Sanofi Pharmaceuticals

Sharon of Oxford WI writes (10/20/02):
I was put on the medication Aralen (chloroquine) for systemic lupus. A side effect of the medication was possible retina damage to my eyes. I faithfully had my eyes examined every six months as directed per my rheumotologist. I developed problems in February 1999. I went directly to the eye doctor who sent me to Madison to a corneal specialist who sent me on to a retina specialist. As it turned out I was developing central vision loss. I immediately was taken off the medication.

I have progressive retinaopathy with the central vision loss. I go to the UW in Madison. They tell me my eyes are still showing progression of vision loss. I feel since the equipment that was used for testing this type of eye problem was not adequate. Now they have a test called an ERG. This is similar to an EEG used for electric impules in the brain. This test provides a computerized chart which shows even subtle changes.

I have contacted this company twice with no response. I even sent a certified letter with medical records enclosed and a letter from Dr. Zeith explaining that prior to taking the medication I did not have any such damage to my eyes. I am unable to drive, do the jack and box effect and I am a registered nurse who had to give up my career.

I have a 21 inch monitor my husband bought for me so I can use the computer. It was from a school for impaired vision students. I get frequent headaches and very depressed. I am afraid I will continue losing vision becasue it has not stopped at this point. The chloriquine toxcity can stop at some point but mine has not. I have been off the medication since March of 1999.

I am told I am famous and my case is taken all over to conventions for any treatment. The sad thing is that there is no treatment at all for this. I take Lutein and vitamins as suggested. I was told I maintained my bullseye vision probably because that part of our eyes has more lutein than the central area. The scary part is will this ever stop. I am losing more vision and even with corrective glasses i am losing acuity as well.

I don't understand why this company doesn't think they are reasponsible for a medication they manufacture. I wrote them thinking maybe they would be interested in knowing I was a compliant patient who faithfully keeps my appointments. I also thought they may want to see what the medication has done to me. I feel like consulting Dateline or 20/20 to warn others about the medication. The eye doctors told me from the UW that the Rheumotologist are worried about this drug especially since my case has come up.

This is very unfortunate. Sharon should immediately stop corresponding with Sanofi and should instead find the most aggressive trial lawyer in Madison or Milwaukee who specializes in medical malpractice and product liability. The drug company and doctors will say that she was warned that retinal damage was a known side effect and that she knowingly assumed the risk. If she is to have any chance of being compensated for her loss of vision, she must retain the best trial attorney she can find.

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