Drug company donating tablets for synthetic pot treatment

Posted on April 24, 2018
The Illinois Department of Public Health warns that synthetic marijuana is far from a safe alternative to the natural drug. (Photo National Institute of Health)

By RFD Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – State health officials are still dealing with the fallout from a tainted synthetic cannabis epidemic that has sickened hundreds and killed three.

Individuals who have taken the drugs and are in recovery have lengthily ongoing treatments to do and those efforts have been given a boost by a big donation. Valeant Pharmaceuticals is giving the state 800,000 tablets of vitamin K. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav Shah said the users of laced drugs are in need of help.

“The individuals who have suffered these bleedings are victims. Our goal is to make sure that those individuals know that if they are not feeling well, they get themselves to a doctor or a hospital as soon as possible,” Shah explained. “Not only will they be able to get a prompt diagnosis, because of this very gracious donation by Valeant, they’ll also have an ability to get treatment.”

Those who have been impacted by using the drug could have a long road to recovery. Patients may have to take 30 vitamin K tablets a day for six months. The donated tablets will make the treatment free for those in need.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…