concerns about the levothyroxine controversies and deadlines, doctors and patients who use Armour thyroid, and other issues.
June 15, 2001 -- Press Release: Gray Panthers Invites Abbott Laboratories to Public Forum On FDA's Synthroid Safety and Efficacy Concerns
Press Release from the Gray Panthers, inviting Abbott Laboratories officials to attend a June 21 public forum to discuss the FDA's concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the company's thyroid drug Synthroid.
June 14, 2001 -- Abbott, Being Probed by Justice Dept, Cuts Prices
Now that it's one of 20 companies targeted in a U.S. Justice Department pricing investigation, Abbott, whose Synthroid product was identified as one of the drugs that had the biggest price jumps in 2000, is all of a sudden cutting prices. Abbott would not respond to questions about whether government price investigations were a factor.
April 26, 2000 -- FDA's Letter to Synthroid's Manufacturers,Says that Deadline is For Approval, Not Submission
In a letter dated April 26, 2000 to Synthroid manufacturer Knoll Pharmaceuticals, the FDA makes it clear that the August 14, 2001 deadline is for NDAs to approved rather than submitted.
June 13, 2001 -- Gray Panthers to Hold Town Meeting on Synthroid Controversy in Denver on June 21
In conjunction with the Endocrine Society meeting in Denver, the Gray Panther's will be holding a Town Hall meeting in Denver on June 21st, open to consumers and members of the media, inviting representatives from the various drug companies to speak publicly about the Synthroid controversy.
June 13, 2001 -- Patient FAQ About the Levothyroxine Drugs, Including Synthroid
A patient-oriented list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding levothyroxine drugs and Synthroid, including information about the current FDA controversy, and what concerns and issues patients may want to discuss with their healthcare providers.
June 12, 2001 -- Abbott Laboratories Sues Unithroid Distributor Watson Pharmaceuticals
Synthroid's manufacturer denies safety and effectiveness problems with Synthroid, and accuses competitor of disseminating "misinformation" to patients, in the latest volley in the battle over FDA approval for Synthroid. Features exclusive interviews by Mary Shomon with Abbott, Watson and the Gray Panthers.
June 12, 2001 -- Press Release: Federal Court to Help Protect Patients Against Misleading Information About Synthroid(R), Company Seeks Injunction to Halt 'Orchestrated Campaign of Fear And Confusion' by Watson Pharmaceuticals
Synthroid files suit against Watson Pharmaceuticals, distributor of Unithroid, the first FDA-approved levothyroxine.
June 12, 2001 -- Synthroid's Price Up 22.6% in 2000, One of Top Price Jumpers
According to a Reuters article, the prices of the 50 top-selling drugs used by America's seniors rose 6.1% over the one year period ending in January of 2001, compared to an inflation rate of 2.7%. Says Reuters: "The biggest price jumpers included Knoll's synthetic thyroid agent Synthroid, up 22.6%, or more than eight times the rate of inflation over the 1-year period..."
June 4, 2001 -- Is Synthroid Going to Be Pulled Off the Market?
Back in early May, we published the story of the FDA's letter to Synthroid, outlining the potency and stability concerns behind the FDA's demand that America's second most popular drug go through new drug approval. Now, a month later, it's a national fracas, with doctors and patient groups and consumer advocates all taking sides, and claiming they know what's best for thyroid patients. Get an in-depth look at the real story and forces behind the current public debate.
June 4, 2001 -- Press Release: Gray Panthers Says Consumer Concern Increasing Over Abbott Labs Missteps on Synthroid; Abbott Response Avoids Critical Issues and Relies on Contract Physician
Gray Panthers claim that Abbott is relying on a paid medical spokesperson to respond to health concerns, and offers medical sources who state that the FDA-approved levothyroxine products can meet patient needs if Synthroid is removed from the market, and that patients can safely switch from Synthroid to other FDA-approved drugs.

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Mary Shomon
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